Beza’s Pastoral Calling: Combat, Encouragement, and Duty

Abstract

Too often in current debates of Reformed theology the focus seems to be solely upon great figures at the expense of their successors. Theodore Beza should have his proper place in the spread of Calvinism. Beyond the constant struggles between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, Beza saw greater battles between God and the forces of darkness. In this context, he developed the Calvinist doctrine of political resistance. Far from being a dry Scholastic systematizer, Beza supported a pastoral use of the doctrine of predestination. Ultimately, Beza as faithful shepherd risked his life to care for the flock. In this essay, several French sources are rediscovered in order to point out Beza’s personal experience and historical context behind the theological doctrines that he discussed. KEYWORDS:

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