“With elegant prose, keen insight, and expansive research, Kenneth Woo provides the most thorough account to date of the exilic aspects and refugee implications of Calvin’s life, leadership, and theology. This book examines intersections between migration and religious violence that prove illuminating for both past and present.”—G. Sujin Pak, dean, Boston University School of Theology

“Taking its cue from Heiko Oberman’s proposal to understand Calvin’s reform as a ‘reformation of the refugees,’ Ken Woo’s introduction goes well beyond to disclose how Calvin’s own identity as a refugee molded his program for ministry and reform in Geneva (and even throughout Europe) and can be traced, like the proverbial red thread, throughout his varied and voluminous writings. Calvin was acutely aware that all of God’s people are called—even if they never leave their homeland—to live as refugees, strangers, sojourners, and exiles, and to work out their discipleship accordingly. Woo has given us not only a winsome introduction to Calvin but also a timely example of how to read Calvin contextually, not as a disembodied intellect but as one truly shaped by the turmoil and sufferings of his age.”—John L. Thompson, professor emeritus of historical theology and Gaylen and Susan Byker Professor Emeritus of Reformed Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary

“Kenneth Woo’s study of Calvin as an exilic reformer is a brilliant reconsideration of Oberman’s earlier work. It firmly sets Calvin and his audiences in their historical contexts, and it presents Calvin as a useful resource for today’s Christians in exile—whether as refugees or as those experiencing the loss of political, cultural, and social power. Woo is not fawning. Calvin is shown with his strengths and warts, as someone dedicated to his own view of God and politically and rhetorically astute, often to the detriment of the evangelical project and Calvin’s own reputation. A wonderful, readable, and astute work!”—R. Ward Holder, professor of theology and politics, Saint Anselm College

“Kenneth Woo’s engaging book extends an invitation into the heart of Calvin’s theology and the experiences of exile and displacement that shaped his faith and career as a pastor and writer. Through the lens of Calvin’s context, Christians today gain crucial perspective for reflecting on their own encounters with spiritual alienation, creating supportive communities in a hostile world, and responding with love to the stranger in their midst.”—Barbara Pitkin, senior lecturer, religious studies, Stanford University

“With a historian’s rigor, a theologian’s insight, and a pastor’s contextual awareness, Ken Woo offers the academy and the church a refreshing gift in John Calvin, Refugee Theologian. Woo introduces us to Calvin as one whose voice was shaped by exile and attuned to God’s comfort for the displaced. In a world of dislocation, this book helps us receive Calvin as a companion in the wilderness—where God still provides manna through Word and sacrament, nourishing the weary with sustaining hope.”—J. Todd Billings, Girod Research Professor of Reformed Theology, Western Theological Seminary, Holland, Michigan

“Dr. Woo presents a fresh and fruitful approach to Calvin’s theology by describing his message through Calvin’s experience as a refugee. This not only brings Calvin as a person closer to us but also helps us to understand and apply his thoughts. Woo’s book is a fine contribution to Calvin research, and it demonstrates the relevance of the reformers’ works.”—Herman Selderhuis, professor of church history, Theological University Apeldoorn; president, Reformation Research Consortium