The Take-Away - Presbyterianism

 John Calvin

John Calvin, the person whose theology became a huge part of Presbyterianism, went a little farther than Luther.  He had a profound conversion experience, and, at 26, wrote Institutes of Christian Religion.  This text is the intellectual lens through which Presbyterians understand theology.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."    - Mark 12:30

Five Points of Calvinism *
1. Total Depravity - we were born into sin, fundamentally broken, and cannot save ourselves
2. Unconditional Election - some people elected (chosen) by God for eternal life and others chosen for eternal damnation
3. Limited Atonement - Jesus died for those who were chosen
4. Irresistible Grace - God will win you over if you are part of the elect
5. Perseverance of the Saints - the elect might stray from the path but never from God's grip

Strong belief in the SOVEREIGNTY of God - God's will IS going to be done, nothing happens outside God's will *

God is constantly working in our lives.  The problem exists when we are not always listening and looking.  We should pray that God would use us each day.

* While these beliefs were foundational in the theology of John Calvin, opinions have changed over the years where not all Presbyterians agree with the strict beliefs of predestination and the idea that nothing happens outside of God's will.

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Hamilton, Adam.  Christianity's Family Tree.   Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2007.

The Take-Away - Lutheranism

 Martin Luther

Adam Hamilton's summary of what we can take away from Lutheranism:

Lutheranism sprang from Martin Luther's dissatisfaction with the Roman Catholic Church.  He grew up in a home where religion was based on fear.  The Protestant Reformation arose as many people believed the Church needed reform.  Indulgences infuriated Luther, and he stated his rejection of many current Church practices in the 95 Theses.  Lots of other people were struggling in their beliefs also, and this message of discontent spread like wildfire.

Central beliefs of Lutheranism
1.  Priesthood of all Believers - Everyone is called to use the gifts God has given us.  All of us are called to be in ministry.
2.  The Christian's Compass - God speaks to ordinary people through the Scriptures.
3.  Justification by Faith - Luther searched for a God of mercy and determined that God is looking for us to trust Him and trust in His love.  Our right standing before God is a gift of God - NOT because of good works.  We need to live in a grateful response and trust in His love.  God affirms us and loves us.  He loves us more than we can ever believe.

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Hamilton, Adam.  Christianity's Family Tree.   Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2007.

The Take-Away - Catholicism

I really enjoyed Adam Hamilton's discussion of what we can learn from Catholicism:

1.  The Power of Ritual - rituals shape our soul
2.  The Power of Reverence - how we honor God
3.  The Power of the Eucharist - the focus of worship and the presence of God, a moment where we connect to Christ on the cross - we need God's grace and mercy


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Hamilton, Adam.  Christianity's Family Tree.   Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2007.