Calvinist

A Calvinist is an adherent of Calvinism, a major branch of Protestant theology named after John Calvin, a French reformer who helped shape the Reformed tradition in the 16th century. Calvin's principal writings, particularly Institutes of the Christian Religion, articulated a view of God's sovereignty, grace, and salvation that influenced churches in Geneva and beyond. The tradition is commonly summarized by the Five Points of Calvinism, often remembered by the acronym TULIP: Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and Perseverance of the saints.

Calvinism contributed to the formation of the Reformed family of churches and distinct ecclesiastical structures. In Scotland, it shaped Presbyterianism; in the Netherlands, the Dutch Reformed Church; in France, the Huguenots; and in other regions, various Reformed and Congregational communities. The movement emphasizes covenant theology, a governance model often associated with presbyterian or congregational structures, and a focus on preaching, catechesis, and church discipline.

Throughout its history, Calvinism has interacted with other streams of Protestantism, including Lutheran and Anabaptist currents. In the modern era, Calvinist theology remains a major thread within global Reformed churches, with regional expressions in Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. Adherents are commonly described as Calvinists or as members of Reformed or Presbyterian churches, among others, reflecting a spectrum of doctrinal emphases within the wider tradition.