Calvinism
...f doctrine came to be called Calvinism.”(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/calvinism). As far as a general description of Calvinism, many people are mislead in thinking that every major feature of the doctrine of the “Calvinist Churches”, or of all Calvinist movement can be found in Calvin’s writings. Other people are credited as well for much of the final formative influence on Calvinism. Calvin had a successor named Theodore Beza. And there was Franciscus Gomarus, a Dutch theologian who founded the Presbyterian church. There where also a number of other different writers such as John Knox, the English Baptist John Bunyan, the American Jonathan Edwards, and neo-orthodox theologians such as Karl Barth. There is also a simple central issue that tends to represent Calvinism as a whole which is particular soteriology also known as the doctrine of Salvation. This focuses on that man can not add anything from himself to get salvation, and that only god is the starter at every stage of salvation, which includes the formation of faith and every decision to follow Christ. Sometimes people call Calvinism “Augustinianism” because the main issues of Calvinistic soteriology were articulated by St. Augustine in his argument with the British monk Pelagius. An article I found states that “Calvinism places strong emphasis not only on the abiding goodness of the original creation, but also on the total ruin of man’s accomplishments and the frustration of the whole creation caused by sin, and therefore views salvation as a new creating work of God rather than an achievement of those who are saved from sin and death”(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/calvinism). The form of worship used by Calvinist comes form the early church and the holy bible. In discussing the theology of Calvinism, I will write about the five solas, sovereign grace, “life is religion” and the five points. The five solas are a summary of Calvinism. The connection between the solas and Calvinism is total dependence on God. According to Calvinism, every good thing exists because of God’s endless grace, and salvation especially is totally dependent on grace. And, according to sovereign grace, everyone is at the mercy of God, who has chosen to be merciful instead of condemning everyone for their sins. As seen on the web page www.modernreformation.org/jbolgospel.htm, it states that “Calvinist teach these doctrines of grace primarily for the encouragement of the church because they believe the doctrines demonstrate the extent of God’s love in saving those who could not and would not follow him. Gratitude is the primary motivator for continuing sactification.” (www.modernreformation.org/jbolgospel.htm). Calvinist also use the term “Life is religion” meaning that they put god in every aspect of their life. He is seen as the maker of all things, the preserver, and the governor of each and every thing. This gives people the idea to put total dependence in God. A major part of the theology is the five points and these points are:“Total depravity (or total inability): As a consequence of the Fall of man, every person born into the world is enslaved to the service of sin. According to the view, people are not by nature inclined to love God with their whole heart, mind, or strength, but rather all are inclined to serve their own interests over those of their neighbor and to reject the rule of God. Thus, all people by their own faculties are unable to choose to follow God and be saved. Unconditional election: God's choice from eternity of those whom he will bring to himself is not based on foreseen virtue, merit, or faith in those people. Rather, it is unconditionally grounded in God's mercy. Limited atonement (or particular redemption or definite atonement): The death of Christ actually takes away the penalty of sins of those on whom God has c...