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Dictionary of
Theology
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Definition of Arminianism |
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Arminianism is named for its founder Jacobus Arminius.
It is a response to the beliefs of John Calvin.
Arminius was a follower of Calvin until he found he
defended his beliefs and found his opponent more able to
defend his views.
Central to Arminian
belief is that man has free will and is capable choosing
to follow God. This is contrary to the teachings
of Calvin and Martin Luther who both taught that man's
will was surrendered at the Fall.
In 1610 Arminius and
his followers issued the Remonstrance, five points
countering the beliefs of of Calvinism. The Synod
of Dort would later in 1619 issue the five points of
Calvinism in response to the Remonstrance.
Calvin stressed man's
inability to reach out to God while Arminius believed
that God opened the door for man to make the decision.
Opponents of Arminianism believe that it is the direct
opposite of Calvinism and states that is fully able to
save himself. This is not the case but the view
has been adopted by some who have been labeled as
Arminians because they do not hold a Calvinistic view.
The Five Points of
Arminianism:
Election based on
foreknowledge
Unlimited atonement
Natural inability
Prevenient Grace
Conditional
Perseverance
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