The central principle of Calvinism? Some criteria, proposals and questions

Abstract

Is there a ‘central principle’ of Calvinism? This article explores this question mainly from the viewpoint of reformational philosophy. It does so firstly by introducing criteria that should be used to identify, if possible, such a central ‘organon’ of Calvinism. Then a few proposals are evaluated, and their strong and weak points are discussed. The most credible candidate for the role of central principle is argued to be an ‘idea of law’ rooted in the biblical groundmotif and traditionally defined as ‘sphere-sovereignty’. More recent characterisations of this cosmonomic idea are considered. A few objections and alternative proposals are also discussed. The article is concluded with a few questions, calling for further research on the topic.