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Calvinism, a term used in several different senses. It may indicate the teachings expressed by John Calvin himself; it may be extended to include all that developed from his doctrine and practice in Protestant countries in social, political, as well as theological, aspects of life and thought; or it may be employed as the name of that system of doctrine accepted by the Reformed churches. Calvinism differed from Lutheranism in the aspects regarding the sacrament of the Lord�s Supper. Luther believed in the political subordination of the church to the state; Calvinism produced the church-dominated societies of Geneva and Puritan New England. Calvinism stressed the absolute sovereignty of God�s will, held that only those whom God specifically elects are saved, that this election is irresistible, and that individuals can do nothing to effect this salvation. Industrialization was stimulated by the concepts of thrift, industry, sobriety, and responsibility that Calvin preached as essential to the achievement of the reign of God on earth. |
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