By Philip Benedict (NHC Fellow, 1993–94) This sweeping book tells the story of Calvinism’s origins, expansion, and impact across Europe from the upheavals of the early Reformation to the end of the seventeenth century. The faith’s fundamental doctrines, diverse ecclesiastical institutions, and significant consequences for lived experience are all explored, revealing the ongoing interplay between … Continued
By William J. Bouwsma (Trustee; NHC Fellow, 1983–84; 1984–85) Calvinism has been widely credited–or blamed–for much that is thought to characterize the modern world: for capitalism and modern science, for secularization and democracy, for individualism and utilitarianism. But John Calvin the man has been largely ignored by historians; most of us, if we think of … Continued
The Puritans were a varied group of religious reformers who emerged within the Church of England during the middle of the sixteenth century. They shared a common Calvinist theology and common criticisms of the Anglican Church and English society and government. Puritans in both Britain and British North America sought to cleanse the culture of … Continued