Since the Calvin quincentenary is the subject of much discussion these days, here’s a pretty cool quote from Barth on the 400th anniversary of Calvin’s death:
It is not worth while really to become a ‘Calvinist’, but it is certainly almost singularly worth while to become Calvin’s free pupil. If today, after the experiences we have had of his life’s work in its historical shape, and after a renewed return to the sources and origins to which he pointed so insistently, one can think and speak with him only by going beyond him only by thinking and speaking with him in the direction in which he pointed and do so looking back to the days of his work, his struggles and sufferings, in great reverence and genuine gratitude.
~ Karl Barth, Fragments Grave and Gay, 110.
Not to be a prick, but it’s actually the 500th anniversary of Calvin’s birth
Not to be a prick x 2 but Halden knows that! (He mentions Calvin’s quincentenary and then quotes from the Barth’s essay which is entitled “Thoughts on the 400th Anniversary of Calvin’s Death”.)
Nice quote, btw. And try reading it substituting “Barthian” for “Calvinist” (and “Barth’s free pupil” for “Calvin’s free pupil”).
Ha, my bad, guess I’m the prick?
I’m not gonna tolerate much more of this fucking bad language around here.
Sounds like he’s suggesting we read Calvin like the Bible.