With No Will, There Is No Way: John Calvin on Education

Abstract

This study investigates the educational philosophy of John Calvin. Whereas many consider Calvin to be a rationalist, the article explores Calvin's educational philosophy in his Institutes as primarily concerned with teaching toward the will, thus, extending Calvin's theology to his pedagogy. To affect the will, Calvin employs unique pedagogical strategies and by recovering these ancient practices, modern educators can more deeply and holistically impact student formation in the classroom.