We gave a brief introduction to Reformed Theology last time. This time we will begin with understanding the similarities and differences between Calvinistic and Reformed Theologies. The first similarity, as mentioned last time, is that both hold tightly (along with many other Protestants) to the Five Solas.

A second similarity is that both Calvinistic and Reformed theologies hold to the Five Points of Calvinism. What are the Five Points of Calvinism?

First, the Five Points were not the brainchild of, nor were they written by John Calvin. Calvinism predates John Calvin in that it is Augustinian (St. Augustine, 354-430). Before that, Calvinism is Pauline (the Apostle Paul).

Second, the Five Points were actually written after Calvin died in 1564. The tenets of Calvinism were fairly well known and embraced by Reformed Protestants, though not officially written. One opposing view was later championed by a Dutch theologian named Jacobus Arminius (1560-1609). After both Calvin and Arminius were deceased, a Synod (theological council) met in the Dutch city of Dort in 1618-1619, too consider the matter.

The students of Arminius wrote five articles opposing the standard Reformed/Protestant view of salvation. This document was called the Remonstrance, meaning opposition. The students of Calvin countered the five points of the Remonstrance, point by point, with what we now call the Five Points of Calvinism.

The decision of the Synod strongly favored the Calvinist views in opposition to the Arminian views. The council deemed the Arminian views as serious theological error, anathematizing the Remonstrants (the adherents of Arminianism).

So, what are the five articles of the Remonstrance and the five points of Calvinism? Next time.