Meaning: This quote by Ralph Cram encapsulates the shifting influence of Calvinism in Western society as Christianity's power waned in the wake of the Reformation. It also highlights the rise of new philosophies such as mechanism and rationalism. To fully comprehend the significance of this quote, it is essential to explore the historical context and the impact of Calvinism and the aforementioned philosophies on Western civilization.

The Reformation, which began in the 16th century, marked a pivotal moment in the history of Christianity. It was a period of religious upheaval and transformation, during which individuals like Martin Luther and John Calvin sought to reform the practices and doctrines of the Catholic Church. The Reformation led to the splintering of Western Christianity into various denominations, including Protestantism, and resulted in profound changes to religious, social, and political structures.

Calvinism, a branch of Protestantism based on the teachings of John Calvin, played a significant role in shaping the religious landscape of Europe and beyond. Calvin emphasized the sovereignty of God, predestination, and the idea of the "elect," asserting that God has already chosen those who will be saved. These doctrines had a profound impact on the moral, social, and economic fabric of societies where Calvinism took hold, influencing everything from work ethic to governance.

However, as Cram's quote suggests, the power of Christianity began to decline in the centuries following the Reformation. This decline can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the rise of secularism, the Enlightenment, and the questioning of traditional religious beliefs. As a result, the influence of Calvinism also diminished, particularly in the realm of public life and governance.

Simultaneously, new philosophies emerged that sought to explain the natural world and human existence through reason and empirical observation. Mechanism, a philosophical framework that views the universe as a machine governed by physical laws, gained prominence during the Scientific Revolution. This approach to understanding the world laid the groundwork for modern science and technology, challenging traditional religious explanations of natural phenomena.

Rationalism, another influential philosophical movement, emphasized the power of human reason and intellect in understanding the world and solving problems. Rationalists advocated for the use of logic and deduction to arrive at knowledge, often questioning religious dogma and advocating for a more secular approach to understanding reality.

These new philosophies, as Cram notes, correspondingly increased in importance as the influence of Calvinism waned. The shift from a religious to a more secular and rational worldview had profound implications for Western civilization, impacting everything from politics and governance to science and culture.

In conclusion, Ralph Cram's quote sheds light on the changing dynamics of Western thought and society in the aftermath of the Reformation. As Christianity's power declined, Calvinism's influence waned, making way for the rise of new philosophies such as mechanism and rationalism. Understanding this historical shift is crucial in comprehending the evolution of Western civilization and the interplay between religion, philosophy, and science.