What are a couple of differences between Calvinism and Emerson's theological beliefs?

Emerson was raised within a Calvinistic society by a
father who was a Unitarian minister. Even though he was raised in a society which
supported Calvinistic theology, Emerson followed his own path and beliefs when it came
to religion.

Calvinism has five basic points. They
are:

1. Total depravity (Original
sin)

2. Unconditional election (God's
election)

3. Limited atonement (Particular
redemption)

4. Irresistible grace (Effectual
calling)

5. Perseverance of the
Saints

Emerson's theological beliefs centered around the
following:

1. God was THE central figure in his own life.
It was only through relying on God that one could find the ability to become
self-reliant.

2. Moral law outweighed all other laws
(physical or human).

3. Given that all things are part of a
greater whole, the "whole" could only be found in nature. God created nature and,
therefore, held the truth to all things.

4. The "law of
love". Everything has good in it.

Emerson did not live by
Calvinistic theology at all. Instead, he seems to have found a way to internalize and
create a religious theology all of his own. This theology does not carry the bitter
accusations that those of the Calvinistic thought do. Instead, Emerson's ideology fits
into a more positive way of thinking instead of taking a more negatively toned aspect
(such as Calvinism).

The largest differences between
Emerson's theology and Calvinism seem to be ones in which Emerson focuses upon the good
in life- if a person is to focus on God alone. For Emerson, there are no ambassadors to
lead one to God. Calvinism, instead, focuses upon the hurdles that one must overcome to
find God.

More specifically, Emerson (see Emerson #4) found
good in everyone. Calvinism (see Calvinism #1 and #4) speaks to the evil in all people;
the evil that humanity must search for and destroy within their life if they are going
to be able to find and follow God.