Uncovering Calvin’s God

Although “God loves you” is a common summary of the central message of Christian teaching and preaching, a close reading of the Bible and attention to the Christian tradition will reveal passages of Scripture and Christian doctrines‒‒particularly John Calvin’s doctrine of predestination‒‒that seem to undermine confidence in God’s love for all people. For numerous theologians, including many within the Reformed tradition, the secret decree of Calvin’s God to save some and condemn others seems to