Bibliographic information:
Christopher Woznicki and Jesse Gentile, “Refocusing the Image: Domestic Violence, Refugees, and the Imago Dei in John Calvin’s Pastoral Theology” McMaster Journal of Theology and Ministry 19 (2018)
Description:
Description
Most scholarly attention paid to John Calvin’s doctrine of the imago Dei focuses on discovering what constitutes this doctrine. Given Calvin’s exemplary status as a pastor-theologian it is odd that significantly less attention is paid to his pastoral theology of the imago Dei. This essay fills this lacuna by showing how Calvin employed this doctrine in his pastoral work. By examining Calvin’s sermons, lectures, and commentaries we show how Calvin applied the doctrine of the imago Dei to two issues of pastoral significance that are revealed in the Consistory records. These issues are violence and the influx of refugees to Geneva. Calvin’s response to these issues reveals aspects of his pastoral theology of the imago Dei. We conclude by reflecting on how Calvin’s response is of practical significance for key issues the church faces today.
Publisher:
McMaster Journal of Theology and Ministry (website: https://www.mcmaster.ca/mjtm/volume19.htm)