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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 [[Eucharist|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.

Calvinists observe two [[sacrament]]s, and see the bread and wine used during the [[Eucharist|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, teaching instead that [[baptism]] is a sign of the believer's death to sin and being [[born again]] (which has already taken place), as well as a reminder of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.

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.

The doctrines of Calvinism are summarized in the [[Three Forms of Unity]], the [[Westminster Standards]], The Baptist Confession of Faith, 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.

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; regional assemblies are the highest unit of administration.

=== History ===

=== History ===