Calvin wins praise from Swiss Priest

[larousser]

The abbé Alain René Arbez, who is in charge of relations with Judaism in Switzerland, has written an article in French for a Protestant Israeli newspaper where he lauds Calvin. Here are some extracts from a translation at a blog:

At one time, where it was common for Catholics to sell indulgences or private Masses, Luther’s contribution was justification by faith: God’s love is free and it’s that alone which renders us just. The criteria for truth is in God and not in man, regardless of his merits and his efforts. Calvin’s contribution, in the same way, offers the complementary theme of predestination

…]

Thanks to his philological and historical knowledge Calvin demonstrates a systematic comprehension of the Word of God.

…]

This is what I share with the Reformation: the centrality of the Word of God and the unity of biblical revelation. From there on, it’s obvious that certain interpretations of the texts can diverge, according to our traditions. But not ecumenism without return to the common sources. And this is where Calvin seems to me to be a precursor of the first order.

…]

Equally interesting, Calvin’s note in his “Short Treatise” when for understanding the true meaning of the Supper, he recommends finding what this Jewish Jesus wanted to do. Is it not with this method that Protestants and Catholics are to return to a Eucharist faithful to the original?

…]

In contrast to the evangelical movement, Catholics and Reformed refuse to convert Jews because of their common understanding of the Epistle to the Romans: “It’s not you that supports the root, the root supports you”.

More here.

 

[CapIV]

ughh.