taking it directly to the source
from Calvinism: An Interpretation of Its Basic Ideas, H. Henry Meeter, 1939
(transcript below)
CHAPTER V
THE MAIN POINTS IN THE THEOLOGY OF CALVINISM
There are certain outstanding characteristics in Calvinistic theology, and these all derive their peculiarity from the prominence given to the central dogma of Calvinism: God as Sovereign in His dealings with the universe. The following characteristic doctrines clearly reveal this fact:
- The Calvinist's view of creation.
- His view of the Bible.
- Man.
- Redemption.
- The work of the Holy Spirit.
- His view of the Church.
- Government of the Church.
- The Calvinist's view of the necessity of a strict moral life.
- His view of the covenant of grace.
- Of the divine demand that the whole of man's life—social no less than his individual life—be governed by divine will.
CHAPTER VI
THE CALVINISTIC VIEW OF COMMON GRACE
- A serious problem confronting us: How must we harmonize the high level of science and art and the many excellent things in the cultural life of the Greeks, Romans, and other pagans and unbelievers, with the view of the Bible that these pagans are all totally depraved, unable to do any good?
- Cannot say they are splendid *vices*.
- Pelagian view:
All men are still good after the fall of Adam. - Arminian view:
All men are corrupt, but God gives to all men some power to do good. - Roman Catholic view:
On the natural level all men can do good. - Calvinistic view:
- No change in spiritually bad soul. Remains dead, and can do no good.
- God in His common grace works upon dead soul without renewing it, making it perform externally good acts in spite of itself.
- Can these Products of Common Grace be Called "Good"?
- Not in an absolute sense. Then only God can do good.
- Not even in the sense that believers are said to do good.
- Only as outward good.
- Can these Acts be the Result of Grace in God?
- Meaning of "grace."
- Bible passages speaking of grace to non-elect.
- How can God really give grace to or love those whom He hates?
- Sulpralapsarian view.
- Infralapsarian view.
- Calvin's view.
- The far-reaching Benefit of the Calvinistic View of Common Grace.
CHAPTER VII
CALVINISM AND CULTURE.
- What is Culture?
- Definition of "culture."
- As given in the dictionary.
- Incomplete descriptions.
- Most comprehensive definition.
- Culture ideally considered, or as it would be pursued, even in a sinless world, in a paradise.
- Involves a duty toward nature, man himself, and toward organized humanity.
- Always implies not only a change but improvement.
- Definition of "culture."
