Difference between revisions of "Arminianism"
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| − | [[ | + | {{Infobox_Contents | |
| + | topic_name = Arminianism | | ||
| + | subtopics = [[Calvinism]] | ||
| + | * [[Jacobus Arminius]], [[John Wesley]], [[Methodism]] | ||
| + | * [[Free will]] | | ||
| + | opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} | | ||
| + | }} | ||
| + | |||
| + | Arminianism is a term used used to describe the theological view that denies [[predestination]] and instead accepts free-will; or more broadly, the view that denies the 5 tenets of [[Calvinism]]. The term arminian is named from one of its early theologians, [[Jacobus Arminius]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | In short, Arminian theology claims God is sovereign, but man has free will. It's five major points of departure from Calvinism | ||
| + | * The decree of salvation applies to all who believe on Christ and who persevere in obedience and faith (conditional election). | ||
| + | * Christ died for all men (universal atonement). | ||
| + | * The Holy Spirit must help men to do things that are truly good (such as having faith in Christ for salvation). | ||
| + | * God's saving grace is not irresistable. | ||
| + | * It is possible for those who are Christians to fall from grace. | ||
| + | |||
| + | These are a paraphrased version of the summary of the Arminian Remonstrance from 1610. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Possibly one of the best known Arminian Theologians was [[John Wesley]], following his lead the [[Methodist Church]] has been generally considered Arminian in its theology (although it is not stated in the deed of union). The issue of Arminian versus Calvinist theology is considered in the Statement on the Anglican-Methodist Covenant to be one of two remaining doctrinal areas where there are theological tensions (within and) between the two denominiations. However, their conclusion in paragraph 117 is: | ||
| + | : In practice, both churches permit a range of emphases, within the parameters laid down by the terms of assent, in the interpretation of Scripture. The way in which the terms of subscription to the formularies are expressed softens the impact of underlying historical controversies. We do not believe, therefore, that this issue, though an important one, should prevent closer unity between our churches, any more than it prevents communion within them. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Arminianism shouldn't be confused with The [[Armenian Apostolic Church]] which was founded by Saint Gregory around 300 AD, one of the oldest denominations of Christianity. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Quotes== | ||
| + | Justin Martyr, ''Dialogue with Trypho,'' chapter CII. In ANF1, that is, [https://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf01 Roberts A, Donaldson J and Coxe AC (1885) ''Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol 1'', at Christian Classics Ethereal Library.] [Re: Freewill, predestination and determinism. C 160 AD.] [Cf chapter LXXXVIII.] | ||
| + | : But yet, since He knew that it would be good, He created both angels and men free to do that which is righteous, and He appointed periods of time during which He knew it would be good for them to have the exercise of free-will; and because He likewise knew it would be good, He made general and particular judgments; each one’s freedom of will, however, being guarded. | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | ''Irenaeus Against Heresies,'' book 4: ch 37: para 1. Page 518 in ANF1, that is, [https://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf01 Roberts A, Donaldson J and Coxe AC (1885) ''Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol 1'', at Christian Classics Ethereal Library.] [Re: Freewill, predestination and determinism. C 185 AD.] | ||
| + | : This expression [of our Lord], "How often would I have gathered thy children together, and thou wouldest not," [Matt 23:37] set forth the ancient law of human liberty, because God made man a free [agent] from the beginning, possessing his own power, even as he does his own soul, to obey the behests (ad utendum sententia) of God voluntarily, and not by compulsion of God.... And in man, as well as in angels, He has placed the power of choice (for angels are rational beings), so that those who had yielded obedience might justly possess what is good, given indeed by God, but preserved by themselves. On the other hand, they who have not obeyed shall, with justice, be not found in possession of the good, and shall receive condign punishment.... [4:37:5 p519f] And not merely in works, but also in faith, has God preserved the will of man free and under his own control, saying, "According to thy faith be it unto thee;" [Matt 9:29] thus showing that there is a faith specially belonging to man, since he has an opinion specially his own. And again, "All things are possible to him that believeth;" [Mark 9:23] and, "Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee." [Matt 8:13] Now all such expressions demonstrate that man is in his own power with respect to faith. And for this reason, "he that believeth in Him has eternal life while he who believeth not the Son hath not eternal life, but the wrath of God shall remain upon him." [John 3:36] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Links== | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Doctrine]] -> [[Theology]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Theology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:42, 4 June 2024
| Arminianism | |
| RELATED TOPICS | |
| SERMONS, ESSAYS AND OPINIONS |
|
| CONTENTS | |
Arminianism is a term used used to describe the theological view that denies predestination and instead accepts free-will; or more broadly, the view that denies the 5 tenets of Calvinism. The term arminian is named from one of its early theologians, Jacobus Arminius.
In short, Arminian theology claims God is sovereign, but man has free will. It's five major points of departure from Calvinism
- The decree of salvation applies to all who believe on Christ and who persevere in obedience and faith (conditional election).
- Christ died for all men (universal atonement).
- The Holy Spirit must help men to do things that are truly good (such as having faith in Christ for salvation).
- God's saving grace is not irresistable.
- It is possible for those who are Christians to fall from grace.
These are a paraphrased version of the summary of the Arminian Remonstrance from 1610.
Possibly one of the best known Arminian Theologians was John Wesley, following his lead the Methodist Church has been generally considered Arminian in its theology (although it is not stated in the deed of union). The issue of Arminian versus Calvinist theology is considered in the Statement on the Anglican-Methodist Covenant to be one of two remaining doctrinal areas where there are theological tensions (within and) between the two denominiations. However, their conclusion in paragraph 117 is:
- In practice, both churches permit a range of emphases, within the parameters laid down by the terms of assent, in the interpretation of Scripture. The way in which the terms of subscription to the formularies are expressed softens the impact of underlying historical controversies. We do not believe, therefore, that this issue, though an important one, should prevent closer unity between our churches, any more than it prevents communion within them.
Arminianism shouldn't be confused with The Armenian Apostolic Church which was founded by Saint Gregory around 300 AD, one of the oldest denominations of Christianity.
Quotes
Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho, chapter CII. In ANF1, that is, Roberts A, Donaldson J and Coxe AC (1885) Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol 1, at Christian Classics Ethereal Library. [Re: Freewill, predestination and determinism. C 160 AD.] [Cf chapter LXXXVIII.]
- But yet, since He knew that it would be good, He created both angels and men free to do that which is righteous, and He appointed periods of time during which He knew it would be good for them to have the exercise of free-will; and because He likewise knew it would be good, He made general and particular judgments; each one’s freedom of will, however, being guarded.
Irenaeus Against Heresies, book 4: ch 37: para 1. Page 518 in ANF1, that is, Roberts A, Donaldson J and Coxe AC (1885) Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol 1, at Christian Classics Ethereal Library. [Re: Freewill, predestination and determinism. C 185 AD.]
- This expression [of our Lord], "How often would I have gathered thy children together, and thou wouldest not," [Matt 23:37] set forth the ancient law of human liberty, because God made man a free [agent] from the beginning, possessing his own power, even as he does his own soul, to obey the behests (ad utendum sententia) of God voluntarily, and not by compulsion of God.... And in man, as well as in angels, He has placed the power of choice (for angels are rational beings), so that those who had yielded obedience might justly possess what is good, given indeed by God, but preserved by themselves. On the other hand, they who have not obeyed shall, with justice, be not found in possession of the good, and shall receive condign punishment.... [4:37:5 p519f] And not merely in works, but also in faith, has God preserved the will of man free and under his own control, saying, "According to thy faith be it unto thee;" [Matt 9:29] thus showing that there is a faith specially belonging to man, since he has an opinion specially his own. And again, "All things are possible to him that believeth;" [Mark 9:23] and, "Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee." [Matt 8:13] Now all such expressions demonstrate that man is in his own power with respect to faith. And for this reason, "he that believeth in Him has eternal life while he who believeth not the Son hath not eternal life, but the wrath of God shall remain upon him." [John 3:36]
Links
Return to Christianity -> Doctrine -> Theology
