A fantastic article from the Christian Science Monitor on a theological and cultural shift in the American church today, between "emergence Christianity" and "new Calvanism".
Since the article doesn't actually lay out a good definition of Calvanism, I thought I'd give a short introduction. The main beliefs of Calvanism are often distilled into the "five points":
- Total Depravity (also known as Total Inability or Original Sin)
We are completely sinful, and in complete enmity with God in our natural state, unable to, of our own will, turn to God for salvation.
- Unconditional Election
God elects, or chooses, some to be saved, and others not, by virtue of His will, not our actions or our future choice to have faith.
- Limited Atonement
Jesus died only for those elected by God. Though Jesus' sacrifice was and is sufficient for all, it was not efficacious for all.
- Irresistible Grace
The elect cannot resist the working of the Holy Spirit that brings them to a position in which they willingly come to God.
- Perseverance of the Saints (or Once Saved Always Saved)
Those truly saved are eternally secure in Christ. No action can cause the loss of salvation.
These can be abbreviated as "TULIP" for those of you who are acronym-minded.
The "opposite" interpretation of the Scriptures that support Calvanism lead to a theology known as Arminianism. Finally, one can believe in any or all of the above points, making them what people label a "4-point" or "5-point" Calvanist, for example. If I were to label myself, I would be a "4-1/2-point Calvanist", as I have difficulty with unconditional election as I don't think it properly describes a God who is outside of time.
As the article says: "Today we have more Bibles and more study guides to Scripture than ever before, but people know the text itself less and less."
I would encourage you to know what the Bible says, to, in the words of
The Matrix, "know thyself", to what you believe, and to be prepared to give account to God for those beliefs and your resulting lifestyle as in
Romans 14:1-12.