Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 1


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.7 stars; 82 reviews)

Institutes of the Christian Religion is John Calvin's seminal work on Protestant systematic theology. Highly influential in the Western world and still widely read by theological students today, it was published in Latin in 1536 and in his native French in 1541, with the definitive editions appearing in 1559 (Latin) and in 1560 (French).

The book was written as an introductory textbook on the Protestant faith for those with some learning already and covered a broad range of theological topics from the doctrines of church and sacraments to justification by faith alone and Christian liberty, and it vigorously attacked the teachings of those Calvin considered unorthodox, particularly Roman Catholicism to which Calvin says he had been "strongly devoted" before his conversion to Protestantism. The over-arching theme of the book – and Calvin's greatest theological legacy – is the idea of God's total sovereignty, particularly in salvation and election.

The Institutes are a primary reference for the system of doctrine adopted by the Reformed churches, usually called Calvinism.

Book One of the Institutes treats of the knowledge of God, considered as the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of the world, and of every thing contained in it. (Summary from Wikipedia & preface)

Book 2 may be found here: LINK
Book 3 may be found here: LINK
Book 4 may be found here: LINK (11 hr 12 min)

Chapters

01 - Prefatory Material and Introduction 10:38 Read by Wagenfuhr
02 - Printer's Note, Original Translator's Preface 15:37 Read by rymd80
03 - Prefatory Address 52:36 Read by TriciaG
04 - Epistle to Reader and Subject of Present Work 7:46 Read by rymd80
05 - Epistle to Reader and Method and Arrangement 17:47 Read by rymd80
06 - Book First: Argument 3:50 Read by David Lawrence
07 - Knowledge of God and of Ourselves Mutually Connected 8:52 Read by Laura Wright
08 - What It Is to Know God 9:32 Read by Laura Wright
09 - Knowledge of God Naturally Implanted in the Human Mind 9:52 Read by hearhis
10 - Knowledge of God Stifled or Corrupted 12:30 Read by thepreacher
11 - Knowledge of God Conspicuous in Creation 46:24 Read by thepreacher
12 - Need of Scripture as a Guide and Teacher 14:12 Read by thepreacher
13 - Testimony of the Spirit Necessary 20:12 Read by thepreacher
14 - Credibility of Scripture Sufficiently Proved 29:46 Read by spt_r1
15 - All the Principles of Piety Subverted by Fanatics 10:49 Read by Sean F. Sawyers
16 - In Scripture, the True God Opposed, Exclusively 9:41 Read by David Lawrence
17 - Impiety of Attributing a Visible Form to God, pt 1 25:32 Read by Sean F. Sawyers
18 - Impiety of Attributing a Visible Form to God, pt 2 23:22 Read by M.White
19 - God Distinguished from Idols 12:18 Read by Wagenfuhr
20 - Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons, pt 1 40:52 Read by TriciaG
21 - Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons, pt 2 35:14 Read by TriciaG
22 - Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons, pt 3 34:16 Read by TriciaG
23 - In the Creation of the World, and All Things in It, pt 1 28:06 Read by spt_r1
24 - In the Creation of the World, and All Things in It, pt 2 32:06 Read by Franklin
25 - State in which Man Was Created 38:11 Read by TriciaG
26 - The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected 38:34 Read by TriciaG
27 - Use to Be Made of the Doctrine of Providence, pt 1 27:21 Read by TriciaG
28 - Use to Be Made of the Doctrine of Providence, pt 2 26:50 Read by TriciaG
29 - The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God 29:45 Read by Wagenfuhr

Reviews

Institution of the Christian Religion,


(5 stars)

I listened with my Android Phone and CD player. Thanks Author for making the one of the ga I listened with my Android Phone and CD player. Thanks Author for make another greatest book in the Bible.

A Classic Work In Theology


(5 stars)

It is remarkable that in essentially the first generation of Protestant Reformers something so mature and deep is produced. I am greatly benifiting from this work.

I thank Librivox and TriciaG


(5 stars)

I believe in the Doctrines of Grace or Calvinism, and I like very much to listen to the reader TriciaG because her voice is clear and articulate and she reads slowly in an intelligible way which is very helpful to me whose native language is not English. Sincerely yours, George Kwayfaty.

Good information


(5 stars)

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves the word of God. John Calvin certainly supports his views very well with several references scriptural and literal. I enjoyed following along in my bible with the readers.

Beautiful book about christian faitn


(5 stars)

think all should listen i think its highly awesome Still as beautiful as ever please make more books


(5 stars)

Excellent exposition! Calvin gives the pious mind deep water in which to exercise and become proficient.

Amazing work; cant believe I can access this for free.


(5 stars)

My preference is a single reader rather than multiple readers.


(3 stars)