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'''Calvinism''' (also known as [[Reformed Churches|Reformed Theology]]) is a system in Christian theology that was first developed by 16th century Protestant theologian [[John Calvin]].

'''Calvinism''' (also known as [[Reformed Churches|Reformed Theology]]) is a system of belief and practice in Christianity that was first developed by the 16th century Protestant theologian, [[John Calvin]].

It is most often summed up by five points, often referred to by the acronym TULIP:

It is most often identified with Calvin's teaching on the question of salvation. His view was summed up by five points, often referred to by the acronym TULIP:

*'''T'''otal Depravity - every person is born with a sinful nature since the fall of man in the [[Garden of Eden]].

*'''T'''otal Depravity - every person is born with a sinful nature since the fall of man in the [[Garden of Eden]].

The opposite of Calvinism is considered to be [[Arminianism]], which was named after Jacobus Arminius.  It should be noted here that neither John Calvin nor Jacobus Arminius truly came up with the theologies named after them, as the ideas contained within the respective beliefs have been debated upon even as far back as Paul in Romans 5.

The opposite of Calvinism is considered to be [[Arminianism]], which was named after Jacobus Arminius.  It should be noted here that neither John Calvin nor Jacobus Arminius truly came up with the theologies named after them, as the ideas contained within the respective beliefs have been debated upon even as far back as Paul in Romans 5.

Calvinists observe two [[sacrament]]s, and see the bread and wine used during the [[Lord's Supper]] as symbolic. They reject baptismal regeneration, but teaches that [[baptism]] is a sign of God's covenanted love and election.

Calvinists observe two [[sacrament]]s, and see the bread and wine used during the [[Lord's Supper]] as symbolic but also that Christ is really present with the worshippers. They are not, therefore, strict representationalists, as many other Protestants are. They reject baptismal regeneration, but teach that [[baptism]] is a sign of God's covenanted love and election.

The doctrines of Calvinism is summarized in the [[Three Forms of Unity]], the [[Westminster Standards]], as well as a few other [[Reformed Churches|Reformed]] confessions.

The doctrines of Calvinism are summarized in the [[Three Forms of Unity]], the [[Westminster Standards]], as well as a few other [[Reformed Churches|Reformed]] confessions.

 

While the sovereignty of God, the supremacy of the Bible, and the process by which men are saved are the most famous elements in Reformed theology, certain social standards, the church's form of government, and the style in which the worship services are conducted are also part of what amounts to "Calvinism." Calvinist worship is much less ceremonial than that associated with [[Lutherans]] and [[Anglicans]] (the two other leading branches of the Reformation). The governance of the local congregation is in the hands of a number of ministers, not just the pastor; and regional assemblies are the highest unit of administration.

=== History ===

=== History ===

The purpose of the Calvinist Reformation was to reform the church back to the Bible in the time of the [[New Testament]]. Calvinists thus hold to the three historic creeds of the Church: the Creed of Athanasius, the Apostle's Creed and the Nicene Creed.  Calvin spent most of his time working in [[Geneva]], [[Switzerland]]. From there, Calvinism spread to the [[Netherlands]], [[Germany]], [[England]], [[Scotland]] and [[Hungary]]. In the different countries, Calvinism developed into different traditions. Although all share the same beliefs, they drew up different confessions. The Dutch Reformed tradition holds to the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Cathegism and the Canons of Dordt, the Swiss hold to the Helvetic Confession and the Scots to the Westminster Standards (Confession and two Cathechisms).

The purpose of the Calvinist Reformation was to reform the church back to the Bible in the time of the [[New Testament]]. Calvinists thus hold to the three historic creeds of the Church: the Creed of Athanasius, the Apostle's Creed and the Nicene Creed.  Calvin spent most of his time working in [[Geneva]], [[Switzerland]]. From there, Calvinism spread to the [[Netherlands]], [[Germany]], [[England]], [[Scotland]] and [[Hungary]].  

 

In the different countries, Calvinism developed into different traditions. Although all share the same beliefs, they drew up different confessions. The Dutch Reformed tradition holds to the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Cathegism and the Canons of Dordt, the Swiss hold to the Helvetic Confession and the Scots to the Westminster Standards (Confession and two Cathechisms).

Calvinism spread to different parts of the world, most notably the [[USA]] and [[South Africa]] The English [[Puritans]] and Scottish [[Presbyterian]]s, as well as smaller numbers of [[German]] and [[Dutch]] immigrants brought Calvinism to the United States in the 17th and 18th centuries. Large numbers of Dutch, Germans and [[French]] [[Huguenots]] also brought their Calvinist faith to South Africa in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

Calvinism spread to different parts of the world, most notably the [[USA]] and [[South Africa]] The English [[Puritans]] and Scottish [[Presbyterian]]s, as well as smaller numbers of [[German]] and [[Dutch]] immigrants brought Calvinism to the United States in the 17th and 18th centuries. Large numbers of Dutch, Germans and [[French]] [[Huguenots]] also brought their Calvinist faith to South Africa in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.