Reformed Christianity

A major Protestant tradition emerging from 16th-century Switzerland and France, shaped especially by John Calvin. Reformed theology emphasizes God’s sovereignty, predestination, covenant theology, and disciplined Christian living. The tradition includes Presbyterian, Reformed, and some Congregationalist churches.

Core Beliefs

Sovereignty of God

Reformed theology begins with God’s absolute sovereignty over all creation, history, and salvation. Nothing occurs outside God’s decree and providence.

Predestination (TULIP)

Classic Reformed theology is summarized by the “Five Points of Calvinism”:

• Total depravity - Sin affects all of human nature
• Unconditional election - God chooses who will be saved, not based on foreseen faith or merit
• Limited atonement - Christ’s death effectively saves the elect
• Irresistible grace - God’s call to salvation cannot be finally refused
• Perseverance of the saints - True believers will persevere in faith

Covenant Theology

Reformed thought structures biblical history around covenants between God and humanity, culminating in the covenant of grace through Christ.

Regulative Principle of Worship

In worship, only what God commands in Scripture should be practiced, avoiding human innovations and traditions not grounded in biblical warrant.

Historical Development

• 1520s-1530s - Ulrich Zwingli leads Reformation in Zurich
• 1536 - John Calvin publishes Institutes of the Christian Religion
• 1541 - Calvin establishes Reformed church in Geneva
• 1559 - Final edition of Calvin’s Institutes; Reformed theology spreads
• 1618-1619 - Synod of Dort codifies Five Points against Arminianism
• 17th century - Westminster Confession (1646) becomes standard for Presbyterian churches
• Modern era - Reformed churches worldwide; Dutch, Scottish, Korean growth

Practices

Presbyterian Polity

Many Reformed churches govern through a system of elders (presbyters) organized in ascending church courts: local sessions, regional presbyteries, and national general assemblies.

Covenant Baptism

Infants of believing parents receive baptism as a sign of God’s covenant, anticipating future faith.

Sabbath Observance

Reformed tradition emphasizes Sunday as the Christian Sabbath, a day of rest and worship.

Liturgy

Reformed worship is simpler than Lutheran or Anglican, focusing on Scripture reading, preaching, prayer, psalm singing, and the sacraments (when administered).

Church Structure

Presbyterian governance features rule by elders (teaching elders/pastors and ruling elders) rather than bishops or congregational democracy. This “middle way” balances accountability with representative oversight.

Geographic Distribution

Reformed Christianity is strong in the Netherlands, Scotland, parts of Switzerland, South Africa (Dutch Reformed), South Korea, and among some communities in the United States and Canada.

Relation to Other Christian Traditions

Reformed theology emerged alongside Lutheranism but differs on the Eucharist (spiritual presence vs. real presence) and predestination. Reformed churches were more willing than Lutherans to break with Catholic liturgical forms. Relations with Baptists and other free churches have sometimes been tense over infant baptism and church-state issues, though both share Protestant commitments to Scripture and grace.