Calvinism : Definition and Key Concepts with Examples

Calvinism-Definition, History & Effects

Back in the 16^th century, Calvinism originated as a theological teaching from John Calvin, who separated Calvinists from the beliefs of the Roman Catholics. Calvinism led to the development of Protestants, which also heavily influenced the political, regional, and cultural effects that followed. This area of Christianity called as Protestants follows the theological principles set down by Jon Kelvin.

Some of the significant concepts of Calvinism are the sovereignty of God, the depravity of humanity, and the doctrine of predestination. To get more ideas on this, keep on reading till the end of the guide.

Five Principles of Calvinism

Calvinism is majorly known for the five principles, which were the teachings of John Calvin. Also known as the TULIP, it forms a pillar for the belief of Calvinists. So let’s talk about the five principles in depth:

1) Total Depravity

Total depravity states that all humanity is sinful, and they are incapable of doing anything good on their own. Realizing and accepting the fact that we are all depraved and humanity can only do good deeds by the grace of God.

2) Unconditional Election

Salvation is not ought upon by one's action and merits. It is bought by God and his will and pleasure. Also called as sovereign election, this states that God chose his believer before we came onto this earth. The scripture says that spiritually we are all dead, and it is not humans but god who chooses its believers for salvation.

3) Limited Atonement

This is one of the most misunderstood and controversial teachings of all. Atonement refers to God’s sacrifices for our sins meaning he paid for our sins on our behalf.

However, limited atonement states that gods sacrifice was not for all but for the chosen ones only. This means that he sacrificed himself for the believers and those chosen as believers by God himself and not for all.

4) Irresistible Grace

Irresistible grace, the term is enough to understand what this means. This states that those who God chooses cannot resist the grace of God and becomes a believer ultimately. This does not mean that one is a sole believer from the beginning. This means that even if they are not god’s disciples, If God chooses, they cannot resist the urge to turn to God forever.

Also called effectual grace, the choosers, by God, will feel gods blessing and eventually become a believer.

5) Perseverance of Saints

One who is a believer will never fall away from Christian beliefs. And if they do, then they were never chosen in the first place. Those who believe in god grace are already subjected to eternal life and well not flee away from perseverance in faith.

These were the major beliefs of Calvinism which some accepted while others had huge disagreements upon.

The Spread of Calvinism

We see a huge upsurge of Calvinism in the 15^th century which began and was encouraged by Calvin himself. It spread to the France, England, Scotland, and the Netherlands. Geneva became the center of Calvinism, where Calvinism was taught to people, who came from other continents. After this they were told to return to their native land to spread the word. He also supported the Calvinists with letters of encouragement and advice.

The Calvinist leader of Scotland, John Knox, called Geneva the perfect school of Christ ever on earth since the Apostles.

Calvinism was gaining quick popularity due to its contrasting beliefs and notions. In Geneva, it was popular among the upper and low classes. Ministers and commoners started taking an interest in this belief which spread it across all borders. View Examples

Criticism in Calvinism

As quickly as Calvinism grew, it fell under the eyes of many. Later disciples of Calvinism transformed the teaching for their own benefit. Many were also not happy with the concept of limited atonement, stating that god is universal and he loves everyone equally, meaning God chose no destined believers. God was kind, and he had equal mercy for all.

Many believed that Calvinism was a way to give birth to false believers and pull them away from the path of God. Several people believe that be it good or bad, everything happens according to God's will, while others argue that it leads to a more carefree way of living without fearing God's judgments.

Examples of Calvinism

Once Calvinism was started, it spread like wildfire. The new teachings have moved many and others thought this was superior rather than believing the old norms.

Calvinism led to the Puritan movement in England and America in the 17th century. Puritan Calvinists were those who wanted to free the churches from catholic beliefs. They thought that by doing so, they were purifying the church.

Calvinism was also seen influencing political leaders and ministers. John Adams, the second prime minister of the United, States, ended up drafting Calvinism beliefs in the US Constitution which later got embedded in the American political system.

Since it had a heavy influence on people, many believe that it was Calvinism that started modern-day capitalism. Those who thought they were not believers looked for ways to outshine and beat the present life by introducing capitalism, leading many away from the path of God.

Surely it has a high influence over arts, too, since Puritans and Calvinist believers did not entertain traditional art and entertainment. Rather they accepted broad literature and poetry, which craved the pathway for modernism to creep in.

Conclusion

Calvinism is a theological belief system started by Sir John Calvin. His teachings led to the development of Protestants whose belief’s differed from the Catholics. Calvinism was more of a logical and demanding belief which many believe was an eye-opener. At the same time, others argued that this was simple means to persuade one away from God to meet their own temptations and beliefs.

Well, it was strongly liked and disliked by many, but it has made its presence known in the world for a long time. Overall, Calvinism was a very popular concept, which still exists in our system today.