Book Review: Calvin’s Ecclesiology: A Historical Study by Tadataka Maruyama

Renowned theologian Tadataka Maruyama has recently released a groundbreaking book on Calvin’s ecclesiology, shedding new light on the development of the Reformer’s views on the church. Titled “A Study in the History of Doctrine,” Maruyama’s book delves deep into Calvin’s early influences, his time in Geneva, and his wider impact on the Reformed church.

In this meticulously researched work, Maruyama traces Calvin’s journey from his “Catholic” ecclesiology to a “Reformed” ecclesiology and finally to a “Reformational” ecclesiology. Through a thorough examination of primary and secondary sources, the author provides a comprehensive analysis of Calvin’s evolving thoughts on the church.

One of the key strengths of Maruyama’s book is its historical approach, placing Calvin’s teachings in the context of 16th-century Europe. By exploring Calvin’s academic formation, his exile in Basel, and his time in Strasbourg, Maruyama offers a nuanced understanding of how Calvin’s ecclesiology developed over time.

The book’s four chapters cover different aspects of Calvin’s ecclesiology, from his early influences to his later impact on the Reformed church. Maruyama’s detailed analysis of Calvin’s writings, as well as his engagement with other Reformational documents, provides a rich and insightful exploration of this complex topic.

Overall, Maruyama’s book is not only a valuable resource for scholars of Calvin and the Reformation but also a methodological primer on studying theology in its historical context. By highlighting the importance of engaging with all available literature, Maruyama’s work sets a new standard for understanding Calvin’s ecclesiology.

With glowing praise from Richard Muller and a foreword that sets the stage for a deep dive into Calvin’s thought, Maruyama’s book is sure to become a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the church and the development of Reformed theology.