Page 1 of 8 Original Research The central principle of Calvinism? Some criteria, proposals and questions Author: Is there a ‘central principle’ of Calvinism? This article explores this question mainly from the 1 Renato Coletto viewpoint of reformational philosophy. It does so firstly by introducing criteria that should Affiliation: be used to identify, if possible, such a central ‘organon’ of Calvinism. Then a few proposals are 1School of Philosophy, evaluated, and their strong and weak points are discussed. The most credible candidate for the North-West University, role of central principle is argued to be an ‘idea of law’ rooted in the biblical groundmotif and Potchefstroom Campus, traditionally defined as ‘sphere-sovereignty’. More recent characterisations of this cosmonomic South Africa idea are considered. A few objections and alternative proposals are also discussed. The article Correspondence to: is concluded with a few questions, calling for further research on the topic. Renato Coletto Email:
[email protected] Wat is die sentrale beginsel van Calvinisme? Enkele kriteria, voorstelle en vrae. Is daar ’n ‘sentrale beginsel’ by Calvinisme te bespeur? Hierdie artikel ondersoek genoemde vraag Postal address: hoofsaaklik vanuit die perspektief van die reformatoriese filosofie. Dit word eerstens gedoen Private Bag X6001, Internal deur die kriteria bekend te stel wat gebruik moet word om, indien moontlik, sodanige Box 208, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa ‘organologie’ van Calvinisme te identifiseer. ’n Paar voorstelle word dan geëvalueer en hulle sterk en swak punte bespreek. Die geloofwaardigste kandidaat vir die rol van ’n sentrale Dates: beginsel is moontlik ’n ‘wetsidee’ wat in die bybelse grondmotief gewortel is en tradisioneel Received: 14 Apr.