Talk:Presbyterianism

I'm not Presbyterian but this is "what it emphasizes" is pretty protestant general, non? " Presbyterian theology typically emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Scriptures, and the necessity of grace through faith in Christ." What makes Pres different from say Methodists? GodotMoi j'dis, laisse beton 17:38, 16 November 2011 (UTC)

Presbyterians are Calvinists; Methodists are Arminians. There are very very significant differences that noticeably these groups' various approaches to charity, evangelism, and earth stewardship. The differences are best stated in the Five Points of Calvinism, which was written as a response to the wp:Five articles of Remonstrance (what became known as the Armininian position) - both were part of early struggles to resolve key differences among Reformed protestant churches. See also, the Westminster Confession of Faith.

1. Arminians believe that man has free will to accept or reject Christ. Calvinists believe man is by his nature evil and "totally depraved" such that it is only by God's gift of salvation that a man can be saved; he has no choice in the matter.
2. Arminians believe that at or around the time of creation God chose those who would be saved by foreseeing that they would have faith and respond to the "call" by their own free will. Calvinists believe that at or around the time of creation God chose who would be saved for his own reasons due to his own choice, not what a man would do, and thus that men respond to the "call" because of god's choice, not theirs. This is part of the key difference between Calvinists and non-Reformed Theology churches regarding free will - as far as free will matters (as to salvation), Arminian's believe in it and Calvinists don't. I believe without having discussed this with a Calvinist that this is why you'll find that "evangelism" means very different things to Methodists and Presbyterians. Calvinists see no reason to evangelize to strangers because there's no possibility of helping a man toward answering the call and gaining faith. Again, without having discussed this, I suspect what you see Calvinists refer to as evangelism is apologetics (which is biblically commanded) or preaching and celebrating among the elect.
3. Arminians accept what's called "universal redemption" or "general atonement" - Jesus' crucifixion (the culmination of his atonement) was for all men and those who have faith in him (remember that this is a choice) will receive, but have not yet received, salvation. Calvinists believe in "particular redemption" or "limited atonement" - because God already chose who was elect (i.e. no free will) and therefore saved, Jesus' atonement was limited to those people only (that is, it was limited in terms of its reach but not its power to redeem the elect).
4. Due to their acceptance of man's ability to choose faith and receive grace, Arminians treat the "call of the spirit" as resistable. Calvinists, who believe that God chose who would be saved, believe that grace is irresistible. This is also called efficacious call - efficacious in the sense that it works exactly as God intended to confer grace.
5. Arminians believe that man can "fall from grace" by choice. That is, salvation is not a permanent state. I suspect this and the doctrine of conditional election are the reasons evangelicals genuinely care to help you do what's right to get saved. Calvinists believe in the "perseverance of saints," which is the belief that once saved always saved - all based on salvation being God's choice, not man's. The "saints" stuff comes from a reference in Psalms to believers as saints who will be preserved (no conditions stated). 18:33, 16 November 2011 (UTC)

Stolen.GodotMoi j'dis, laisse beton 18:41, 16 November 2011 (UTC)

Yeah well it's not very well written and way too informal. IIRC I already worked on the Calvinism/Five Points article so I'll consider expanding with any new ideas from this. 19:04, 16 November 2011 (UTC)