I like the recent reviews of chapters 8 and 9 of book 2 of the Institutes and the very nice commentary on book 3. As I read John Calvin, I also see a rigid logical structure to his theological arguments which sometimes require references "ad authoritatum" - I think he is often filling in holes he sees in his own logical argument when he does this. It's a semantic trick as it pulls the readers attention away from the syllogistic flow that has been created - John Calvin seems to use this technique well in quite a few places and I enjoy the references; how many other authors can you get such a mix of quotes from ancient authors and not have it be too dry to enjoy or so popcorn in flow that there is no logical argument. I've also noted that he does seem to reference some early Christian authors more that others though my usual digresion, at such a point in his writing, is to look for the "hole" in the logic that he's covering and not so much to consider who said what. It may also just be my interpretation as I read John Calvin howeve I find that he is able to break away from his logical argument in places and state a spiritual principle quite wonderfully and simply. In our readings so far through books 1 + 2 of the Institutes, when he focuses on aspects of predestination he seems get it down to a much simpler definition than other authors are able to. John Calvin didn't have movies to reference however I think he comes close to sometimes using the context of theater however stays away from that image probably from a perspective of propriety. From these readings, so far, I've come to a perspective that predestination, for God, is like seeing a movie for a second time - I know what's going to happen however the actions still unfolds as I watch the movie. Though the difference is that God has active interaction in my life as it unfolds and the movie image seems passive like the view from other religions. However, regardless of the pros + cons of that that image, I've raised this concept of predestination because, for me anyway, it solves the problem man's sinfulness.and also, again at least for me, it addresses the quandry of the moral law which John Calvin reviews in chapters 8 + 9. Predestination is a principle which exists in both Old Testament and New Testament scripture however I find all these references Christian in context and thus these segments of revelation apply specifically to our Christian life. If we recognize Jesus Christ is God and profess Him as our Savior - by Savior I mean we recognize that His life, death and resurrection have made atonement for all of our sins - then the principle of predestination helps us conceptualize that sin in each Christian - past - present and future - has been forgiven by God. The need to deal with sin is not ours as a Christian - God has already dealt with it in His life, death and ressurection as Jesus Christ. It's almost too simple, I guess that may be why both Christians and non-Christians tend to make topics like sin or predestination complicated subjects. Think of it, sin does not affect God - it only affects an individual, who sins, and other individuals. When people try to deal with sin through human efforts it is doomed to failure because sin is a spiritual event. God has dealt with sin once and for all - as a Christian we just need to leave sin to God. In chapters 8 + 9  of book 2 of the Institutes, I feel John Calvin has stated this in his own way when he recommends our focus should be on the positive opposits of the 10 commandments. I find this consideration quite consistent with and similar to the scripture references, in the New Testament, on the fruits of our Christian life - that is - the outcome of the Holy Spirit's indwelling in both individual Christians and the local church. Peace, love + joy.