Calvin's View of Man: A Psychological Commentary

Abstract

“The regeneration of willing, which is perhaps the most crucial concept in his [Calvin's] doctrine of man, is a complicated affair which requires an intricate psychological theory. …For the will to be regenerated much more is needed than an infusion of new power (perhaps from a new power source), or the furnishing of more suitable objects, or a better and wiser law, or any process of molding or curbing. What is required is a replacement of the ‘me’ as an action center. For even if I will the good, even if I will God, the seducing power of the ‘I’ who wills so lofty a thing remains. The trouble with the ideas of self-realization and self-actualization from a Calvinistic perspective is that they are self-propelled activities emanating from a center called ‘I’ or ‘Self.’ They imply continuity of Self in the process of time, whereas the Calvinist (and in the wider sense all Christians) demand a discontinuity of self.”