Outline

I. Introduction

A. Key Questions of the lecture

1) What help can Calvin provide in helping us understand the extent to which modern liberalism and democratic institutions (and America) are rooted in reformed Christianity?

2) What advice does Calvin provide for how we ought to behave as citizens and as a nation? (Or how ought we as citizens and as a nation respond to the events of September 11, 2001?)

B. Key political-theological concepts of the lecture

1) The Fall

2) Justification

3) Sanctification

4) Regeneration

II. A Brief Overview of Calvin’s Theology as it relates to Politics

A. The Creation

B. The Fall, the Loss of Relationship, and the schism between love and justice

C. The Law, Government, and Israel (order in the absence of relationship, justice in the absence of love)

D. Christ, the Redemption of the Created Order, the re-establishment of Relationship, and the hope of reunifying love and justice

III. A Brief Overview of Calvin’s Political Theory

A. The Republican Institutionalizing of the Reformation by the Community of the Saints

1) Ecclesiastical—(The Heart)

2) Political—(Behavior)

B. Democratization and the creation of a wholly sacred world-view

1) Calling (Ministry)

2) Rights

IV. Conclusion: Calvin Comes to America

Calvin’s Parting Questions:

1) Can we be good without God?

2) Can we be liberal without faith?

3) Can we be democratic without religion?

4) What is a nation to do about Terrorism? What is a religious person to do with violence? (When will the swords turn into plowshares? When will the Lion lie down with the Lamb? When will love and justice be reunited?)