Book Review: Mrs. Stanton's Bible

Abstract

sermons. Muller convincingly argues that theInstitutes is best understood in the tradition of theological loci communes as used by contemporaries such as Melanchthon and Bullinger, appropriated by Calvin to allow him to separate his extended theological discussions from the lucid, brief, and text-based comment he regarded as most appropriate to biblical commentaries. Along these lines, Müller argues for the heuristic importance of the 1539 edition of the Institutes as a breakthrough in Calvin's search for the ordo recte docendi, using the broad presentation of theological topics in Paul's epistle to the Romans as its pattern of theological organization.The collection is marred by its tendency to disparage the academic credibility of all but a handful of Calvin scholars. It contains a disappointing number of typographical errors. It might have been strengthened by giving more sustained consideration to how Calvin's polemical works and his letters contributed to Calvin's overall theological project. Nevertheless, it is a major contribution to Calvin studies that should be regarded as essential reading for all who wish to better understand and appreciate this towering historical figure's theological accomplishment.