Talk:Reformed theology

I am not sure precisely how to fix the problem, but this article is confusing three distinct topics. One topic is the magisterial reformation - in which the five solas were expressed and developed. This is not the same as Reformed theology because it includes the Lutherans. Another topic is Reformed theology itself (as suggested by the title). A third topic is Calvinism. Calvinism and Reformed theology are only identical in North America. There are churches in Europe that consider themselves Reformed, but reject Calvinism in favor of Remonstrance Arminianism. Furthermore, whether Arminius was inside the tradition of the Reformation is disputed by scholars. Finally, the five points of Calvinism are "summarized" by TULIP: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace and Perseverance of the Saints. I say summarized because the Canons of Dordt do not actually endorse all those positions and neither did all of the those within the Reformed tradition.Matthew McKean 10:17, 8 July 2008 (CDT)

Granted, this article is still a stub and work in progress. I do not think there is any distinction between "Reformed Theology" and "Calvinism." I know of no-one who separates the two except in a historical sense. I know of no Lutherans who say they subscribe to "Reformed Theology" rather than "Lutheranism" (or variant names), though they would claim to be part of the Reformation (naturally). I also know of no protestant churches who call themselves "Reformed" but subscribe to Arminianism, unless in some restricted sense when a denomination has gone through some split and now calls itself "reformed." We can easily move the portions dealing more strictly with the Reformation into an article about the Reformation and replace it simply with a brief summary paragraph and link to that section. Right now that material sits here because it is an integral part of Reformed Theology now practiced in the world. Michel van der Hoek 18:03, 16 October 2008 (UTC)