One of the signs of modernity is the growing influence of the church on people. Along with Orthodox and Catholic churches in Russia, so-called Protestant churches are increasingly appearing. One of the most stable in this regard is the Calvinist church. In this article, you can gather information about its founder J. Calvin, learn about Calvinist dogma, understand what its main differences are and how rites are held.
How did the division of faith
A prerequisite for the historical separation of faiths is the struggle between the feudal system existing in Western Europe and the nascent capitalist system. The church in all centuries has played an important role in the political life of states. The confrontation that led to the separation of people through religion and belief was manifested in the bosom of the Catholic Church.
It all started with a speech by Martin Luther, a famous doctor of theology from the University of Wittenberg, which took place at the end of October 1517. He published "95 theses" in which he made claims to the canons of the Catholic Church. Criticized:
- the way of life of Catholic priests, mired in luxury and vices;
- sale of indulgences;
- denied the Holy Scriptures of Catholics, the rights of churches and monasteries on land plots.
Reformers who were supporters of Martin Luther, considered the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, as well as the clergy unnecessary.
Why did Calvinist doctrine appear?
The ranks of the reform movement expanded, but this does not mean that supporters agreed in everything with the founder of the religion, which was contrary to orthodox churches . As a result, different directions in Protestantism arose. One of the most striking examples is Calvinism. He is often compared to the new life forces of the Reformation.
This creed was more radical. Martin Luther based the Reformation on the need to cleanse the church of everything that contradicts the Bible and its fundamental principles. And Calvin’s teaching suggests that you need to remove from the church everything that the Bible does not require. Also, this religion cultivates the sovereignty of God, namely, his full power everywhere and in everything.
Who is Jean Calvin (a little biography)
What was the world-famous founder of Calvinism? This movement, in fact, was named in honor of its leader. And it was headed by Jean Calvin (1509-1564).
He was born in northern France in the city of Noyon in July 1509 and was a fairly educated man for his time. He studied in Paris and Orleans, after which he could engage in both legal practice and theology. Adherence to the ideas of reformism did not pass without a trace for him. In 1533, the young man was forbidden to be in Paris. From this moment begins a new milestone in the life of Calvin.
He is fully committed to the theology and preaching of Protestantism. By this time, Jean was seriously engaged in developing the fundamentals of the creed of the Calvinists. And in 1536 they were ready. At that time, Jean Calvin lived in Geneva.
The strongest wins
Between supporters and opponents of Calvin was a constant fierce struggle. The victory was ultimately won by the Calvinists, and Geneva became the recognized center of the Calvinist Reformation with unlimited dictatorship and undeniable authority of the church in all matters of power and government. And from this moment, Calvin himself, given his merits in creating a new branch of religion, was called the Pope of Geneva only.
Jean Calvin died at the age of 55 in Geneva, leaving behind the main work, “Instruction in the Christian Faith,” and a powerful army of followers from many countries of Western Europe. His teaching was widely developed in England, Scotland, the Netherlands and France and became one of the main directions of Protestantism.
How the Calvinist Church is organized
Calvin did not immediately have an idea of a church corresponding to this creed. At first, he did not set out to create a church, but later, to fight the counter-reformation and various heresies, a church organization was needed that would be built on republican foundations and would have authority.
Calvinist church was initially seen by Calvin as an association of communities led by a presbyter who was elected from secular members of the community. The duty of the preachers was to conduct a sermon of a religious and moral orientation. Please note: they did not have priesthood. The elders and preachers were in charge of the religious life of the community and decided the fate of its members who committed immoral and anti-religious misconduct.
Later consistories, which consisted of elders and preachers (ministers), began to manage all the affairs of the community.
Everything related to the foundations of Calvinist dogma was brought up for discussion by the ministerial meeting — the congregation. Then they were converted into synods to fight heresy and defend a creed and cult.
The organization of the Calvinist church allowed it to be made more efficient, united, and flexible. She was intolerant of sectarian teachings and dealt with dissent with particular cruelty.
Strictness in life and upbringing is the basis of Calvinism
As for the predominant role of the state or church, the issue was resolved unambiguously in favor of the latter.
The leading direction of Protestantism provided for excessive rigor in moral education and in everyday life. There was no question of any desire for luxury and an idle lifestyle. Only the Calvinist church put labor at the forefront and regarded it as a priority form of service to the Creator. All income from the work of believers should immediately go into circulation, and not be put off for a rainy day. From here came one of the main tenets of Calvinism. His Calvinist church briefly interprets as follows: "The fate of man is completely and in all manifestations predetermined by God." A person could judge the attitude of the Most High towards him solely by his successes in life.
Ceremonies
Calvin and his followers recognized only two rites: baptism and the Eucharist.
The Calvinist Church believes that grace has nothing to do with sacraments or external signs. Based on the teachings of J. Calvin, we note that the sacraments have neither symbolic nor blessed meaning.
One of the rites recognized by the Calvinist church is baptism. It is carried out by sprinkling. Calvin’s teaching on baptism has its own view. An unbaptized person cannot be saved, but baptism is not a guarantee of soul salvation. It does not free man from original sin; he remains after the rite.
As for the Eucharist, people taste grace, but this is not a taste of the Body and Blood of Christ, and you can reunite with the Savior by reading the Word of God.
The Eucharist in this church is held once a month, but is optional, therefore, it may be absent from the ceremony.
Calvin Bible Interpretation
Calvinism refers to the Protestant religion, which means that its fundamental rules seem to protest against the way the Orthodox Christians and Catholics perceive the Bible. Calvin’s interpretation of the Bible may not be understandable to many, but many people still believe in the position he created, so their choice must be respected. For example, Calvin was sure that a person was initially a vicious creature and could not in any way influence the salvation of his soul. His teaching also states that Jesus did not accept death for all of humanity, but only in order to remove sins from some of the elect, to “buy” them from the devil. Based on these and the positions arising from them, the basic canons of Calvinism were formed:
- absolute depravity of man;
- God's chosenness without foundation or condition;
- partial atonement for sins;
- irresistible grace;
- unconditional security.
Speaking in simple language, this can be explained as follows. When born from sin, man is already depraved. It is absolutely corrupted and cannot be corrected on its own. If for some reason he is chosen by God, then his grace will be a reliable protection from sins. And in this case, the chosen one is in complete safety. Therefore, in order to avoid hell, a person needs to do everything for the Lord to mark him with his grace.
Development continues
The Calvinist church and its supporters are increasingly appearing in Eastern Europe, which clearly demonstrates the expansion of the geographical boundaries of the doctrine. Today, Calvinists are not so radical and more tolerant.