Final answer:
Two fundamental beliefs issued by some Christian leaders that define Christianity are the literal interpretation of the Bible and the belief in its infallibility. These concepts gained prominence during the Protestant Reformation and were crucial in the development of denominations like Calvinism, which emphasized predestination and the supreme authority of Scripture.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of fundamental beliefs that define Christianity, especially considering historical movements like Calvinism, two beliefs that were emphasized by Christian leaders include:
- The Bible should be interpreted literally - Many reformists, including John Calvin, believed that Scripture was the sole authority on matters of faith and that it should be taken at face value.
- The Bible is an infallible text - Calvinists and other Protestant reformers held that the Bible was the ultimate and unerring authority.
It is important to acknowledge here that these beliefs arose during a time when Christianity was becoming more individualized, and differing interpretations of Scripture led to the rise of various denominations within Christianity. The idea of predestination, highly emphasized by Calvinism, suggested that God predetermined who would be saved, a notion contrasting with free will and choice. These beliefs were part of a larger movement seeking to purify the church and return to what was perceived as the roots of Christian teachings.