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John Calvin's Institutes in a Year

John Calvin's Institutes in a Year

Written by: Christopher Michael Patton
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About this listen

Ever stared at John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion on your shelf and thought, “One day I’ll finally read that… but where would I even start?”

This podcast is for that moment.

Calvin’s Institutes in a Year is a guided, day-by-day journey through one of the most influential works in Christian theology. Together, we read through the entire Institutes over the course of a full year—one manageable section at a time—so that a book many admire from a distance finally becomes something you actually finish.

Each daily episode is short, focused, and intentional. We keep the pace steady, the sections approachable, and the explanations clear, helping you follow Calvin’s arguments without feeling buried under the weight of a theological classic. No rushing. No intimidation. Just faithful reading, thoughtful reflection, and steady progress.

This is not a lecture series and it’s not a shortcut. It’s a companion for the long walk—designed for pastors, students, Reformed readers, and anyone who wants to understand historic Christian doctrine at a deeper level by actually reading the text.

If you want more than just listening, you’re invited to read along with us at ThroughTheChurchFathers.com where you’ll find the full reading schedule, written texts, and the ability to comment and discuss alongside others making the same journey.

If the Institutes has always felt important but unreachable, this is your invitation to finally open it—one day at a time.

We begin January 1, 2026

Explore the Project:

Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com

Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com

Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org

C. Michael Patton
Episodes
  • Calvin's Institutes: January 15

    Calvin's Institutes: January 15
    Jan 15 2026

    In today’s reading from John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion (Book 1, Chapter 5, Sections 5–8), we confront the limits of natural reason and the depth of God’s self-revelation in both the human soul and the created order. Calvin argues that the soul’s powers—its reasoning, creativity, moral judgment, and even its activity during sleep—cannot be reduced to bodily function, but bear the unmistakable imprint of God’s image. From there, he moves outward to creation and providence, showing how God’s power, eternity, justice, mercy, patience, and wisdom are displayed not only in the heavens and the earth, but in His ongoing governance of human affairs (Psalm 145:9; Psalm 107; Psalm 113:7; 1 Corinthians 3:19). Yet Calvin presses the sobering conclusion: although God’s works surround us, true understanding requires rare wisdom, for many wander blindly through this glorious theater without recognizing the Creator. This reading challenges us to see that what the world calls chance is, in fact, the careful and fatherly hand of God at work.

    Explore the Project:

    Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com

    Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

    Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com

    Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Calvin's Institutes: January 14

    Calvin's Institutes: January 14
    Jan 14 2026

    Creation leaves us without excuse, but it does not leave us with clarity—and John Calvin explains why God never intended nature to stand alone as our guide. In today’s reading from Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 1, Chapter 6, Calvin shows that although God’s glory shines clearly in the heavens and the earth, the human mind is too corrupt, forgetful, and inventive to remain anchored there. Without Scripture, we wander into superstition, false religion, and confusion; with Scripture, God gathers the scattered impressions of His majesty, speaks with His own voice, and leads us safely through the labyrinth of error. From the patriarchs to the prophets to the Psalms and the words of Christ Himself, this reading argues that true knowledge of God—whether as Creator or Redeemer—begins, grows, and endures only where God has chosen to reveal Himself: in His Word (Psalm 19:1–9; Psalm 93:5; John 4:22; Romans 10:4; 1 Timothy 6:16).

    Readings:

    John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 1, Chapter 6

    Explore the Project:

    Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org

    #ThroughTheChurchFathers #JohnCalvin #Institutes #ScriptureAndRevelation #KnowingGod #ReformedTheology #ChristianClassics
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
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