Final answer:
John Calvin reconciled the violent desires described in Psalms with traditional Christian theology by advocating joy in God's righteous judgment, emphasizing holy zeal over cruelty, and seeing God's acts against enemies as protective of the righteous' well-being.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding how John Calvin reconciles the psalmist's violent desires with traditional Christian theology, several key concepts emerge from Calvin's teachings and his context. Initially, it's clear that Calvin's interpretation of scriptures influenced his view on violence and war. Calvin, as a theologian and reformer, contributed significantly to Protestant thought, advocating for a personal understanding and reflection on scripture.
Firstly, righteous judgment by God is an aspect that can bring joy to Christians, according to Calvin. In this sense, Christians should rejoice not in violence itself but in God's righteous acts, even if those acts involve punishment of the wicked. Second, Calvin emphasizes that any desire for violence should not stem from cruel impulses but from a holy zeal—a devoted energy for God's will. Lastly, it is plausible to believe, following Calvin, that when harm befalls an enemy, it signifies God's protective concern over the righteous.
Throughout Calvin's teachings, there's an evident focus on the belief in predestination and living a virtuous life, as signs of being one of the elect. The complexities of war and violence in the context of Christianity, as viewed by Calvin, integrate a mix of piety, morality, and a commitment to a just and orderly society.