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elect
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• Calvinism

 

Definition:
The term elect comes from the Latin electio, which means "choice," but in a Christian context it is used to refer specifically to those people whom God has chosen to go to heaven. The doctrine that such people exist is derived from Paul's Letter to the Ephesians, where he writes of people whom God "chose... before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him." (Ephesians 1:4). In modern times the idea that some have been "elected" to go to heaven has been characteristic of churches in the Calvinist tradition.

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What is Christianity?
What are the various Christian groups, denominations, sects and heresies? What are some key concepts in Christian theology? What are some of the most important events in Christian history? All of this and more are covered in the Christianity FAQ.

What is the Philosophy of Religion?
Sometimes confused with theology, the Philosophy of Religion is the philosophical study of religious beliefs, religious doctrines, religious arguments and religious history. The line between theology and the philosophy of religion isn't always sharp, but the primary difference is that theology tends to be apologetical in nature, committed to the defense of particular religious positions, whereas Philosophy of Religion is committed to the investigation of religion itself, rather than the truth of any particular religion.

What is Theism?
What is the difference between monotheism and monolatry? Between pantheism and panentheism? How about between animism and shamanism? Or theism and deism? What the heck is henotheism?

What is Religion?
A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear. Read more about how dictionaries, scholars and others have tried to define and explain religion.

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