“Totum Hominem Non Aliud . . . Quam Concupiscentiam”: A Study Of Calvin’s Doctrine Of Concupiscence, With Special Reference To Its Place In His Soteriology -- By: James B. Weidenaar

Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 73:2 (Fall 2011)
Article: “Totum Hominem Non Aliud . . . Quam Concupiscentiam”: A Study Of Calvin’s Doctrine Of Concupiscence, With Special Reference To Its Place In His Soteriology
Author: James B. Weidenaar


“Totum Hominem Non Aliud . . . Quam Concupiscentiam”: A Study Of Calvin’s Doctrine Of Concupiscence, With Special Reference To Its Place In His Soteriology

James B. Weidenaar

This work is a study of Calvin’s doctrine of concupiscence, with special reference to its place in his soteriology. As a systematic theology study, the concern is not just historical-theological; it seeks to show the modern relevance of the systematic implications of Calvin’s doctrine. Accordingly, it shows, first, that Calvin’s doctrine of concupiscence was a key supporting point in his soteriology, both in establishing the anthropological necessity of a Reformed understanding of justification, and in his description of the experiential context for the Christian life (and therefore ethics); second, it demonstrates the soteriological relevance of Calvin’s doctrine to a particularly controversial issue facing the modern church, the question of homosexuality.

Calvin’s specific teachings on concupiscence are considered in the context of his own stated theological methodology, his claim to dependence on Augustine, and his anthropology. Special reference is made to the way the doctrine of concupiscence contributes to Calvin’s soteriological system, which is considered according to the duplex gratia paradigm of Calvin. Study of pertinent passages in the Calvin corpus shows concupiscence to be a significant point in Calvin’s argument for a forensic, imputative justification, as well as a foundational concept in the way he structures the “regeneration” of the Christian life and ethics.

Calvin’s doctrine of concupiscence is thus shown to have significant implications for Reformed soteriology. The application of his doctrine to two twentieth-century study committee reports on the issue of homosexuality demonstrates how some of these broad soteriological implications have enduring relevance as a context for specific issues. After five hundred years, Calvin’s doctrine of concupiscence—and the soteriological system it supports—has much to offer the church. Its restoration into the theological vocabulary and thought of the church would help ensure that contemporary issues are addressed in ways that are consistent with the Reformed understanding of the gospel of grace.

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