When discussing issues and doctrine probably the first thing needed is to arrive at a common definition of terms.
“Calvinism”, among other things, is a word that gets tossed around a lot.
Many Baptists consider “Calvinism” to refer to the “Five Points of Calvinism”.
Typically Reformed churches teach one cannot be a Baptist and a Calvinist.
The name “Calvinism” was coined by Lutherans to describe Calvin’s teachings regarding communion.
I do not see where this has been defined before, but I do see that a lack of definition has caused some issues.
I see it two ways.
I think Calvinism (historic Calvinism) is the teaching’ of the Reformed church (Presbyterian). It is based on Calvin’s work and Beza’s classification and exposition of Calvin’s works.
Within Baptist (and often evangelical) circles “Calvinism” usually means an affirmation of the five points of Calvinism. IMHO this should also include Calvinistic presuppositions that are foundational to how Calvinists understand the Five Points (e.g., Penal Substitution Theory; divine retributive justice). So while some have offered Martin Luther (for example) as a Calvinist I’d separate him from the group because of his presentation of the Atonement. I’d not consider myself a Calvinist for the same reason.
But that is just how I would use the term. What does “Calvinism” mean for most here? Is there a common definition?
“Calvinism”, among other things, is a word that gets tossed around a lot.
Many Baptists consider “Calvinism” to refer to the “Five Points of Calvinism”.
Typically Reformed churches teach one cannot be a Baptist and a Calvinist.
The name “Calvinism” was coined by Lutherans to describe Calvin’s teachings regarding communion.
I do not see where this has been defined before, but I do see that a lack of definition has caused some issues.
I see it two ways.
I think Calvinism (historic Calvinism) is the teaching’ of the Reformed church (Presbyterian). It is based on Calvin’s work and Beza’s classification and exposition of Calvin’s works.
Within Baptist (and often evangelical) circles “Calvinism” usually means an affirmation of the five points of Calvinism. IMHO this should also include Calvinistic presuppositions that are foundational to how Calvinists understand the Five Points (e.g., Penal Substitution Theory; divine retributive justice). So while some have offered Martin Luther (for example) as a Calvinist I’d separate him from the group because of his presentation of the Atonement. I’d not consider myself a Calvinist for the same reason.
But that is just how I would use the term. What does “Calvinism” mean for most here? Is there a common definition?