I’ve been reading chapter 8 over the weekend (book 1 of the institutes); here Calvin goes through a series of Old and New Testament proofs that the Holy Scriptures are the Word of God. However, he concludes with the statement: “it is foolish to attempt to prove … that Scripture is the Word of God. This cannot be known, except by faith.” I think I agree with Calvin, as the folks who work to prove or disprove this truth only end up wandering in circles. I pick up out of this dialog that Calvin feels the Holy Scriptures are able produce and increase our faith because God the Father manifests His presence in them. An interesting thought that I had not considered or at least I can’t remember having considered this before. Besides the Old and New Testament proofs, Calvin also points to the diversity of faith and acceptance in Holy Scripture across time, cultures and peoples. I liked this proof as, looking at the natural world, diversity seems to be a hallmark of God’s presence and intervention in His creation.