One of the signs of modernity is the growing influence of the church on people. Along with Orthodox and Catholic churches, so-called Protestant churches are increasingly appearing in Russia. One of the most stable in this regard is the Calvinist church. In this article, you can learn about its founder, J. Calvin, learn about the Calvinist doctrine, understand what are its main differences and how rituals are performed.
How did the separation of ver happen
The struggle between the existing feudal system in Western Europe and the emerging capitalist one can be considered a prerequisite for the historical division of faiths. The Church in all ages has played an important role in the political life of states. The confrontation that led to the separation of people through religion and creed manifested itself 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:
- lifestyleCatholic priests mired in luxury and vices;
- selling indulgences;
- the Holy Scriptures of Catholics, the rights of churches and monasteries to land allotments were denied.
Reformers, who are supporters of Martin Luther, considered unnecessary the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, as well as the clergy.
Why did the Calvinist doctrine appear
The ranks of the reform movement were expanding, but this does not mean that the supporters agreed with the founder of the religion contrary to the orthodox churches. As a result, different trends in Protestantism arose. One of the most striking examples is Calvinism. He is often compared to the new vitality 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 the teaching of Calvin suggests that everything that the Bible does not require must be removed from the church. Also, this religion cultivates the sovereignty of God, namely, his complete authority everywhere and in everything.
Who is John Calvin (a little biography)
What was the world famous founder of Calvinism like? This movement, in fact, was named after its leader. And it was headed by John Calvin (1509-1564).
He was born in the north of France in the city of Noyon in July 1509 and was quite an educated man for his time. He studied in Paris and Orleans, after which he could work aslegal practice and theology. Adherence to the ideas of reformism did not go unnoticed for him. The young man in 1533 was forbidden to be in Paris. From this moment begins a new milestone in the life of Calvin.
He devotes himself entirely to theology and the preaching of Protestantism. By this time, Jean was seriously engaged in developing the foundations of the Calvinist creed. And in 1536 they were ready. At that time, John Calvin lived in Geneva.
The strongest wins
Between supporters and opponents of Calvin there was a constant fierce struggle. In the end, the Calvinists won, and Geneva became the recognized center of the Calvinist Reformation with unlimited dictatorship and the undeniable authority of the church in all matters of power and government. And from that moment on, Calvin himself, given his merits in creating a new branch of religion, was called the Pope of Geneva.
Dead John Calvin 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
The idea of a church corresponding to this creed, Calvin did not immediately develop. At first, he did not set as his goal to create a church, but later, in order to fight the counter-reformation and various heresies, a church organization was needed, which would bebuilt on republican foundations and would have authority.
The structure of the Calvinist church was seen by Calvin initially as an association of communities headed by a presbyter, who was elected from the secular members of the community. The duty of the preachers was to preach a religious and moral orientation. Note that they did not have a priesthood. Presbyters 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 offenses.
Later, the consistories, which consisted of presbyters and preachers (ministers), began to manage all the affairs of the community.
Everything that concerned the foundations of the Calvinist doctrine was submitted for discussion by the assembly of ministers - the congregation. Then they transformed into synods to fight heresy and defend the doctrine and cult.
The organization of the Calvinist church made it more combat-ready, cohesive and flexible. She was intolerant of sectarian teachings and de alt with dissidents with particular cruelty.
Strictness in everyday life and upbringing is the basis of Calvinism
As for the dominant role of the state or the church, the issue was decided 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 work of the Calvinist church was put at the forefront and considered as a priority form of service to the Creator. Allincome from the labor activity of believers should be put into circulation immediately, and not put aside for a rainy day. This is where one of the main postulates of Calvinism came from. 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 Almighty towards him solely by his success in life.
Rites
Calvin, along with his followers, recognized only two rites: baptism and the Eucharist.
The Calvinist Church believes that grace has nothing to do with sacred rites or outward 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 does not guarantee the salvation of the soul. It does not free a person from original sin, he remains after the ceremony.
As for the Eucharist, people partake of grace, but this is not partaking 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, so it may not be present at the ceremony at all.
Calvin's Bible Interpretation
Calvinism is Protestantreligion, which means that its fundamental rules, as it were, protest against the way Orthodox Christians and Catholics perceive the Bible. Calvin's interpretation of the Bible may be incomprehensible to many, but many people believe in the position he created to this day, so their choice must be respected. For example, Calvin was sure that a person is initially a vicious creature and cannot influence the salvation of his soul in any way. Also, in his teaching, it is stated that Jesus did not die for all mankind, but only in order to remove the sins from some of the elect, to "buy" them from the devil. Based on these and the positions arising from them, the main canons of Calvinism were formed:
- absolute depravity of man;
- chosen by God without reason or conditions;
- partial atonement;
- irresistible grace;
- unconditional security.
In plain language, this can be explained as follows. Being born from sin, a person is already vicious. It is completely 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 completely safe. Therefore, in order to avoid hell, a person needs to do everything so that the Lord marks 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. On theCalvinists today are not as radical and more tolerant.
