turretin

Francis Turretin (1623–1687) was a Swiss Reformed theologian and one of the most influential figures in the development of Reformed orthodoxy during the 17th century. Born in Geneva, he was educated under the tutelage of prominent theologians such as Jean Diodati and Theodore Beza, both of whom shaped his intellectual and theological foundations. Turretin is best known for his magnum opus, *Institutes of Elenctic Theology* (1679–1685), a comprehensive systematic theology that remains a cornerstone of Reformed theology.

Turretin’s work sought to defend and systematize the teachings of the Reformation against emerging challenges, particularly from Arminianism and Roman Catholicism. His *Institutes* is divided into three parts: the first covers general theology, the second addresses the doctrine of God, and the third explores Christology, anthropology, and soteriology. Turretin emphasized the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the necessity of grace in salvation, aligning closely with the teachings of John Calvin.

Beyond his theological writings, Turretin served as a pastor in Geneva and later as a professor at the Academy of Saumur in France, where he influenced a generation of Reformed scholars. His rigorous approach to biblical interpretation and systematic theology earned him respect among his contemporaries, though his strict Calvinist views occasionally drew criticism. Turretin’s legacy endures as a key text in Reformed theological education, offering a detailed and structured defense of classical Reformed doctrine. His work continues to be studied and referenced by scholars and theologians within the Reformed tradition.