Institutes of the Christian Religion (John Calvin) - Book 1 - Chapter 15

What does it mean to be truly human? Are we simply beings driven by choices, or is there something more profound, more divine, embedded within us? In this episode, we explore one of the most essential questions of human existence through the lens of John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion. Calvin's reflections on the Imago Dei—the image of God—invite us to reconsider our origins, our capacity for good, and the tragic nature of the fall. Why did humanity, created so magnificently, choose to turn away from its Creator? And how does our free will, as Calvin understood it, shape both the beauty and the brokenness of our lives?

Journey with us as we uncover Calvin’s nuanced view of humanity's original state, free will, and the significance of our physical and spiritual reflection of God's nature. How can these centuries-old ideas illuminate modern questions about identity, purpose, and the struggle between good and evil? Along the way, we’ll examine how theologians like NT Wright and CS Lewis, and even historian Tom Holland, have been influenced by Calvin’s ideas, exploring their continued relevance today.

Citations:

• John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 1, Chapter 15
• NT Wright, The Day the Revolution Began
• CS Lewis, The Problem of Pain
• Tom Holland, Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World

Bible Passages:

• Genesis 1:26-27
• Ecclesiastes 12:7
• Colossians 3:23-24

Disclaimer: Created using AI, based on the original writings of the theologians referenced.