Theodore Beza at 500

New Perspectives on an Old Reformer

Contributions by Jon Balserak Contributions by Max Engammare Contributions by Jennifer Powell McNutt Contributions by Jeannine Olson Contributions by Michael Bruening Contributions by Jill Fehleison Contributions by Eunjin Kim Contributions by Martin I. Klauber Contributions by Molly Lackey Contributions by Scott M. Manetsch Contributions by David C. Noe Contributions by Kirk Summers Contributions by Theodore van Raalte Edited by Kirk Summers Edited by Scott M. Manetsch Associate editor Christopher B. Brown Associate editor Günter Frank Associate editor Bruce Gordon Associate editor Barbara Mahlmann-Bauer Associate editor Tarald Rasmussen Associate editor Violet Soen Associate editor Zsombor Tóth Associate editor Günther Wassilowsky Associate editor Siegrid Westphal

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Extent: 391 pages

Publisher: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht

Subjects: Religious Studies

Language: English

Hardback (Published)

(November 2020)

ISBN: 9783525560419

6.3 x 9.25 inches

Price: $163.00

Out of stock

An original and multifaceted study of one of the most important leaders of reformed Protestantism


Theodore Beza (1519-1605) was a talented humanist, Protestant theologian, political agitator, and prominent minister of the reformed church in Geneva during the second-half of the 16th century. During his long career, Beza exercised strategic leadership in his efforts to preserve reformed Christianity in Geneva and his native France, as well as to defend the theological legacy of John Calvin throughout Europe. Beza’s diverse literary corpus of more than seventy works demonstrates that he was well-versed in classical literature, skilled in biblical exegesis, and adroit in theological controversy. More than an ivory-tower theologian, Beza maintained contact with the leading political and religious figures of his day, including Henry IV of France and Elizabeth I of England, as well as John Calvin, Heinrich Bullinger, and Philipp Melanchthon. He also participated in some of the most important colloquies and controversies of his generation, such as the Colloquy of Poissy (1561), the National Synod of La Rochelle (1571), and the Colloquy of Montbeliard (1586). This roll call of eminent people and important events indicates the central role that Beza played in the explosive political and religious controversies that roiled Western Europe during this troubled century. This edited volume explores neglected aspects of the history, theology, and literary contribution of Beza. The thirteen contributors to this volume are an accomplished group of scholars who specialize in the religious and social history of early modern Protestantism. Theodore Beza at 500 celebrates the 500th anniversary of the reformer’s birth by providing an original, insightful, and multifaceted study of one of the most important leaders of reformed Protestantism after John Calvin.

  • Contributions by Jon Balserak
  • Contributions by Max Engammare
  • Contributions by Jennifer Powell McNutt
  • Contributions by Jeannine Olson
  • Contributions by Michael Bruening
  • Contributions by Jill Fehleison
  • Contributions by Eunjin Kim
  • Contributions by Martin I. Klauber
  • Contributions by Molly Lackey
  • Contributions by Scott M. Manetsch
  • Contributions by David C. Noe
  • Contributions by Kirk Summers
  • Contributions by Theodore van Raalte
  • Edited by Kirk Summers
  • Edited by Scott M. Manetsch
  • Associate editor Christopher B. Brown
  • Associate editor Günter Frank
  • Associate editor Bruce Gordon
  • Associate editor Barbara Mahlmann-Bauer
  • Associate editor Tarald Rasmussen
  • Associate editor Violet Soen
  • Associate editor Zsombor Tóth
  • Associate editor Günther Wassilowsky
  • Associate editor Siegrid Westphal

"This book is an excellent collection of essays on Theodore Beza (15191605), commemorating the 500th anniversary of his birth." McKim, Donald K., Church History, August 31, 2021