John Calvin (1509 – 1564)

For our next meeting next Sunday, May 18, we’ll focus on the theology of John Calvin.

Please write a one page summary of one doctrine of Calvinism or Reformed Theology that you are familiar with and state your reasons for or against that particular doctrine (or one that you might have strong questions about).

In your summary, see if you spot any logical, philosophical, or even biblical inconsistencies or contradictions within Reformed theology.  Or defend your position against any criticisms against Reformed theology- do you agree with a particular Reformed doctrine and state your reasons as to why.

You may go into the historical background and development of a particular doctrine as well.

Some topics you can write about:

• “TULIP”
  • Total Depravity (also known as Total Inability and Original Sin)
  • Unconditional Election
  • Limited Atonement (also known as Particular Atonement)
  • Irresistible Grace
  • Perseverance of the Saints (also known as Once Saved Always Saved)
• Predestination
• Original Sin
• The Trinity
• Sola Scriptura (“by Scripture alone”)
• Sola Fide (“by faith alone”)
• Sola gratia (“by grace alone”)
• Solus Christus or Solo Christo (“Christ alone” or “through Christ alone”)
• Soli Deo gloria (“glory to God alone”)
• Reformed view of free will
• Justification by faith alone
• The True Church vs. the False Church (visible church vs. the invisible church)
• The Sacraments, Baptism, Infant Baptism, The Lord’s Supper

Some on-line resources to go to:

• www.monergism.com
• www.reformationtheology.com
• The Institutes of Christian Religion by John Calvin (the entire text)
• The Calvinist Corner (brief overview of Calvinism/Reformed theology)
• What is Reformed Theology?: Understanding the Basics by R.C. Sproul (book you can download if you have a kindle or the kindle app on the basics of Reformed theology)
• Ligonier Ministries – Teaching ministry of R.C. Sproul on Reformed Theology

If you still need more resources, please contact me and I will try to help.

Hope to see you all next week.