<abstract xml:lang="en" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>In order to pinpoint its proprium, it is necessary to understand John Calvin’s Eucharistic
theology within the wider context of the intra-Protestant debates of his time. As a second-
generation Reformer, Calvin developed his ideas explicitly in reaction to and as a middle
way between the Lutheran and Swiss Reformed discussions of the 1520’s. To that end this essay
first focuses on the main developments from the Middle Ages onwards, and then presents
Calvin from the perspective of the positions taken up by some of his contemporaries, in particular
Philipp Melanchthon. Next, some representative texts written by Calvin himself are analysed.
Although Calvin’s Eucharistic views were not from the beginning a coherent and unified
doctrine but developed only gradually, they may be described in a systematic-synthetic way.
With respect to the matter of closed, open, and frequent communion, it is observed that for
Calvin a regular celebration is essential to the deepening of the believer’s union with Christ.</p></abstract>

In order to pinpoint its proprium, it is necessary to understand John Calvin’s Eucharistic
theology within the wider context of the intra-Protestant debates of his time. As a second-
generation Reformer, Calvin developed his ideas explicitly in reaction to and as a middle
way between the Lutheran and Swiss Reformed discussions of the 1520’s. To that end this essay
first focuses on the main developments from the Middle Ages onwards, and then presents
Calvin from the perspective of the positions taken up by some of his contemporaries, in particular
Philipp Melanchthon. Next, some representative texts written by Calvin himself are analysed.
Although Calvin’s Eucharistic views were not from the beginning a coherent and unified
doctrine but developed only gradually, they may be described in a systematic-synthetic way.
With respect to the matter of closed, open, and frequent communion, it is observed that for
Calvin a regular celebration is essential to the deepening of the believer’s union with Christ.

Calvin's Doctrine of the Lord's Supper

Perichoresis

{"article-title":"Calvin's Doctrine of the Lord's Supper"}

In order to pinpoint its proprium, it is necessary to understand John Calvin’s Eucharistic
theology within the wider context of the intra-Protestant debates of...

Calvin's Doctrine of the Lord's Supper

Published Online: Sep 20, 2012

Page range: 137 - 163

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10297-012-0007-3

Keywords
John Calvin, the Lord’s Supper, Eucharistic theology, Reformed sacramentology, communion

This content is open access.

Calvin's Doctrine of the Lord's Supper

Published Online: Sep 20, 2012

Page range: 137 - 163

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10297-012-0007-3

KeywordsJohn Calvin, the Lord’s Supper, Eucharistic theology, Reformed sacramentology, communion

This content is open access.

Keywords
John Calvin, the Lord’s Supper, Eucharistic theology, Reformed sacramentology, communion