A Treatise on Relics

"A Treatise on Relics" by Jean Calvin is a theological critique from the late 19th century that examines the veneration of relics and images in some Christian traditions. The book argues that these practices are not legitimate and cause dangerous superstitions. It looks at how these practices started and grew within Christianity, and what the Reformation thought about them. The preface talks about how Calvin's work is not well-known today, even though the superstitions he wrote about are still around. The introduction explains how worshipping relics changed over time, and how pagan rituals mixed with Christian practices, leading to misunderstandings of Christian beliefs. This sets up Calvin's later arguments, where he breaks down the history of these practices and what they mean for Christian faith.