Since today (7/10/09) is John Calvin’s 500th birthday, I’ve decided to post a couple quotes from his commentaries where he mentions “birthdays.” The first is from Gen. 40:20 (Pharaoh’s birthday) and the second is from Matt. 14:6 and Mk. 6:21 (Herod’s birthday).
With regard to what Moses records, that Pharaoh celebrated his birthday by a great feast, we know that this custom has always been in use, not only among kings, but also among plebeian men. Nor is the custom to be condemned, if only men would keep the right end in view; namely, that of giving thanks unto God by whom they were created and brought up, and whom they have found, in innumerable ways, to be a beneficent Father. But such is the depravity of the world, that it greatly distorts those things which formerly were honestly instituted by their fathers, into contrary corruptions. Thus, by a vicious practice, it has become common for nearly all to abandon themselves to luxury and wantonness on their birthday. In short, they keep up the memory of God, as the Author of their life, in such a manner as if it were their set purpose to forget Him. — Commentary on Gen 40:20
The ancient custom of observing a birthday every year as an occasion of joy cannot in itself be disapproved; for that day, as often as it returns, reminds each of us to give thanks to God, who brought us into this world, and has permitted us, in his kindness, to spend many years in it; next, to bring to our recollection how improperly and uselessly the time which God granted to us has been permitted to pass away; and, lastly, that we ought to commit ourselves to the protection of the same God for the remainder of our life. — Commentary on Matt. 14:6 / Mk. 6:21
Regarding your view of birthdays, are you a Calvinist?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
A friend of mine, Simonetta Carr, has written a short biographical book on John Calvin targeted to children. It’s an easy read, and I recommend it to anyone looking for an easy-to-digest primer on Calvin.
http://www.monergismbooks.com/John-Calvin-p-18182.html
Brother Stephen,
Though Calvin was born five centuries ago, his comments remind me of Jehovah’s Witnesses, who shun birthday observances and cite Genesis 40:20; Matthew 14:6; and Mark 6:21 as evidence that birthday parties are heathen.
David A. Reed’s book Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse gives us a good rebuttal:
“In Job 1:4, it says of the patriarch Job’s family, ‘And his sons went and held a banquet at the house of each one on his own day; and they sent and invited their three sisters to eat and drink with them’ (NWT, italics added). That ‘his own day’ refers to each one’s birthday becomes clear when we read further: ‘It was after this that Job opened his mouth and began to call down evil upon his day. Job now answered and said: “Let the day perish on which I came to be born …”‘(Job 3:1-3, NWT, italics added). The Living Bible’s paraphrase of Job 1:4-5 expresses this thought: “Every year when each of Job’s sons had a birthday, he invited his brothers and sisters to his home for a celebration. On these occasions they would eat and drink with great merriment. When these birthday parties ended. …’
“Even the Watchtower Society’s own translation reveals that the birth of John the Baptist was celebrated, when it records this angelic announcement: ‘And you will have joy and great gladness, and many will rejoice over his birth’” (Luke 1:14 NWT).
Brother Reed reasons that the birthday celebrations for Job, his children, and John the Baptist prove that God proves of similar celebrations among His people today.
In Christ,
Frank
Hi Frank,
Thanks for the input.
I’m curious to know why you said Calvin’s comments remind you of JW’s “who shun birthday observances and cite Genesis 40:20; Matthew 14:6; and Mark 6:21 as evidence that birthday parties are heathen.”
Is the similarity just in the use of the same passages or did you take Calvin to be opposed to birthdays as heathen?
On Gen. 40:20 he said: “Nor is the custom to be condemned…”
On Matt. 14:6 & Mk. 6:21 he said: “The ancient custom of observing a birthday every year as an occasion of joy cannot in itself be disapproved…”
This is quite different from JW’s that condemn and disapprove birthday celebrations.
Brother Stephen,
No, I didn’t think Calvin disliked birthdays. The verses he cited reminded me of JWs who’ve used them to support their belief that birthday celebrations are heathen. I thought it a good idea to cite some verses that show godly people have celebrated birthdays, too.
In Christ,
Frank
Brother Stephen,
The Augusta Chronicle, a newspaper covering my area, has run an article on Calvin’s 500th birthday:
http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2009/07/11/rel_540493.shtml
The story devotes a lot of space to The Well, a seeker church set up with help from Mark Driscoll’s organization, Acts 29. (The Well is located the street from The Chronicle.) Because the informal attire at The Well reminds me of Dr. Morey’s casual attire in some of your photos, I can’t help wondering if your church, forum, or organization is at all linked to Mark Driscoll. From what I’ve read, Dr. Morey has moved away, and your church members are now attending other Presbyterian or Reformed churches in your area.
In Christ,
Frank