Calvinism
by Grace Whelan
1. Rituals and Worship
1.1. Met up to five times a week for church services.
1.2. Long sermons that could go on for hours were to teach people the proper way to behave according to the Bible.
1.3. As part of their religious training, children had to be prepared to answer any questions asked by the minister, and failing to answer meant shame or punishment.
1.4. Celebrated only two sacraments, Baptism and the Eucharist, because they were the only two found in the Bible.
1.5. Had plain Churches to reflect their belief in simple surroundings.
2. Community Life
2.1. Ruled by religious laws that were based on the Bible
2.2. All new babies had to have Christian names
2.3. No bars allowed
2.4. Inns
2.4.1. A bible had to be available for all guests
2.4.2. No swearing, dancing, playing cards or dice, or insulting anyone in the Inn and all guests in bed by nine (all broken rules must be reported)
2.5. Home inspections once a year by church elders to make sure everyone was following regulations
2.5.1. Regulations: no alcohol, music, rich foods, cards, ect.
3. Singing, dancing, card-playing, gambling, swearing, going to theatres, drinking alcohol, eating rich meals, and wearing jewelry and extravagant clothing were never allowed.
4. Pastors/Ministers were teachers who helped teach people correct behavior. Elders/Deacons enforced rules of the church and town.
5. Sin and Salvation
5.1. Everyone's salvation was already decided.
5.2. You would not earn your way into heaven if you hadn't already been "chosen" by God before birth
5.3. Only those who were destined for Hell would actually sin
5.4. Those who weren't sure of their predestination tried to follow rules to convince themselves that they were also saved.
5.4.1. Worst crimes were when a person didn't attend church of committed blasphemy.