Image and Word in the Theology of John Calvin / Randall C. Zachman.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Zachman, Randall C., 1953- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Image (Theology)--History of doctrines--16th century.

Image (Theology).

Word of God (Christian theology)--History of doctrines--16th century.

Word of God (Christian theology).

Reformed Church--Doctrines--History--16th century.

Reformed Church.

Calvin, Jean, 1509-1564.

Calvin, Jean.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (561 pages)

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Notre Dame, Indiana : University of Notre Dame, [2007]

Summary:

In his groundbreaking new study of the Swiss reformer, Randall C. Zachman reveals and analyzes John Calvin's understanding of image and word both comprehensively and chronologically, with attention to the way that each theme develops in Calvin's theology. Most scholars allege that John Calvin (1509-1564) insisted on the essential invisibility of God in order to deny that God could be represented in any kind of visible image. This claim formed one of his foundational arguments against the display of man-made images in worship. Given the transcendence of God, Calvin rejected the human attempt to create signs and symbols of God's presence on earth, especially the statues, images, and paintings present in Roman Catholic churches. Zachman argues, in contrast, that although Calvin rejects the use of what he calls "dead images" in worship, he does so to focus our attention on the "living images of God" in which the invisible God becomes somewhat visible. Calvin insists that these images cannot rightly be contemplated without the Word of God to clarify their meaning; we are only led to the true knowledge of God when we hold together the living images of God that we see with the Word of God that we hear. This combination of seeing and hearing pervades Calvin's theology, from his understanding of the self-revelation of God the Creator to his development of the self-manifestation of God the Redeemer in Jesus Christ. According to Zachman, Calvin maintains the same linking of seeing and hearing in our relationships with other human beings: we must always hold together what we see in others' gestures and actions with what we hear in their words, so that the hidden thoughts of their hearts might be manifested to us. Zachman's nuanced argument that Calvin holds image and word, manifestation and proclamation, in an inseparable relationship is relevant to all the major themes of Calvin's theology. It constitutes a highly significant and surprising contribution to our knowledge of the Reformation and an invitation to further study of theological aesthetics.

Contents:

Cover

Half title

Title page

Copyright

Contents

Preface

Introduction

1. Manifestation and Proclamationin Calvin Scholarship

2. Removing "Dead Images" for the Sake of "Living Images"

3. Beholding the Image in the Mirror: Calvin's Seneca Commentary, 1532

4. Historical Influences on Calvin's Theology of Manifestation

5. Calvin on the Historical Development of Living Images

6. Objectives of This Study

Part 1: The Living Images of God the Creator

Chapter 1. The Universe as the Living Image of God

Chapter 2. Symbols of God's Goodness in the Present Life

Chapter 3. The Manifestation of the Providential Care of God

Part 2: The Living Images of God the Redeemer

Chapter 4. The Manifestation of Christ in the Law and in the Gospel

Chapter 5. Visual Confirmation of the Covenant of Adoption

Chapter 6. Symbols and Types of Christ in the Law

Chapter 7. Symbols of the Presence of God to Israel

Chapter 8. The Manifestation of Judgment and Restoration in the Prophets

Chapter 9. The Living Image of God in Jesus Christ

Chapter 10. The Gospel as the Living Portrait of Jesus Christ

Chapter 11. The Manifestation of Piety in the Church

Chapter 12. The Revelation of the Thoughts of the Heart

Chapter 13. The Distinguishing Marks of the Children of God

Chapter 14. The Revelation of the Children of God

Conclusion

Notes

General Index

Scripture Index.

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

Other Format:

Print version: Zachman, Randall C. Image and Word in the Theology of John Calvin

ISBN:

9780268098506

0268098506