Abstract:
During the 16th century, Europe underwent fundamental sociopolitical changes, which
challenged theologians and the church to respond theologically. In light of the celebration of
the Reformation (1517–2017) and the theme of this conference, this contribution presents
Calvin as a ‘public theologian’. To this purpose it is necessary to define ‘public theology’,
describe the sociopolitical changes which challenged theologians during the 16th century,
and lastly to focus on Calvin’s contribution to the discourse. Because of the vast amount of
material that is available, this contribution is limited to Calvin’s first publication, his
‘Commentary on Seneca’s De Clementia’. Calvin’s fundamental understanding of law and
justice, as well as his theological engagement with sociopolitical issues, made him a public
theologian par excellence. Calvin’s legal training surfaced whenever he addressed the
authorities, for instance, when pleading the case of persecuted Protestants. He had a
fundamental understanding of issues such as justice and freedom. The rights, responsibilities
and obligations of government and people should always remain in balance. Sociopolitical
transformation, as experienced in South Africa during the last three decades, requires of
theologians to engage theologically with relevant issues. In this, Calvin set a remarkable
example.
