neo-Calvinist ethics

“There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…. See, I am making all things new.” This vision from Revelation 21—perhaps the most comforting words a Christian in social work will ever hear—provides a beacon of hope in the face of despair. This article grounds this hopeful vision within Reformed Christianity, specifically within the neo-Calvinist tradition, and highlights contributions of this tradition to social work and social welfare.

In this Very Short Introduction, Jon Balserak explores major ideas associated with the Calvinist system of thought. Beginning during the Protestant Reformation in cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, Calvinism—also known as Reformed Theology—spread rapidly throughout Europe and the New World, eventually making its way to the African Continent and the East. Balserak examines how Calvinist thought and practice spread and took root, helping shape church and society. Much of contemporary thought, especially western thought, on everything from theology to civil government, economics, the arts, work and leisure, education, and the family has been influenced by Calvinism. Balserak explores this influence. He also examines common misconceptions and objections to Calvinism, and sets forth a Calvinist understanding of God, the world, humankind, and the meaning of life.

Preface

Chapter 1 Calvinism – What’s in a Name?
Chapter 2 Conversion
Chapter 3 Culture
Chapter 4 Church
Chapter 5 Knowledge
Chapter 6 Covenant
Chapter 7 Humanity and New Humanity
Chapter 8 God and Hell

Chronology
Further Reading