Calvinist Teachings

Definition

Calvinist teachings are based on the theological doctrines advanced by John Calvin, a French theologian. These include predestination (the idea that God has already decided who will be saved) and total depravity (the concept that humanity is inherently sinful).

Analogy

Imagine you're playing a video game where all your actions have been predetermined - you're just following along with what's already been programmed. That's similar to how Calvinists view life; they believe everything has been predestined by God.

Related terms

Predestination: In theology, it’s a doctrine that all events have been willed by God usually with reference to eventual fate of individual soul.

Protestant Reformation: A major 16th century European movement aimed initially at reforming beliefs and practices of Roman Catholic Church but resulted in creation of Protestant churches distinct from it.

Theocracy: A form of government in which a deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler, but the deity's laws are interpreted by ecclesiastical authorities.