r/eformed

2K archived posts · Jul 2014 – Sep 2026

/R/eformed

r/eformed

/R/eformed is a subreddit for the discussion of Reformed Theology and its role in the Christian life. Christians (and non-Christians) of all flavors are welcome to participate.

Created Jul 14, 2014

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R/eformed is a subreddit for the discussion of Reformed Theology and its role in the Christian life. Christians (and non-Christians of all flavors) are welcome to participate.

Reformed refers to the branch of Protestant Christianity that developed during the reformation in Switzerland, Scotland, France and the low countries. John Calvin was (and is) the most influential theologian in the Reformed tradition. In terms of what makes the Reformed different from other Protestant groups, Cornelius Plantinga describes it well:

Our accents lie more on the sovereignty of God, on the authority of Scripture, on the need for disciplined holiness in personal Christian life, and finally, on Christianity as a religion of the Kingdom.

That emphasis on the sovereignty of God over all things is what most clearly distinguishes the Reformed tradition. Part of that is understanding God to be sovereign in salvation - what is commonly known as the five points of Calvinism. Basically, we believe that because we are dead in our sin, man is utterly unable to do anything to save himself - even unable to turn to God. It is only through God's grace of drawing us to him that we are able to have the faith that saves us. This means that we contribute nothing to our own salvation - it is entirely a work of God.

In the U.S. there are two main groups of Reformed churches: Presbyterians (the Scottish Reformed) and the Dutch Reformed. Historically Scottish Reformed have put a bit more emphasis on personal piety (the Puritans are part of this group) while the Dutch Reformed have put slightly more emphasis on declaring the Lordship of Christ over all creation. But, we are very, very similar. The Reformed tradition is a deeply confessional one. We hold to historic documents that describe what we understand scripture to teach on a wide range of matters. The Presbyterians hold to the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Dutch Reformed hold to the Three Forms of Unity. While different documents, the two sets of confessions essentially teach the same doctrine.

What complicates things a bit is that in recent years, many Christians in other traditions have started using "reformed" to mean they have a Dortian/Calvinistic view of salvation, even if they don't fit into the broader reformed tradition in other ways.

Another good list of the main doctrines in reformed theology that distinguish Reformed Christians from other Christians would be:

An emphasis on the sovereignty of God in all things, including salvation.
An emphasis on the authority of scripture in all of life.
An emphasis on Christ as Lord of all creation.

Rules

Don't Be A Jerk
Peoples of all faiths (or not) are welcomed to jump into discussions. Harassing someone because of their denomination (or lack of) is not tolerated.
This is not a debate sub. Everyone is welcome to present and defend their views, whether they are reformed or not. However, if the mods determine that a user is coming here with the purpose of starting arguments or converting others, they will be asked to desist.
We have chosen to keep the definition of what qualifies as "reformed" as broad as possible. As such, stating or insinuating anything to the effect that a user who identifies as reformed is not "truly reformed" is unacceptable.
No posting links to our content in other subs to recruit hostile traffic.

Six common beliefs in Reformed churches

Sola Scriptura ("by Scripture alone") - The Bible is the only absolute authority recognized by Reformed Protestants. The Bible is the reference in matters of theology, ethics and institutions.
Sola fide ("by faith alone") - Faith comes from a personal relationship with God. Faith is offered unconditionally by God. Faith is the human response to the unconditional love offered by God, as described through the Bible and in the person of Jesus Christ. Good works follow from faith.
Sola gratia ("by grace alone") - The value of a person does not depend on their qualities, merit or social status, but only on the love given freely by God.
Sola Christo ("through Christ alone") - A priestly class is not necessary for sacraments. There are no other mediators between God and man except Christ. All those baptized have a unique role in the life of the church.
Soli Deo Gloria ("Glory to God alone") - Nothing is divine, sacred or absolute outside of God.
Continuous Reform - The church as a human institution is continually in need of reform. The church can make mistakes. Continuous scrutiny is needed.

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