- 1. The 'Institutes of the Christian Religion' by John Calvin is a seminal work of Reformed theology that was first published in 1536 and has undergone numerous revisions, culminating in the monumental final edition of 1559. This profound text serves as a comprehensive exposition of the beliefs and doctrines that underlie Calvinist thought, emphasizing the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the concept of predestination. Calvin's work is organized systematically, addressing a range of theological issues such as the nature of God, the fall of humanity, the role of Christ as the Redeemer, and the means of grace through the sacraments. With its rigorous logical structure and clear articulation of complex theological ideas, the 'Institutes' not only influenced the Reformation of the 16th century but also laid the groundwork for Protestant theology, impacting countless denominations and theological discussions in the centuries that followed. Calvin's insistence on the necessity of faith and the grace of God in the process of salvation continues to resonate in Christian thought today, making the 'Institutes of the Christian Religion' not only a historical document but also a living testament to the implications of Reformed doctrine for the faith and practice of believers.
Which doctrine is emphasized as central in Calvin's theology?
A) Free will
B) Sovereignty of God
C) Transubstantiation
D) Papal authority
- 2. What does Calvin argue about the role of scripture?
A) It can be supplanted by tradition.
B) It is the ultimate authority in matters of faith.
C) It is not necessary for understanding God.
D) It should be interpreted by the Church hierarchy.
- 3. According to Calvin, how should Christians live?
A) By following church leaders blindly.
B) In accordance with God's commandments and faith.
C) In strict adherence to tradition.
D) In pursuit of individual pleasure.
- 4. What does Calvin say about the sacraments?
A) They are signs of God's grace.
B) They are essential for salvation.
C) They should be regarded as mere symbols.
D) They must include elaborate ceremonies.
- 5. Which city was central to Calvin's Reformation efforts?
A) Geneva
B) Paris
C) Wittenberg
D) Zurich
- 6. Calvin's view on the Lord's Supper is that it is a:
A) Symbolic act only.
B) Merely historical remembrance.
C) Ritual without real significance.
D) Spiritual, not physical, presence of Christ.
- 7. What does Calvin say about civil government?
A) It is inherently corrupted and unnecessary.
B) It is ordained by God to maintain order.
C) It should enforce religious law only.
D) It is irrelevant to Christian life.
- 8. Calvin's theological system is often summarized by which acronym?
A) FORCE
B) TULIP
C) FIVE
D) GRACE
- 9. Calvin had a significant influence on which movement?
A) The Renaissance
B) The Enlightenment
C) The Reformation
D) The Counter-Reformation
- 10. How does Calvin interpret the Old Testament law?
A) As a set of rules with no applicable meaning.
B) As irrelevant to Christians today.
C) As a historical artifact with no spiritual value.
D) As a guide for righteous living, fulfilled in Christ.
- 11. In which year was the first edition of the 'Institutes' published?
A) 1536
B) 1541
C) 1559
D) 1529
- 12. Calvin emphasized the importance of which practice within the Christian life?
A) Pilgrimage
B) Prayer
C) Meditation
D) Relics
- 13. How did Calvin categorize the commandments of God?
A) As obsolete for New Testament believers.
B) Into seven distinct laws.
C) Into two tables: duties to God and duties to neighbor.
D) Into three groups: moral, ceremonial, and civil.
- 14. What significant theological term did Calvin popularize?
A) Predestination
B) Incarnation
C) Epiphany
D) Transfiguration
- 15. Calvin's 'Institutes' were primarily written in which language?
A) Hebrew
B) Latin
C) Greek
D) German
- 16. What role does faith play in justification, according to Calvin?
A) It is the means by which we receive Christ's righteousness.
B) It is primarily an emotional experience.
C) It is generally insufficient without the law.
D) It is secondary to good works.
- 17. What is the purpose of the Christian life, according to Calvin?
A) To glorify God.
B) To establish worldly power.
C) To attain personal happiness.
D) To gain knowledge and wisdom.
- 18. What does Calvin say about prayer?
A) It is optional for Christians.
B) It is only for special occasions.
C) It is a ritual to be performed without thought.
D) It is essential for communion with God.
- 19. How does Calvin view human nature after the fall?
A) It is totally depraved without divine grace.
B) It retains the capacity for good.
C) It is essentially unaffected by sin.
D) It is capable of achieving salvation on its own.
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