Calvinism

[kal-vuh-niz-uh m]

noun

the doctrines and teachings of John Calvin or his followers, emphasizing predestination, the sovereignty of God, the supreme authority of the Scriptures, and the irresistibility of grace.Compare Arminianism.

adherence to these doctrines.

Origin of Calvinism

First recorded in 1560–70; Calvin + -ism

Related formsCal·vin·ist, noun, adjectiveCal·vin·is·tic, adjectiveCal·vin·is·ti·cal·ly, adverban·ti-Cal·vin·ism, nounan·ti-Cal·vin·ist, noun, adjectivean·ti-Cal·vin·is·tic, adjectivenon-Cal·vin·ist, noun, adjectivenon-Cal·vin·is·tic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for calvinism

Contemporary Examples of calvinism

“Positive thinking starts in the 19th century as a somewhat reasonable response to Calvinism,” she explained.
Why Are You So Damn Happy?
Megan Hustad
October 15, 2009

Historical Examples of calvinism

He persevered in Calvinism after the recantation of the King.
The Memoirs of Madame de Montespan, Complete
Madame La Marquise De Montespan
Calvinism remained the only religion permitted in Holland and Zeeland.
Belgium
Emile Cammaerts
They insisted upon p. 139distinguishing between the tenets of Jansen and Calvinism.
Pascal
John Tulloch
The sequel will show how earnestly Pascal disclaims Calvinism.
Pascal
John Tulloch
Nor could Calvinism have found a home across the northern border.
History of the English People
John Richard Green

British Dictionary definitions for calvinism

Calvinism

noun

the theological system of John Calvin and his followers, characterized by emphasis on the doctrines of predestination, the irresistibility of grace, and justification by faith

Derived FormsCalvinist, noun, adjectiveCalvinistic or Calvinistical, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for calvinism

Calvinism

1560s, from John Calvin (1509-1564), Protestant reformer, + -ism. Alternative form Calvinian was in use in 1566. Generalized association with stern moral codes and predestination is attested since at least 1853. Related: Calvinist.

calvinism in Culture

Calvinism

The religious doctrines of John Calvin. Calvin stressed that people are saved through God's grace, not through their own merits. The most famous of Calvin's ideas is his doctrine of predestination. In the United States, the Presbyterians make up the largest single group of Christians (see also Christian) in the Calvinist tradition.