Calvin the Magistrate

“Bringing to bear his expertise in law and theology, George Gatgounis provides a welcome and refreshing study of John Calvin’s understanding and use of law. After viewing Calvin’s legal theory and political theory, the author shows the outworking of these in Geneva as well as surveying how Calvin’s views aligned compared with other reformers in the same theological tradition. There is much to be learned from this unique book.”


—Timothy J. Demy, Professor of Military Ethics, U. S. Naval War College





“Calvin was not only a theologian but trained in law, as Dr. Gatgounis and I have been, and this influenced the manner in which he approached the study of theology and his interest in theology’s influence upon law and government. I found George’s work insightful and balanced. His work is well worth reading more than once. I heartedly endorse the book.”


—H. Wayne House, Distinguished Research Professor of Theology, Law, and Culture, Faith International University and Faith Seminary





“While Calvin is remembered chiefly as a reformer, Gatgounis demonstrates the organic connection between his theology and his jurisprudence as well as their collaborative force in sixteenth-century Geneva, where Puritan zeal sought to transform church and state. This well-researched volume also charts Calvin’s influence in colonial New England.”


—Charles L. Echols, Adjunct Professor, Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary