Calvin and the Church Reformed

Although Martin Luther is properly credited with initiating the Protestant Reformation, the main trajectory of Protestantism was developing independently in Switzerland at the same time.

Switzerland in the sixteenth century consisted of a loose federation of several independent city-states and rural regions called cantons.1

Ulrich ZwingliUlrich Zwingli (or Huldrych) (A.D. 1484–1531) Swiss pastor and theologian based in Zurich, a founding figure of the Reformed Protestant tradition, most famous for his low view of the Eucharist. more (1484–1531) was born to a wealthy peasant family in a small village in Switzerland and became a Catholic priest in 1506 after studying philosophy at the universities of Vienna and Basel. As a young priest he met Erasmus(A.D. 28 Dec 1466–12 Jul 1536) Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus is often referred to as the Prince of the Humanists. He was renowned as the greatest scholar of Northern Europe when the Protestant Reformation began. He advocated reform of the Catholic... more and became very close to him and his humanistA scholar during the Renaissance movement who sought to recover a more historically accurate understanding of ancient languages and literature, including pagan classics, the Bible and the writings of the early church fathers. Some of the most notable Christian humanists... more movement for several years. ZwingliUlrich Zwingli (or Huldrych) (A.D. 1484–1531) Swiss pastor and theologian based in Zurich, a founding figure of the Reformed Protestant tradition, most famous for his low view of the Eucharist. more immersed himself in studying Erasmus’s Greek/Latin edition of the New Testament and was convinced that the Bible was the ultimate religious authority; not the papacyThe office of pope in the Roman Catholic Church which is the highest office in its hierarchical structure. more, councils, canon lawThe written decisions of councils, papal edits and legislation in the Catholic Church that form an elaborate code of rules and law. Protestants completely reject the authority of canon law. more or traditions.

In 1518, he became one of the priests at the cathedral in Zurich, where he began preaching exclusively from the Bible as an implicit rejection of papal authority. His provocative sermons garnered him support and incited opposition. He was primarily concerned about reforming the way Christians worshipped to conform with his understanding of biblical practices. He did not believe in the separation of church and state. He felt they were two parts of the same communal system which should be based on the Bible. Consequently, in 1521 he became a member of Zurich’s city council which governed all aspects of the city.

Zwingli’s revolutionary sermons against traditional Catholic practices created a stir in the community which came to a head in 1522 when individuals were arrested for eating sausages during Lent at his urging. ZwingliUlrich Zwingli (or Huldrych) (A.D. 1484–1531) Swiss pastor and theologian based in Zurich, a founding figure of the Reformed Protestant tradition, most famous for his low view of the Eucharist. more vigorously defended them, stating that the traditionThis word comes from a Latin term meaning “to hand down,” that originally referred to the teaching of the apostles as handed down in the churches they founded, which led to these churches gaining authority of other locations due to... more of Lent was not biblical, and laws regarding it should be abolished as they were not necessary. Around this same time, he publicly married because the prohibition against clerical marriage also was not biblical. His antics became so controversial that the city council called the First Zurich Disputation where ZwingliUlrich Zwingli (or Huldrych) (A.D. 1484–1531) Swiss pastor and theologian based in Zurich, a founding figure of the Reformed Protestant tradition, most famous for his low view of the Eucharist. more debated a Catholic representative in order to determine the religious direction of the city. ZwingliUlrich Zwingli (or Huldrych) (A.D. 1484–1531) Swiss pastor and theologian based in Zurich, a founding figure of the Reformed Protestant tradition, most famous for his low view of the Eucharist. more argued that the Bible was the ultimate authority and should rule supreme above popes, councils, and foolish traditions. The city council concurred and ruled that henceforth, all decisions would be scripturally based and repudiated the Catholic Church’s claim of authority within the city.

Zwingli’s reformation movement kicked into high gear. He preached that the mass was not a real sacrifice re-presenting Christ’s offering on the crossWas an agonizing method used by the Roman Empire to execute slaves, rebels and others major offender to the order of the empire. In fulfillment of prophecy, this was the means by which Christ was crucified. Even though some early... more with its same power and effect, and that the Eucharist more was not literally turned into Jesus’s flesh and blood. The mass and the Eucharist more were simply a symbolic memorial of Jesus’s death. He rejected the idea that the real presence of Christ’s body was in the Eucharist more, regardless of whether it was based on the Catholic doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more of transubstantiationRoman Catholic doctrine, developed in the 13th century, that the bread and wine literally changes to become the literal body and blood of Christ when the priest pronounces consecration of these elements during the Mass. Protestants reject the dogma of... more or Luther’s consubstantiation. Indeed, he taught that all the sacraments were mere symbols and not the means of dispensing God’s graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more. Consequently, the clergyconsists of the priest, ministers and pastors of Christian churches. In the medieval church this term referred to both regular priest who were monks subject to a rule (regula) of a monastic order and secular priest who were not monks... more did not hold any special power, and the church was not the mediator between humans and God. A central point of his preaching was that each individual needed to have a personal relationship with God, which came by understanding and following the Bible.

After a Second Zurich Disputation in 1525, the city council abolished the mass, removed all images from churches in the city, and ceased all music as part of the worship service. Zwingli’s vision of civil and ecclesiasticalFrom the Greek word ecclesia, meaning church or congregation and is used to refer to both separate Christian congregations and to the whole body of Christians. more institutions working together to create a community that conformed to biblical standards was taking shape. Like LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more, ZwingliUlrich Zwingli (or Huldrych) (A.D. 1484–1531) Swiss pastor and theologian based in Zurich, a founding figure of the Reformed Protestant tradition, most famous for his low view of the Eucharist. more believed that humans were depraved, but unlike LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more (who felt that just hearing the good news of the GospelEnglish translation of the Greek term evangelion, used in the New Testament meaning “good news.” This is a central term in Luther’s theology that emphasized the contrast between Law and Gospel. The Law condemn while the Gospel justifies believers through... more would transform the individual), he believed that biblical lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more needed to be enforced by civil authorities to keep people in line.

Zwingli’s movement spread to other Swiss cantons, including Bern and Basle. Other more traditional regions became concerned. Five rural cantons joined together to form the Catholic alliance and tensions rose. ZwingliUlrich Zwingli (or Huldrych) (A.D. 1484–1531) Swiss pastor and theologian based in Zurich, a founding figure of the Reformed Protestant tradition, most famous for his low view of the Eucharist. more was highly outnumbered, so he sought support from the Lutheran princes in northern Germany. Some of his ideas were too radical for them, particularly regarding the Lord’s Supper butone of the princes, Philip of Hesse, felt that an alliance would be mutually beneficial. He arranged for a conference between LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more and ZwingliUlrich Zwingli (or Huldrych) (A.D. 1484–1531) Swiss pastor and theologian based in Zurich, a founding figure of the Reformed Protestant tradition, most famous for his low view of the Eucharist. more at his castle in Marburg, in hopes that the two religious leaders could resolve their differences to facilitate a political alliance. They were able to reach compromises on a number of issues, but the issue regarding the Eucharist more was irreconcilable. LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more insisted that the actual flesh and blood of ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more was in the bread and wine while ZwingliUlrich Zwingli (or Huldrych) (A.D. 1484–1531) Swiss pastor and theologian based in Zurich, a founding figure of the Reformed Protestant tradition, most famous for his low view of the Eucharist. more tried to convince LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more that they were just symbols. At the end of the discussion, which became known as the Colloquy of Marburg, LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more refused to shake Zwingli’s hand, calling him an agent of the devil. Zwingli’s movement was known thereafter as Reformed Protestantism and the Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more Reformed.

Even though ZwingliUlrich Zwingli (or Huldrych) (A.D. 1484–1531) Swiss pastor and theologian based in Zurich, a founding figure of the Reformed Protestant tradition, most famous for his low view of the Eucharist. more was outnumbered, he felt that God was on his side, so he believed he could spread his reform movement through military conquest. He provoked a war with the Catholic alliance by imposing an economic blockade. In 1531, ZwingliUlrich Zwingli (or Huldrych) (A.D. 1484–1531) Swiss pastor and theologian based in Zurich, a founding figure of the Reformed Protestant tradition, most famous for his low view of the Eucharist. more led his troops into battle where they were defeated and ZwingliUlrich Zwingli (or Huldrych) (A.D. 1484–1531) Swiss pastor and theologian based in Zurich, a founding figure of the Reformed Protestant tradition, most famous for his low view of the Eucharist. more was killed. His reform movement, however, did not die with him. It continued to spread and later grew rapidly under the leadership of the dynamic, intellectual JohnJohn (c. A.D. 6–100) was a Jewish fisherman, chosen by Jesus to be one of his 12 Apostles, and appears to have developed an especially close bond with Jesus. John outlived the other Apostles and heavily influenced early Christian thinkers... more CalvinJohn Calvin (A.D. 1509-1564) French Protestant theologian who lived most of his adult life in Geneva. He was the most influential figure in Reformed theology and author of the Institutes, the most important systematic theology text of Protestantism. more (1509–1564).

JohnJohn (c. A.D. 6–100) was a Jewish fisherman, chosen by Jesus to be one of his 12 Apostles, and appears to have developed an especially close bond with Jesus. John outlived the other Apostles and heavily influenced early Christian thinkers... more CalvinJohn Calvin (A.D. 1509-1564) French Protestant theologian who lived most of his adult life in Geneva. He was the most influential figure in Reformed theology and author of the Institutes, the most important systematic theology text of Protestantism. more was born into a respected French family who arranged for him to study at three universities. After earning his lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more degree, he continued his education by studying humanismWas a movement during the Renaissance to recover and teach the ancient Greek and Roman classics, language, literature, rhetoric, poetry, and history to instill virtue and good government and influenced a concurrent movement within Christianity to reform of the Church... more at a school in Paris, where he began his gradual intellectual conversionThis term is derived from the Latin word for “turning,” and is a theological term that refers to one turning his will from evil to good and is generally used to denote one becoming a Christian and/or joining a particular... more to Protestantism. He had to flee Catholic France, and in 1836, he began to write a clear, systematic explanation of ProtestantContrary to popular belief, the term does not refer to protest against the Roman Catholic Church. The term original refers to a formal protest lodged by Lutheran princes against an unfavorable decision made by the imperial Diet of Speyer in... more theology, which synthesized both Luther’s and Zwingli’s precepts. His masterpiece, The Institutes of the Christian Religion, became the standard doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more of Reformed Protestantism. His main thesis was that God is a supreme, transcendent, incomprehensible being. Man’s duty is not to know the incomprehensible but to worship and obey Him. Proper worship became the focus of the Reformed traditionThis word comes from a Latin term meaning “to hand down,” that originally referred to the teaching of the apostles as handed down in the churches they founded, which led to these churches gaining authority of other locations due to... more as they viewed it as the only way to span the vast expanse between man and God to connect with the Divine.

CalvinJohn Calvin (A.D. 1509-1564) French Protestant theologian who lived most of his adult life in Geneva. He was the most influential figure in Reformed theology and author of the Institutes, the most important systematic theology text of Protestantism. more stressed the sovereignty of God. Based on this foundation, he emphasized the doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more of predestinationThe Augustinian doctrine that God bestows the grace of salvation on some individuals while assigning others to hell, independent of human choice or actions. This concept was shared by Aquinas, Luther, and John Calvin, with Calvin emphasizing and expanding it... more more than Augustine(A.D. 354-430) Bishop of Hippo in North Africa, the most influential theologian of the West, known especially for his doctrine of grace, including related doctrines of original sin and predestination. more and LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more. Everything was predestined according to God’s eternal plan, (which was incomprehensible to humans and was unaffected by lowly depraved human flesh). Consequently, some people were predestined to salvation while others were predestined to rot in hell. Humans had no say in it at all. We did, however, have the ability to learn if we were one of the few individuals whom God had elected to save. Individuals Could know, and should find out, if they were saved. This was realized through a born-again experience in which one felt converted by the Holy Spirit, which was later expressed in their course of conduct. This was Calvin’s radical innovation to Christian theology, leading to a “once-in-a-lifetime born-again experience” becoming a central theme of most ProtestantContrary to popular belief, the term does not refer to protest against the Roman Catholic Church. The term original refers to a formal protest lodged by Lutheran princes against an unfavorable decision made by the imperial Diet of Speyer in... more denominations. 2

CalvinJohn Calvin (A.D. 1509-1564) French Protestant theologian who lived most of his adult life in Geneva. He was the most influential figure in Reformed theology and author of the Institutes, the most important systematic theology text of Protestantism. more felt he was called of God to establish a new church that would infuse civil institutions with the religious furor of the original apostolic church. Like ZwingliUlrich Zwingli (or Huldrych) (A.D. 1484–1531) Swiss pastor and theologian based in Zurich, a founding figure of the Reformed Protestant tradition, most famous for his low view of the Eucharist. more, he was determined to reform society through the fusion of church and state. In 1536 he had his first opportunity to implement his ideas when the city of Geneva asked him to assist in their reformation process. His strict moral reforms, however, proved too drastic for the nobility, who were not particularly interested in commoners scrutinizing their daily life, and he was asked to leave in 1538. Three years later, however, the city council invited CalvinJohn Calvin (A.D. 1509-1564) French Protestant theologian who lived most of his adult life in Geneva. He was the most influential figure in Reformed theology and author of the Institutes, the most important systematic theology text of Protestantism. more back and agreed to adopt the constitution of a new church and pass a city ordinance mandating several moral reforms, including the abolition of gambling, drinking, and dancing. Even though the civil and ecclesiastic institutions remained separate, they cooperated in their common goal of creating an orderly community which reflected God’s glory.

The new church was run by a consistoryIs the Calvinist institution that governed the of moral and religious discipline of the community and generally consisted of the local pastors and elders. more council comprised of clergyconsists of the priest, ministers and pastors of Christian churches. In the medieval church this term referred to both regular priest who were monks subject to a rule (regula) of a monastic order and secular priest who were not monks... more and laymen elders who met every week. The elders were chosen by the city magistrates and helped enforce the moral code. The clergyconsists of the priest, ministers and pastors of Christian churches. In the medieval church this term referred to both regular priest who were monks subject to a rule (regula) of a monastic order and secular priest who were not monks... more consisted of CalvinJohn Calvin (A.D. 1509-1564) French Protestant theologian who lived most of his adult life in Geneva. He was the most influential figure in Reformed theology and author of the Institutes, the most important systematic theology text of Protestantism. more as the sole doctor of theology, pastors who would preach sermons, and deacons who would administer relief to the poor. Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more services consisted of prayers, singing and a sermon, similar to typical ProtestantContrary to popular belief, the term does not refer to protest against the Roman Catholic Church. The term original refers to a formal protest lodged by Lutheran princes against an unfavorable decision made by the imperial Diet of Speyer in... more services today.

Even though CalvinJohn Calvin (A.D. 1509-1564) French Protestant theologian who lived most of his adult life in Geneva. He was the most influential figure in Reformed theology and author of the Institutes, the most important systematic theology text of Protestantism. more did not hold any official civil position, he ruled the city with an iron fist. He believed that because God is all powerful, His church should rule over secularOf the world in contrast to the divine. more kings, rulers and magistrates. CalvinJohn Calvin (A.D. 1509-1564) French Protestant theologian who lived most of his adult life in Geneva. He was the most influential figure in Reformed theology and author of the Institutes, the most important systematic theology text of Protestantism. more demanded complete conformitySee nonconformist. more and was ruthless with anyone who dared oppose him. He arrested an individual who did not believe in the TrinityThe Traditional Christian doctrine that God is simultaneously the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three persons in one, and addresses the relation between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This issue as at the center... more or infant baptismFrom a Greek word meaning “to immerse;” and is an initiatory ritual washing whereby one becomes a member of the Christian community. It involves various symbolic meanings including, cleansing, the death and resurrection of Christ, and a sinners death and... more and had him burned at the stake as a heretic. He exiled his closest advisor over a disagreement involving the interpretation of a passage of scripture, and he banished nobles who refused to comply with his moral reforms. During Calvin’s last decade of life, no one dared oppose him.

CalvinJohn Calvin (A.D. 1509-1564) French Protestant theologian who lived most of his adult life in Geneva. He was the most influential figure in Reformed theology and author of the Institutes, the most important systematic theology text of Protestantism. more founded the University of Geneva where he trained preachers and missionaries in his Reformed theology. CalvinismThe main branch of the Reformed Protestant tradition that took its name from its founder, John Calvin. It is characterized by a strong belief in predestination, anti- and austere lifestyle. It began in Geneva Switzerland and spread though areas of... more spread through France, the Netherlands and Scotland, and some of the Lutheran German princes converted to his Reformed traditionThis word comes from a Latin term meaning “to hand down,” that originally referred to the teaching of the apostles as handed down in the churches they founded, which led to these churches gaining authority of other locations due to... more, creating two main branches of Protestantism in Europe.

As Calvin’s brand of Reformed Protestantism spread, a Dutch Reformed pastor named Jacob ArminiusJacobus Arminius (c. A.D. 1560-1609) Dutch pastor and originator of the form of Protestant theology rejected by the Calvinists at the Synod of Dordt and now called “Arminianism.” more took exception to Calvin’s doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more of double predestinationis a view of predestination that God not only predestines some individuals to go to heaven but that he also predestines others to go to hell. This concept was arguably originated by Calvin but there are traces of this idea... more. Instead, ArminiusJacobus Arminius (c. A.D. 1560-1609) Dutch pastor and originator of the form of Protestant theology rejected by the Calvinists at the Synod of Dordt and now called “Arminianism.” more taught that ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more offered salvation to all, but it was up to each one of us to accept it. The debate regarding free will versus determinism has perplexed societies through the ages. It became hotly contested in the early seventeenth century when Arminianism(A.D. 1618–1619) Reformed theologians reject Arminianism and formulate the five points of Calvinism at the Synod of Dordt in Holland. A Protestant theology that places a greater role on free will in individual salvation than Luthernism and Calvinism. Its name... more took hold within certain factions of the Reformed movement. So, a council of Reformed theologians was held in Holland to deal with this issue. 3

The Synod of Dordtwas a conference of Dutch Reformed theologians held in A.D. 1619 to address Arminianism and formulated the five points of classic Calvinism, represented in the acronym TULIP: T = total depravity; U = unconditional election; L = limited atonement; I... more (1618–1619), rejected the Arminian view and laid out the following classic expression of orthodoxDerived from a Greek term meaning “right belief” and also “right worship.” When the term is not capitalized it typically refers to teachings in Christian traditions that are not heretical. When capitalized it refers to the mainstream Christian tradition in... more CalvinismThe main branch of the Reformed Protestant tradition that took its name from its founder, John Calvin. It is characterized by a strong belief in predestination, anti- and austere lifestyle. It began in Geneva Switzerland and spread though areas of... more:

The teachings of Dordt are aptly summarized as “five-point CalvinismThe main branch of the Reformed Protestant tradition that took its name from its founder, John Calvin. It is characterized by a strong belief in predestination, anti- and austere lifestyle. It began in Geneva Switzerland and spread though areas of... more,” which is defined using the acronym TULIP. “T” is for total depravityIs a Calvinist term for a doctrine they share with Lutherans that every aspect of human existence is corrupted by sin including free will. This does not mean that humans are pure evil but that the effect of original sin... more: No part of human nature is free from corruption because of sinIs violation to God’s Law, and implicitly includes disobedience to God’s the command to love God and one’s neighbor. See mortal sin, original sin. more. Total depravity does not mean human beings are pure evil. Like all Augustinians, Calvinist theologians teach that there is no such thing as pure evil, for all created things are good, and evil can only be a form of nonbeing, an absence, loss, privation, or corruption in what is good. Total depravity means that after the Fall there is no part of human nature that is not corrupted by sinIs violation to God’s Law, and implicitly includes disobedience to God’s the command to love God and one’s neighbor. See mortal sin, original sin. more.

“U” is for unconditional electionFrom the Latin word for "choice," is a doctrine based on the concept that God chooses (predestines) some individuals to salvation while other to damnation. "Unconditional election" is a Calvinist label for the proposition taught by Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, and... more. The doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more of divine electionFrom the Latin word for "choice," is a doctrine based on the concept that God chooses (predestines) some individuals to salvation while other to damnation. "Unconditional election" is a Calvinist label for the proposition taught by Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, and... more (from the Latin word for “choice”) is about God’s eternal choice as to whom he will save. Unconditional electionFrom the Latin word for "choice," is a doctrine based on the concept that God chooses (predestines) some individuals to salvation while other to damnation. "Unconditional election" is a Calvinist label for the proposition taught by Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, and... more, taught by Augustine(A.D. 354-430) Bishop of Hippo in North Africa, the most influential theologian of the West, known especially for his doctrine of grace, including related doctrines of original sin and predestination. more, AquinasThomas Aquinas (c. A.D. 1225-1274) Dominican friar, teacher at the University of Paris, central figure of medieval scholasticism, and the most authoritative theologian of the Roman Catholic tradition; known for his use of Aristotelian philosophy and his conception of supernatural... more, LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more, and CalvinJohn Calvin (A.D. 1509-1564) French Protestant theologian who lived most of his adult life in Geneva. He was the most influential figure in Reformed theology and author of the Institutes, the most important systematic theology text of Protestantism. more, is the doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more that God’s choice determines who will have faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more. Election is unconditional in that nothing in us, neither merit nor faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more, is a condition or cause of God’s electionFrom the Latin word for "choice," is a doctrine based on the concept that God chooses (predestines) some individuals to salvation while other to damnation. "Unconditional election" is a Calvinist label for the proposition taught by Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, and... more.

“L” is for limited atonementIs also called “particular redemption,” which maintains that Jesus did not die for everyone but only for those whom he had previously elected to save. This doctrine was articulated in the Synod of Dordt and is the most controversial part... more. This is more accurately called “particular redemption.” The doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more is about the scope of God’s intention in the death of ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more: Did he intend to redeem everyone? The Calvinists, reasoning that God could not fail to achieve his intention, concluded that he did not intend to redeem all. The implication that ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more did not die for everybody makes this the most controversial doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more taught at Dordt.

“I” is for irresistible graceRefers to the Calvinist teaching articulated in the Synod of Dordt that a sinner cannot resist the grace of God when God elects to give grace to that sinner, even if he did not initially want it. God’s grace creates... more. This means that God’s gift of graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more is always effective: If it is given, it is received. For Calvinists, graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more is the cause of our choosing to accept ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more in faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more and be saved.

“P” is for perseveranceBased on or related to the Augustinian theology that God grants a gift of grace to some, but not all, believers to enable them to remain faithful to the end of their lives. In Calvinist theology, the gift of true... more of the saintsIs a term used in the New Testament for Christian believers. In Roman Catholicism it refers to officially canonized, deceased holy men and women who can intercede with God on behalf of ordinary men and women and whose ascension to... more. This is the radically new doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more of CalvinJohn Calvin (A.D. 1509-1564) French Protestant theologian who lived most of his adult life in Geneva. He was the most influential figure in Reformed theology and author of the Institutes, the most important systematic theology text of Protestantism. more, that all who truly have faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more will persevere in faith to the end. It implies, contrary to Augustine(A.D. 354-430) Bishop of Hippo in North Africa, the most influential theologian of the West, known especially for his doctrine of grace, including related doctrines of original sin and predestination. more and the whole previous Christian traditionThis word comes from a Latin term meaning “to hand down,” that originally referred to the teaching of the apostles as handed down in the churches they founded, which led to these churches gaining authority of other locations due to... more, that all who lose or abandon their faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more never really had Christian faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more to begin with.

The Calvinist doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more of perseveranceBased on or related to the Augustinian theology that God grants a gift of grace to some, but not all, believers to enable them to remain faithful to the end of their lives. In Calvinist theology, the gift of true... more had effects on all later ProtestantContrary to popular belief, the term does not refer to protest against the Roman Catholic Church. The term original refers to a formal protest lodged by Lutheran princes against an unfavorable decision made by the imperial Diet of Speyer in... more doctrines of justificationThis term comes from the root Latin word “jus” meaning law or right and “Justus” meaning justice. The words “justification” and “righteous” are different translation of the same Latin word and literally means “becoming just.” The central issue of the... more, generating a distinctively ProtestantContrary to popular belief, the term does not refer to protest against the Roman Catholic Church. The term original refers to a formal protest lodged by Lutheran princes against an unfavorable decision made by the imperial Diet of Speyer in... more focus on conversionThis term is derived from the Latin word for “turning,” and is a theological term that refers to one turning his will from evil to good and is generally used to denote one becoming a Christian and/or joining a particular... more. This explains why Protestants treat justificationThis term comes from the root Latin word “jus” meaning law or right and “Justus” meaning justice. The words “justification” and “righteous” are different translation of the same Latin word and literally means “becoming just.” The central issue of the... more as happening only once in a lifetime, when we are converted to faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more. For after that point, we are sure to be saved eternally.4

Some of the Reformed traditionThis word comes from a Latin term meaning “to hand down,” that originally referred to the teaching of the apostles as handed down in the churches they founded, which led to these churches gaining authority of other locations due to... more did not accept the precept of limited atonementIs also called “particular redemption,” which maintains that Jesus did not die for everyone but only for those whom he had previously elected to save. This doctrine was articulated in the Synod of Dordt and is the most controversial part... more, and they became known as “four-point Calvinists.” In their nuanced view, Christ died to save all mankind (“universalism”) but only on the condition that they believe. However, only those predestined for salvation came to have saving faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more. This view was adopted by some of the Puritans in the seventeenth century. JohnJohn (c. A.D. 6–100) was a Jewish fisherman, chosen by Jesus to be one of his 12 Apostles, and appears to have developed an especially close bond with Jesus. John outlived the other Apostles and heavily influenced early Christian thinkers... more Wesley(A.D. 1703–1791) Anglican priest, revival preacher and organizer, and together with his brother Charles, a founding figure of Methodism, whose theology combines Arminianism and Pietism and is known for a strong emphasis on sanctification, including the expectation that believers will... more later adopted Arminius’s doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more and became very successful preaching a gospel of grace available to everyone.

There was another nuanced split among the Calvinists regarding the fall of AdamAccording to Jewish, Christian and Muslim scriptures, Adam was the first human being created by God out of the dust of the earth as the last step of creation. All humans descended from Adam and his wife, Eve, after they... more and EveAccording to Jewish, Christian and Muslim scriptures, all humans descended from Eve after she disobeyed God and partook of a forbidden fruit, causing a fallen world of sin and suffering. (See Adam.) more. One group held that God decreed predestinationThe Augustinian doctrine that God bestows the grace of salvation on some individuals while assigning others to hell, independent of human choice or actions. This concept was shared by Aquinas, Luther, and John Calvin, with Calvin emphasizing and expanding it... more as a result of his decree that AdamAccording to Jewish, Christian and Muslim scriptures, Adam was the first human being created by God out of the dust of the earth as the last step of creation. All humans descended from Adam and his wife, Eve, after they... more fall into sinIs violation to God’s Law, and implicitly includes disobedience to God’s the command to love God and one’s neighbor. See mortal sin, original sin. more. Another group taught that God decreed Adam’s Fall as a means of carrying out His prior decree of predestinationThe Augustinian doctrine that God bestows the grace of salvation on some individuals while assigning others to hell, independent of human choice or actions. This concept was shared by Aquinas, Luther, and John Calvin, with Calvin emphasizing and expanding it... more.

Over the decades, many other groups split off from Calvin’s Reformed traditionThis word comes from a Latin term meaning “to hand down,” that originally referred to the teaching of the apostles as handed down in the churches they founded, which led to these churches gaining authority of other locations due to... more. Its progeny created a vast tree of diverse ProtestantContrary to popular belief, the term does not refer to protest against the Roman Catholic Church. The term original refers to a formal protest lodged by Lutheran princes against an unfavorable decision made by the imperial Diet of Speyer in... more denominations incorporating various aspects of Calvin’s theology.

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The Early Protestant Reformation

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Christian Theories Regarding the Atonement