Restoration, Reformation and the progress of the Kingdom of Christ : evangelisation in the thought and practice of John Calvin, 1555-1564
This thesis attempts to outline Calvin's practice of evangelisation in the period 1555-64 and to identify the theological basis for this activity as it is expressed in his works. It is argued that during the last ten years of his life Calvin was preoccupied with the propagation of the Gospel in France and western Europe and that echoes of this preoccupation may be discerned in his publications dating from this period. There are three parts to the thesis. Part I is chiefly historical and has two aims. The first is to convey, by a detailed study of the primary sources (including unpublished ecclesiastical correspondence), the full extent of the evangelistic enterprise which arose in Geneva after 1555 and of Calvin's role in it. The second is to show that a series of Lectures on the Old Testament Prophets which Calvin gave in 'the school' at Geneva was addressed to people caught up in this missionary endeavour and is to be read in this light. Part I concludes by identifying two themes which permeate these and other related theological expositions: 'the progress of the Kingdom of Christ 1 and 'the restoration (or reformation) of the Church'. The missionary content of these themes is established in Parts II and
Wilcox, Peter Jonathan
Evangelistic work ; History ; France ; 16th century
Restoration, Reformation and the progress of the Kingdom of Christ : evangelisation in the thought and practice of John Calvin, 1555-1564. This thesis attempts to outline Calvin's practice of evangelisation in the period 1555-64 and to identify the theological basis for this activity as it is expressed in his works. It is argued that during the last ten years of his life Calvin was preoccupied with the propagation of the Gospel in France and western Europe and that echoes of this preoccupation may be discerned in his publications dating from this period. There are three parts to the thesis. Part I is chiefly historical and has two aims. The first is to convey, by a detailed study of the primary sources (including unpublished ecclesiastical correspondence), the full extent of the evangelistic enterprise which arose in Geneva after 1555 and of Calvin's role in it. The second is to show that a series of Lectures on the Old Testament Prophets which Calvin gave in 'the school' at Geneva was addressed to people caught up in this missionary endeavour and is to be read in this light. Part I concludes by identifying two themes which permeate these and other related theological expositions: 'the progress of the Kingdom of Christ 1 and 'the restoration (or reformation) of the Church'. The missionary content of these themes is established in Parts II and
restoration reformation progress kingdom christ think practice john_calvin attempt outline calvin practice period identify theological basis activity express work argued life calvin preoccupy propagation gospel france western_europe echo preoccupation may discern publication date_period three_part thesis part chiefly historical two_aim first convey detail_study primary_source include_unpublished ecclesiastical correspondence full extent evangelistic enterprise arise calvin role second show series old testament prophets calvin give the school address people catch missionary endeavour read light part conclude identify two_theme permeate related theological exposition the progress kingdom christ the restoration reformation church missionary content theme establish parts