Presbyterian Religion -16th century subset of the Protestant
Reformation
Presbyterian Religion
A Brief Overview of the Presbyterian Faith
Presbyterians trace their beginnings back to the 16th century
and the Protestant Reformation. The writings of a French lawyer
and later theologian named John Calvin are the basis of the
Presbyterian religion and heritage today.
Some of the principles that John Calvin wrote about continue
to be at the core of Presbyterian beliefs. The Presbyterian
Church U.S.A. website, the largest of the Presbyterian denominations,
lists their beliefs as follows:
- Sovereignty of God or God is the supreme authority
throughout the universe.
- The authority of the scripture described as knowledge
of God and God's purpose for humanity comes from the Bible,
particularly what is revealed in the New Testament through
the life of Jesus Christ.
- Justification by grace through faith and the priesthood
of all believers meaning salvation (justification) through
Jesus is God's generous gift to [everyone] and not the result
of [individual] accomplishments.
Presbyterians have a Book of Confessions in addition to the
Bible that contains statements confessing their beliefs. These
statements cover their understanding of God and what God expects
of them, in accordance with the fundamental beliefs above.
It is left to each individual to understand what these principles
mean in their own lives.
Other facts about the Presbyterian Faith:
There are several different Presbyterian Sects throughout
the world; some of the largest are The Presbyterian Church
U.S.A., Presbyterian Church in America, Associate Reformed
Presbyterian Church, Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the
The Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Each sect adheres to different
writings of John Calvin and varies on their interpretations.
The different denominations vary when it comes to topics such
as covenant theology vs. dispensationalism, temperance, ecumenism
and premillennialism.
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