Theodore Beza

“In Theodore Beza, Donald McKim and Jim West have given readers an opportunity to see one of the signal figures in the Reformed or Calvinist tradition, whose significance for the tradition’s development frequently outstripped Calvin’s. The clear prose, thoughtful consideration of history and theology, and strong sense of what this means for present-day faith communities make this an invaluable contribution, illuminating a central figure in the early modern period, whose influence continues today.”


—R. Ward Holder, professor of theology and politics, Saint Anselm College





“Donald McKim and Jim West are to be thanked for writing a clear and accessible introduction to the theology and legacy of Theodore Beza, John Calvin’s brilliant successor in Geneva. The authors continually address the question of the contemporary relevance of Beza’s theology for the Reformed tradition today, especially in the discussion questions at the end of each chapter. This book should help to make Beza more widely known and appreciated in the English-speaking world.”


—Randall C. Zachman, professor emeritus of Reformation studies, University of Notre Dame





“In a concise yet knowledgeable text, Donald McKim and Jim West have successfully taken on the challenge of introducing English-speaking audiences to the life and thought of Theodore Beza, the Reformer and theologian often overshadowed by his more famous predecessor John Calvin.”


—Karin Maag, director, H. Henry Meeter Center for Calvin Studies, Calvin University





“This is a highly welcome induction into core Christianity as projected by Theodore Beza, Calvin’s successor. Unusually, as a French aristocrat, former poet, dramatist, lawyer, and man of the world, the convert Beza mutated into a lead Reformed voice. This elegant manual discloses that there is more to him than New Testament Greek research, predestination, presbyterian ecclesiology, and bipolar church-state relations. Recovered is Beza’s ultimate persuasion of the necessity and viability of the gospel for deranged, self-harming humanity.”


—W. Ian P. Hazlett, honorary professorial research fellow, University of Glasgow