- 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continues to resonate in Christian thought today, making the 'Institutes of the Christian Religion' not only a historical document but also a living testament to the implications of Reformed doctrine for the faith and practice of believers.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 not necessary for understanding God.
C) It should be interpreted by the Church hierarchy.
D) It is the ultimate authority in matters of faith.
- 3. According to Calvin, how should Christians live?
A) In strict adherence to tradition.
B) By following church leaders blindly.
C) In pursuit of individual pleasure.
D) In accordance with God's commandments and faith.
- 4. What does Calvin say about the sacraments?
A) They must include elaborate ceremonies.
B) They are signs of God's grace.
C) They should be regarded as mere symbols.
D) They are essential for salvation.
- 5. Which city was central to Calvin's Reformation efforts?
A) Wittenberg
B) Paris
C) Geneva
D) Zurich
- 6. Calvin's view on the Lord's Supper is that it is a:
A) Merely historical remembrance.
B) Ritual without real significance.
C) Symbolic act only.
D) Spiritual, not physical, presence of Christ.
- 7. What does Calvin say about civil government?
A) It is ordained by God to maintain order.
B) It is inherently corrupted and unnecessary.
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 Enlightenment
B) The Counter-Reformation
C) The Reformation
D) The Renaissance
- 10. How does Calvin interpret the Old Testament law?
A) As a guide for righteous living, fulfilled in Christ.
B) As a set of rules with no applicable meaning.
C) As irrelevant to Christians today.
D) As a historical artifact with no spiritual value.
- 11. In which year was the first edition of the 'Institutes' published?
A) 1536
B) 1559
C) 1529
D) 1541
- 12. Calvin emphasized the importance of which practice within the Christian life?
A) Meditation
B) Relics
C) Pilgrimage
D) Prayer
- 13. How did Calvin categorize the commandments of God?
A) As obsolete for New Testament believers.
B) Into two tables: duties to God and duties to neighbor.
C) Into seven distinct laws.
D) Into three groups: moral, ceremonial, and civil.
- 14. What significant theological term did Calvin popularize?
A) Transfiguration
B) Predestination
C) Incarnation
D) Epiphany
- 15. Calvin's 'Institutes' were primarily written in which language?
A) German
B) Latin
C) Greek
D) Hebrew
- 16. What role does faith play in justification, according to Calvin?
A) It is primarily an emotional experience.
B) It is secondary to good works.
C) It is the means by which we receive Christ's righteousness.
D) It is generally insufficient without the law.
- 17. What is the purpose of the Christian life, according to Calvin?
A) To gain knowledge and wisdom.
B) To establish worldly power.
C) To glorify God.
D) To attain personal happiness.
- 18. What does Calvin say about prayer?
A) It is only for special occasions.
B) It is essential for communion with God.
C) It is optional for Christians.
D) It is a ritual to be performed without thought.
- 19. How does Calvin view human nature after the fall?
A) It is essentially unaffected by sin.
B) It is totally depraved without divine grace.
C) It retains the capacity for good.
D) It is capable of achieving salvation on its own.
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