John Calvin

Discussion Question

With Calvin, the Reformation idea of the Church reaches full development. While he makes provisions for church (small “c”) organization and practice, this is only one aspect of the Church as he conceives it. The Church, simply put, is the community of “saints” living and dead. It is not marked by a particular structure, but rather by an attitude and a way of life. That attitude involves seeing life itself as religion and the living of life in a godly manner as an expression of the right relationship between God and man. Scripture provides us with what we need to know of godliness. It is up to us to engage constantly in the effort to be “godly”. Please comment on this statement, noting passages in the readings that you find relevant.