Erik de Boer, ‘Calvin Addressing Europe’ (6 Nov 2008)
Calvin Addressing Europe
Lecture given at the European Conference of the ICRC
Soest (NL) November 6, 2008
Prof. Erik de Boer
John Calvin’s vision was and remained, not to create a network of local Reformed Churches, but to see the national Catholic Church (of France) reformed. He thus looked at the nations in Europe with their specific gouvernment and called on the respective heads of state, addressing their responsability toward God as shepherds of their people. His exposition (sermons) of Scripture and the structure of prayers attest to this. The dedication of biblical commentaries and diplomatic engagement gave substance to this vision. How should Calvinists apply this vision to the (economical unity of) Europe of the 21th century and its diversity of peoples?