📖 Biblical Definition
Neo-Calvinism builds on the Reformation's recovery of sovereign grace and extends it to a comprehensive worldview. Its central insight is that Christ is Lord not only of the church but of all creation. "The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof" (Psalm 24:1). Every sphere of human endeavor — art, science, politics, education, commerce — belongs to God and must be brought under Christ's authority (Colossians 1:18). This is rooted in the creation mandate (Genesis 1:28) and the Great Commission. Neo-Calvinism rightly insists that the gospel is not merely about saving souls for heaven but about Christ's cosmic redemption of all things.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
The term "Neo-Calvinism" did not exist in 1828.
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CAL'VINISM, n. The theological tenets or doctrines of Calvin, who taught particular election, irresistible grace, original total depravity, perseverance of the saints, and particular redemption. Note: Webster knew classical Calvinism as the soteriology of the Reformation. Neo-Calvinism extends these doctrines into a comprehensive cultural vision, applying God's sovereignty not only to salvation but to every domain of human life.
📖 Key Scripture
• Psalm 24:1 — "The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein."
• Colossians 1:18 — "That in everything he might be preeminent."
• Genesis 1:28 — "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it."
• 2 Corinthians 10:5 — "We take every thought captive to obey Christ."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Can devolve into cultural triumphalism that neglects personal piety and evangelism.
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Neo-Calvinism's greatest strength — its comprehensive vision of Christ's lordship — becomes its greatest danger when it produces cultural triumphalism without personal holiness. The movement can produce intellectuals who write brilliantly about "redeeming culture" while neglecting personal prayer, evangelism, and local church faithfulness. "Sphere sovereignty" can become an excuse for compartmentalization rather than integration. Furthermore, some neo-Calvinist institutions have drifted leftward, using the language of cultural engagement to justify accommodation to secular progressive ideologies. The corrective is to remember that cultural transformation flows from regenerate hearts, not from institutional programs — and that the primary mission of the church remains the proclamation of the gospel, not the reformation of society.
Usage
• "Neo-Calvinism rightly insists that there is not a square inch of creation over which Christ does not say 'Mine!' — but this vision must begin with surrendered hearts, not cultural programs."
• "The best of neo-Calvinism integrates robust soteriology with a comprehensive worldview; the worst reduces Christianity to cultural commentary."