February 11, 2009
by Jerry L. Van Marter

LOUISVILLE – A new documentary – John Calvin: His Life and Legacy – reexamines the life and thought of the seminal Protestant Reformer as the 500th anniversary of his birth approaches in July of this year.

The documentary – subtitled in English, Korean, German, French, Dutch, and Spanish – also includes a 20-page printable study guide and a 51-page PowerPoint supplement.

Produced by Witherspoon Press [www.pcusa.org/witherspoonpress], in imprint of Congregational Ministries Publishing (CMP) in the General Assembly Council's Theology Worship and Education ministries, the documentary is also sponsored by the United Church of Christ, Faith Alive Christian Resources, Presbyterian Reformed Educational Partners (PREP), and the PC(USA)'s Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy.

"John Calvin: His Life and Legacy is poised to debunk such myths as predestination being at the heart of Calvin's theology and that he relished the burning of heretics at the stake," CMP officials say, "and reclaim Calvin's perspectives on Christian faith and life that have shaped Reformed churches throughout the world."

More than 700 Reformed churches around the world, including the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), trace their lineage through Calvin, the French-born theologian who spent most of his life in Geneva, Switzerland.

The program "explores Calvin's commitment to proclaiming the glory of God, the centrality of Jesus Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit in creation and salvation," a CMP press release states. It also examines in detail "Calvin's attitude to the world – encompassing both the created world and the world's principalities and powers. Calvin's enduring contribution to understanding the shape, ministry, and unity of the church's life will be examined by such scholars as the Rev. Joseph D. Small, director of the PC(USA)'s Theology Worship and Education; Randall Zachman, professor of Reformation Studies at the University of Notre Dame; the Rev. Serene Jones, president of Union Theological Seminary in New York; the Rev. Richard Mouw, president of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA; and the Rev. Setri Nyomi, general secretary of the Geneva-based World Alliance of Reformed Churches.

For more information, publicity opportunities, or to receive a review copy, please contact Clare Lewis by email [to clare.lewis@pcusa.org] or by phone at 1-888-728-7228, ext. 5032.

Information for this story furnished by Clare Lewis, associate for sales and business development, Congregational Ministries Publishing, General Assembly Council.

Presbyterian News Service