Definition

1. Noun:

   • An adherent of the theological doctrines of John Calvin: A person who follows the Protestant Christian theology and teachings associated with the 16th-century reformer John Calvin.

2. Adjective:

   • Of or relating to or characteristic of Calvinism or its adherents: Describing something that pertains to the doctrines, practices, or qualities of Calvinism or those who follow it.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • As a devout Calvinist, she believed strongly in the doctrine of predestination.
  • The theologian was a leading Calvinist of his generation.

• Adjective:

  • The church follows a Calvinist interpretation of scripture.
  • His Calvinist upbringing emphasized God's sovereignty and grace.

Advanced Usage

• "Calvinist work ethic": A concept often associated with the Protestant work ethic, emphasizing hard work, discipline, and frugality as signs of personal duty and possibly divine favor.
  • The company's culture was influenced by a Calvinist work ethic, valuing diligence and efficiency.

Variants and Related Words

• Calvinism (n): The theological system and church practices developed by John Calvin and his followers, emphasizing the sovereignty of God, predestination, and the authority of the Bible.

  • The study focused on the history of Calvinism in Europe.

• Calvinistic (adj): Synonym for the adjective form 'Calvinist'.

  • He held Calvinistic views on salvation.

Synonyms

• Reformed (adj): Often used interchangeably with Calvinist, especially pertaining to churches and theology in the Calvinist tradition.
• Predestinarian (n/adj): Specifically emphasizing the doctrine of predestination, a key tenet of Calvinism.

Related Phrases

• "Five points of Calvinism": A common summary of key Calvinist doctrines, often remembered by the acronym TULIP (Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, Perseverance of the saints).
  • The debate centered on the five points of Calvinism.

Adjective

1. of or relating to or characteristic of Calvinism or its adherents

Noun

1. an adherent of the theological doctrines of John Calvin