John Calvin as Sixteenth-Century Prophet examines Calvin's sense of vocation. Jon Balserak argues that Calvin believed himself to be a prophet "placed over nations and kingdoms to tear down and destroy, to build and to plant" (Jer 1: 10). With this authority, Calvin pursued an expansionist agenda which blended the religious, political, and social towards making France, upon which he turned his attentions especially after 1555, Protestant. Beginning with an analysis of the two trajectories of thought existing within Christian discourse on prophecy from the patristic to the Early Modern era, this study goes on to locate Calvin within a non-mystical, non-apocalyptic prophetic tradition that focused on scriptural interpretation. Balserak demonstrates how Calvin developed a plan to win France for the gospel; a plan which included the possibility of armed conflict. To pursue his designs, Calvin trained "prophets" who were sent into France to labor intensely to undermine the king's authority on the grounds that he supported idolatry, convince the French Reformed congregations that they were already in a war with him, and prepare them for a possible military uprising. An additional part of this plan saw Calvin search for a French noble willing to support the evangelical religion, even if it meant initiating a coup. Calvin began ruminating over these ideas in the 1550s or possibly earlier. In this analysis, the war which commenced in 1562 represents the culmination of Calvin's years of preparation.

About the Author
Jon Balserak is an historian of Early Modern Europe, particularly France. He specializes in intellectual, religious, and cultural history. He was born in Washington D.C. and studied in the U.S. and U.K., completing his Ph.D. at University of Edinburgh in History under the late Professor David F. Wright. He has been at the University of Bristol since 2008.

Reviews
[T]his brilliant book must be acknowledged as a work of promise and distinction. * Emidio Campi, Church History and Religious Culture *
a remarkable job of drawing attention to the importance of prophecy in the Reformation more generally; one hopes it will encourage further activity on this important theme. * Kenneth Austin, University of Bristol, Huguenot Society Journal *
This is a bold, stark and radical interpretation of Calvin's frame of mind. ... a vivid, thoughtful and important contribution to Calvin studies, well-written and beautifully constructed. It deserves to be widely known. * Professor Andrew Pettegree, Journal of Theological Studies *
The title is unassuming, the thesis of the book both gripping and alarming. Few who read Calvin sympathetically would demur at him being called a 'prophet', but it is the connotations of that term that alarm ... Jon Balserak's new book is a must-read for anyone interested in Calvin's self-understanding. * Paul Helm, Reformation21 *
Learned and incisive, expansive and engaging, Balserak's book provides a vivid portrait of Calvin the prophet. Theology and history are masterfully woven together in an account that leads the reader across the terrain of the Reformation as Balserak reveals how a great reformer read his own life and experiences in the page of scripture. * Bruce Gordon, Titus Street Professor of Ecclesiastical History, Yale Divinity School *
This book indeed is a welcome contribution to Calvin-research as it combines history and theology in a fruitful way. * Archive for Reformation History *
Balserak's argument proceeds from solid historical sources and he builds his interpretation with persuasive force. * Christopher Elwood, American Historical Review *



Book Information
ISBN 9780198703259
Author Jon Balserak
Format Hardback
Page Count 224
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 402g
Dimensions(mm) 223mm * 151mm * 20mm