A Book Review from Books At a Glance
by Kristin Stiles
For most of us, when we think of John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion, we think of a systematic theology book that is appropriate for well-educated adults. Martin & Joy Williams, along with illustrator Paul Cox, have begun work transforming this highly regarded book into a graphic novel that makes it accessible and appealing to everyone from upper elementary on up. This first book in the series only covers the first five chapters. Additional books in the series have not yet been published.
The authors have done a tremendous job simplifying John Calvin’s work into dialogue between three characters: John Calvin, a young boy named Theo, and a young girl named Geneva. The children ask questions and seek further explanation which Calvin provides in clear and concise statements. The illustrations are incredibly helpful in depicting the concepts. In addition, the illustrations play the important role of providing action and storytelling to the dialogue by moving the characters to various settings within the Old and New Testament timeline as well as the different periods of the Church Age.
There are several elements that make this book so effective in presenting Calvin’s Institutes. Almost every point is delivered with a simple analogy. The law is likened to a mirror that is contrasted with a conventional mirror which we often prefer to use to evaluate ourselves. Knowing about God without knowing God is compared to just looking at a body of water without drinking from it or diving deep into it. The inherent awareness of God that is present in every human is compared to a seed that has been planted, but because of the influence of sin has not been able to sprout and grow.
Another effective element is that each chapter ends with a summary followed by 10 questions for discussion and meditation. The reader is then encouraged to read the chapter from Institutes now armed with a basic understanding of what that chapter will discuss.
A final element that is included which is especially helpful is the abundance of quoted scripture. Claims and statements that the character of Calvin presents to the children are backed up with verses to give them credence and weight.
This is a remarkable book to share with anyone who would like to delve into Calvin’s systematic theology but is intimidated by the original work. While it is marketed toward children and teens, it would also be of great benefit to new believers of any age who need grounding in solid doctrine.
Kristin Stiles is a home-school mom, a Sunday School teacher, and helps lead the “Young, Reading, & Reformed” children’s ministry at Reformed Baptist Church of Franconia, PA.
Buy the books
JOHN CALVIN’S ILLUSTRATED INSTITUTES, BOOK 1: KNOWING GOD AND KNOWING OURSELVES: CHAPTERS 1–5, by Martin Williams and Joy Williams