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Religions/Belief Systems - Calvinism
Calvinism is the branch of Protestantism primarily founded by Jean Chauvin (John Calvin) (1509-1564). In his book `Institutions of the Christian Religion` he justifies Protestantism from a logical point of view.
The defining principle of Calvinism is the doctrine that God has predestined some to the `efficacious grace and the gift of salvation` while others are destined to eternal damnation.
Calvinism tended to promote industrious labor. While the Calvinist claimed that one should be thrifty and shun luxury they also thought of wealth as an outward sign of God’s favor. In this way the Calvinist were instrumental in changing the mediaeval Christian notions that more or less equated poverty with virtue and wealth with wickedness. Calvinism must be considered a factor in the rise of `Capitalism`.