Institutes of the Christian Religion (John Calvin) - Book 1 - Chapters 11-12

Do you ever wonder if the endless images we consume—from social media feeds to movies—are subtly shaping how we think about God? Have you considered how these visuals, even ones with good intentions, might be shrinking the divine down to fit our limited understanding? In a world drowning in pictures, can we still grasp the full awe and mystery of an infinite God?

In this episode, Constraining God: The Danger of Limiting the Divine with Images, we dive deep into John Calvin’s timeless critique of idolatry, as laid out in Institutes of the Christian Religion. We'll explore why Calvin’s hardline stance against images isn’t just a relic of the past, but a profound warning for today’s visually saturated world. From golden calves to sentimental Jesus paintings, Calvin argued that every attempt to visually depict God distorts His true glory. But what does this mean for us now, surrounded by Instagram, TV, and film?

Join us as we unpack Calvin’s sharp insights and bring in modern theologians like J.I. Packer and R.C. Sproul, who continue the conversation in our visually obsessed age. We’ll also explore how idolatry isn’t just about physical objects—it's about what we give our hearts and trust to, from influencers to success.

Books and Sources Mentioned:

• John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (Book 1, Chapters 11-12)
• J.I. Packer, Knowing God
• R.C. Sproul, The Holiness of God

Bible Passages Quoted:

• Exodus 20:4 (No graven images)
• Exodus 3:2 (God revealing Himself to Moses through a burning bush)
• John 1:14 (The Word became flesh)

Disclaimer: Created using AI, based on the original writings of the theologians referenced.