John Calvin as ‘public theologian’ in view of his ‘Commentary on Seneca’s de Clementia’

Wim A Dreyer

doi:10.4102/hts.v74i4.4928

Abstract

During the 16th century, Europe underwent fundamental sociopolitical changes, which challenged theologians and the church to respond theologically. In light of the celebration of the Reformation (1517–2017) and the theme of this conference, this contribution presents Calvin as a ‘public theologian’. To this purpose it is necessary to define ‘public theology’, describe the sociopolitical changes which challenged theologians during the 16th century, and lastly to focus on Calvin’s contribution to the discourse. Because of the vast amount of material that is available, this contribution is limited to Calvin’s first publication, his ‘Commentary on Seneca’s De Clementia’. Calvin’s fundamental understanding of law and justice, as well as his theological engagement with sociopolitical issues, made him a public theologian par excellence. Calvin’s legal training surfaced whenever he addressed the authorities, for instance, when pleading the case of persecuted Protestants. He had a fundamental understanding of issues such as justice and freedom. The rights, responsibilities and obligations of government and people should always remain in balance. Sociopolitical transformation, as experienced in South Africa during the last three decades, requires of theologians to engage theologically with relevant issues. In this, Calvin set a remarkable example.

Highlights

Since 1994, many conferences1 were hosted by various South African institutions on topics such as human rights, racism, poverty, social justice, social cohesion and Ubuntu
The complexity of the situation often leads to superficial, hesitant and subdued ecclesial and theological response. This is far removed from the way theologians like Martin Luther and John Calvin responded to the sociopolitical transformation which swept across Europe during the 16th century
It is not to be disputed that Calvin was existentially and theologically engaged with the sociopolitical changes which swept across Europe

Summary

Introduction

Since 1994, many conferences1 were hosted by various South African institutions on topics such as human rights, racism, poverty, social justice, social cohesion and Ubuntu. In light of the celebration of the Reformation (1517–2017), this contribution will focus primarily on Calvin’s views on law and justice as articulated in his first publication, his Commentary on Seneca’s De Clementia. Calvin’s fundamental understanding of law and justice, as well as his theological engagement with sociopolitical issues, made him a public theologian par excellence.

Results

Conclusion