Abstract

BRITZ, D.. A life cultivated by righteousness: Calvin's exposition of the eighth Commandment in teaching children. Koers (Online) [online]. 2017, vol.82, n.2, pp.1-14. ISSN 2304-8557.  http://dx.doi.org/10.19108/koers.82.2.2347.

This article profiles Calvin's elucidation of the eighth Commandment ('You shall not steal') in his catechetical works, thus linked to a setting determined by instruction and tuition of children. The 1537/8, the 1542/5 Catechisms as well as l'Institution puerile de la doctrine Chrestienne (1538-41) and La maniere d'interroguer les enfans (1551) are considered and related to his great pedagogical works the Institutes. In teaching children, Calvin keeps the theological framework, in which he deals with the Law in his Institutes, intact. The trajectories that he follows in his explication of the Commandment in the Institutes, also surface in his catechetical education. The emphasis shifts from the 'fear and love of God' (1536) to 'God's righteousness' (injusticejustice) (1539) as a determining theological motive in the interpretation of the Commandment, and can also be traced in his catechetical work. Calvin, therefore, explains to children that our lives in Christ, in the righteousness of Christ, are shaped by what is prohibited and demanded by the Commandment. Because: The more clearly God's Law reveals his righteousness, the more it unmasks our ingenuity and condemnation. And this is in his Christ. In Christ God's countenance shines full of grace and kindness even toward poor and unworthy sinners. It is by faith that Christ is embraced and enjoyed only by believers, the children are assured, who receive Him, sent to them, who do not reject Him, given to them, who follow Him, who is calling them.

Keywords : Calvin; Ten Commandments; Catechetical instruction; Eighth Commandment; Theft; Social justice.

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