Poverty in the Theology of John Calvin

Bonnie L. Pattison

Princeton Theological Monograph, 392 pages

I finished this with more questions than when I began. The book analyzes the role of poverty in Calvin’s thought, and the shifts that the Reformation brought to this area. Topics such as mendicancy, monasticism, church wealth, and the service of the poor changed radically from the High Middle Ages to Calvin’s Geneva. I enjoyed the book, but it was a frustrating read at times. Calvin was extremely prolific, and summarizing his thought on a subject is not easy.

The most important point: Calvin valued mercy ministry. His commentary on Matthew is superb:

Verily I tell you. As Christ has just now told us, by a figure, that our senses do not yet comprehend how highly he values deeds of charity, so now he openly declares, that he will reckon as done to himself whatever we have bestowed on his people. We must be prodigiously sluggish, if compassion be not drawn from our bowels by this statement, that Christ is either neglected or honored in the person of those who need our assistance. So then, whenever we are reluctant to assist the poor, let us place before our eyes the Son of God, to whom it would be base sacrilege to refuse any thing. By these words he likewise shows, that he acknowledges those acts of kindness which have been performed gratuitously, and without any expectation of a reward. And certainly, when he enjoins us to do good to the hungry and naked, to strangers and prisoners, from whom nothing can be expected in return, we must look to him, who freely lays himself under obligation to us, and allows us to place to his account what might otherwise appear to have been lost.

How does the church practice mercy ministry? Through the diaconate. Geneva had a vigorous and well funded diaconate. They organized food, shelter, and education for the needy, and even assistance for small businesses. Most of the Reformers held the diaconate in high esteem. In the Institutes, Calvin excoriated the Papacy for making the deacons the general servants of the church instead of the dedicated servants of the poor. Calvin and Bucer argued against DIY charity, saying that believers should give to the deacons, and deacons should distribute to the needy. I need to learn more about the diaconate in Calvin’s Geneva. Pattison largely skips over this topic, saying that it has been thoroughly covered by others. This is valid academically, of course, but it hurts the book as a resource.

Both Calvin and Luther believed that begging should be illegal. This was fascinating to me, as cities in the US have recently enacted anti-panhandling ordinances. The Reformed also believed, however, that cities should care for their poor. Calvin:

But be that as it may, let us see that the poor are maintained, because to forbid their begging and nevertheless not to give any alms is as much to cut the throats of those that are suffering scarcity.

My view of the European welfare state has changed significantly, both as a result of this book and from living in Germany. Much of what I formerly perceived as secular socialism actually began with the Reformation. This was a shock, and makes for an appalling judgement on American individualism and selfishness. But that’s another topic.

One frustration with the book was the subject of worship. Pattison discusses at length the role of mercy ministry in worship. But what is meant by worship? As a young Reformed schismatic, I equated any mention of worship with corporate worship, i.e. public worship in a gathering of the church. But this is not correct. Calvin often means “the whole duty of man” when he refers to worship. Or at least, I think he does. Translation might be an issue here. I wish Pattison (and Calvin) would distinguish between the two, perhaps by always referring to liturgical worship as corporate worship. Anyway, Calvin emphasized corporate worship and the First Table of the Law over mercy ministry, but placed the highest importance on alms giving in the worship of the Christian. Confusing, right? I will continue to struggle with this.

I really appreciated the references to Calvin’s Concerning Scandals (De Scandalis). I had not heard of it previously, so I grabbed a copy after reading her excerpts. It’s excellent. Calvin describes the problems that face the church, both internal and external. Calvin believed that our Lord was of the cross and the manger, and that therefore His bride will be equally humble. In other words, we should expect to be poor and lowly. This is a stumbling stone for many, and a hard truth for the American believer. The Prosperity Gospel dies hard.

I’ll continue reading on this topic, as I have many more questions. But that’s no excuse for not doing. My knowledge is plenty adequate to inform my practice. In summary: caring for the poor is extremely important for the believer. The American church sucks at this. Live simply and generously. The diaconate was instituted because the Lord cares for the poor, not because He cares for church buildings. Serve your needy brother as if you were serving the Lord Himself in the flesh. This service can be material, spiritual, and emotional.

And as always, a warning from Paul: