Calvin on the Sciences by Nigel Lee, Th.D. Sovereign Grace Union. Price 2/6. Post 4d.
This booklet will be of interest to those of our readers who meet with the common notion that Calvin and Calvinism means that no interest is to be taken in any subject outside Christianity and that Calvin had no interest in the proper development of the sciences. It is indeed true that Christianity based on the Scripture is the main thing, but it is equally true that its basic principles apply to all areas of life.
Dr Lee traces Calvin’s views on the sciences through quotations from the Institutes and Commentaries. His view evidently is that man in his first creation was given dominion over the creatures and “should regard himself as the steward of God in all things he possesses.” Although he lost this dominion through the Fall and this happy condition became ruined, God still calls him to the philosophic and scientific task, for “there is no part of our life, and no action so minute that it ought not to be directed to the glory of God.”
Calvin makes it plain that “no science is truly and justly so called but that which instructs us in the confidence and fear of God: that is, in godliness.” Consequently, if “the liberal arts and all the sciences . . . set themselves in opposition to Christ, they must be looked upon as dangerous pests and, if they strive to accomplish anything of themselves, as the worst of all hindrances.”
This is well said and rebukes the secularistic approach in these fields at the present time. He also teaches that however common grace may be, saving grace is absolutely necessary for the pursuit of true science.
Dr Lee goes on to give Calvin’s views on Theological Science, the principles of Philosophy, and the Special Sciences, including mathematics, physics, chemistry, logic, history, etc. The booklet is by no means an exhaustive treatment of Calvin’s views but does indicate his line of approach and some of his thoughts on these matters. Above all, the booklet does show how completely the mind of this remarkable man of God was dominated by what has sometimes been called his favourite motto: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
The booklet can be obtained from the Book Room, 160 Pitt Street, Glasgow.
D.M.