What is Calvinism about?

[ChristianT]

Let's not talk about the people who disagree with Calvinism because it "obviously makes God unjust because we have no choice."

Rather, what is Calvinism about? Is it merely a study of Soteriology and the mechanics of salvation, or is it something that must be understood to fully understand how we're saved? IOW, do we need to understand salvation in Calvinist terms to truly be able to thank God? Or can Arminians thank God (albiet rather inconsistently) for their salvation in their framework?

Or even something altogether more?

 

[Keachian]

Personally my view of Reformed Theology, or Calvinism is about believing and understanding the depth, breadth and totality of the message of God as found in Scripture and from here realising the magnitude of and submitting to the sovereignty of God. The most contentious part of Reformed Theology is its Soteriology and I think this is just because of people's want to have some form of control over their destiny, however this does not actually in my mind make any difference to the final expression of thanks that a believer has towards God for their salvation, in a conscious level they may draw it from different ideals but it is still the Spirit welling up inside someone to sing praise to the Father.

 

[Eddie L]

I tried to write answer but got very longwinded. I'll think on this some more and participate when I can say want I'd like to say without needing several paragraphs to do it.

 

[oworm]

Calvinism is about putting God at the center of our theology. It is about the absolute Sovereignty of God in all things with the motive of giving Him all the glory for His providential oversight of every action of history both in creation and eternity.