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History and dogma
Some persons do not hold to all five points, and refer to themselves by the number of "points" to which they adhere. For example, a number of people agree with all points except for Limited Atonement, and thus refer to themselves as "Four Point Calvinists".
Some persons do not hold to all five points, and refer to themselves by the number of "points" to which they adhere. For example, a number of people agree with all points except for Limited Atonement, and thus refer to themselves as "Four Point Calvinists".
== Doctrine ==
The basic distinction of Calvinism is that it teaches that the purpose of all creation is to glorify God. That is therefore the central theme of Calvinism. It also emphasizes God's supremacy over all spheres of life, holding firmly to the doctrine of [[divine providence]].
Calvin himself published his ''Institutes of the Chrstian Religion'' in 1559. This comprehensive work is characterized by his motto of ''Sola Sacra Scriptura'', because he believed the [[Bible]] to be the absolute authority in all matters of faith and containing all that is neccasary for salvation.
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.
=== 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).
Calvinism spread to different parts of the world, most notably the [[USA]] and [[South Africa]] The English [[Puritans]] and Scottish [[Presbyterians]], 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.
<H3>Well Known Calvinists</h3>
<H3>Well Known Calvinists</h3>