French Calvinism in the Sixteenth Century
A History in Biography
- History & Biography
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2025
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Publisher's Description
This book introduces readers to well-known and lesser-known individuals of the French Reformation and shows how God used kings, queens, statesmen, and theologians in the sixteenth century to call France back to the apostolic tradition. These fifteen biographies are selective and seek to cover the period from the beginning of the Reformation in early sixteenth-century France to the Edict of Nantes in 1598 under Henri IV. Many of these individuals were contemporaries whose lives were intertwined in the same events. Most of them were Reformed Protestants who identified with the teachings of Calvin. Others, such as Marguerite de Navarre, Jacques Lefevre d'Etaples, Louis de Berquin, and Michel de L'Hospital, embraced evangelical teaching, desired reform, and repudiated aspects of Roman Catholic doctrine and practice, but sought the reformation of the Catholic Church from within. These people were saints in the biblical sense that God set them apart for salvation. They were not always saintly in their decisions and actions. These biographies provide not only information but also stimulate reflection on their lives with their faith and failures.
Endorsements (6)
“One might think a book on French Calvinism is the stuff of historians, and perhaps to be put safely on the shelf with other records of its kind. That would be a grave mistake. As a matter of great significance both the essence of Calvinism and its uniquely French provenance have a decisive influence on the Christian faith of our times. The movement has gone beyond Collin Hansen’s Young, Restless and Reformed to a far broader and arguably more commanding position. This volume will open up the many ways the undertaking has made its influence felt. It’s a must read for anyone wishing to understand our times through a biblical lens.”
“French Calvinism in the Sixteenth Century offers a series of compelling biographies of leaders of the Reformation in France, which had one of the most influential yet tragic national traditions within the Protestant movement. I am happy to recommend this important book.”
“Klauber and Davis deliver an essential introduction to the significant figures of French Reformed Protestantism of the sixteenth century and provide an honest and fair assessment of each. This volume will benefit both novices and scholars alike.”
“If you wonder how the history of the church can still be relevant today, I encourage you to read this book. With the authors, we follow main figures of French Calvinism in the sixteenth century, discovering the perseverance and faith of those faithful witnesses but even more the wonders of God’s providential hand. Even though many lost their lives for their faith, God protected a church that is still alive today. The history of French Calvinism strengthens our faith and hope because our God is the same! In painting that history in a clear and vivid manner, the authors are rendering a great service to the church.”
“While the Huguenot (or French Reformed) movement largely died out by the eighteenth century because of fierce persecution, the theology of the French Calvinists lives on to this day. Through the life stories of men and women of God who lived their faith, wrote about their faith, and sealed their faith with blood, the authors use the medium of mini biography to show how a group of French laypeople and theologians helped shape early Reformed orthodoxy and piety. Prepare to meet an assortment of fascinating and theologically-astute men and women—such as Gillaume Farel, Marguerite de Navarre, John Calvin, Pierre Viret, and Theodore Beza—who challenge us through their lives, writings, and sufferings to live fully for the glory of the Triune God.”
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