What is John Calvin's Philosophy?
presume mean protestant theologian in first half of 16thc.
philosophy (apart incidentals attacking corruption in existing church) theological position defined.
1...god knows everything, , can everything.
2...hence, happens, happens through god's will.
3...knowing includes knowing future.
4...god knows, , knew since before created universe, every detail of future course. in particular, knows have faith , not - , saved , not.
5...it follows our life, , happens after death, predetermined. can nothing change it. no effort of ours can make difference, still less earn salvation. sinners, , deserve hell.
6...faith basis salvation. human perspective, god gives of 'grace' (free gift) of faith, , therefore admission heaven. these known 'elect' or chosen. rest of on slippery slope bonfire.
7...politically, made difference. thought among elect believed gave them divine right rule. others - 'reprobate' - had in principle no political rights. needless say, rulers ended being calvin , friends: human nature not change, if 1 of god's elect.
rather dismal philosophy led lot of soul-searching , neurotic depression - "am saved or damned?" big question, , there no answers. constant self-criticism normal condition. living in calvin's geneva must have been rather living through china's cultural revolution.
hope helps.
i need know joust thing im doing in class called philosophy , ethnics.
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