The Grace of God and Faithful Christian Education: Comparing the Synod of Dort and John Calvin on Depravity and Addressing the Problem of the Corruption of the Mind. Issue 2 (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hancock, Andrew T.
• Is Part Of: Christian education journal. Volume 13:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 315
• Page End: 330
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: John Calvin -- Calvinism -- Synod of Dort -- Canons of the Synod of Dort -- Reformed theology -- human depravity -- human nature -- 17th century Christian education -- Reformation; Christian education -- Periodicals
• DOI: 10.1177/073989131601300206
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0739-8913

Abstract

This article examines how the Synod of Dort further developed John Calvin's ideas on the human depravity of the mind. The Synod of Dort carried forward Calvin's teachings by explaining human depravity in more measured terms and by using more nuanced descriptions of the depraved mind. Though the corruption of the human mind affected humanity's ability to properly learn spiritual truth, the Synod of Dort believed that the grace of God and faithful Christian education could overcome the problem. Dort understood that effective Christian education in homes, schools, and churches would lead to greater theological unity resulting in peace throughout the Netherlands in the early 17th century.