Arminianism

Definition

Arminianism is a theological movement within Protestant Christianity that emphasizes free will and the belief that salvation is available to all people, contrasting with the predestinarian view of Calvinism. It arose in the early 17th century, primarily through the teachings of Jacobus Arminius, who argued against the notion that only a select few are destined for salvation. This belief system became particularly influential during the Great Awakening, as it encouraged individual spiritual experience and personal relationship with God.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arminianism arose as a reaction to Calvinism's doctrine of predestination, asserting that God's grace is available to everyone and that individuals can choose to accept it.
2. The theological debate between Arminianism and Calvinism significantly influenced Protestant thought and led to various denominational splits.
3. During the Great Awakening, preachers such as George Whitefield and John Wesley embraced Arminian ideas, promoting revivalist themes of personal faith and conversion.
4. Arminianism stresses the importance of human response to God's grace, claiming that while divine grace initiates salvation, humans must cooperate through faith.
5. The influence of Arminianism can still be seen today in many mainstream Christian denominations that emphasize free will and individual responsibility in matters of faith.

Review Questions

• How does Arminianism challenge the principles established by Calvinism, particularly regarding salvation?
  • Arminianism challenges Calvinism by rejecting the idea of predestination, which posits that only a select few are chosen for salvation. Instead, Arminians believe that God's grace is accessible to all people and that individuals have the free will to choose or reject salvation. This fundamental disagreement led to significant theological debates within Protestant communities and contributed to the emergence of new denominations that embraced Arminian views.
• What role did Arminianism play during the Great Awakening, and how did it influence religious revivals in America?
  • Arminianism played a crucial role during the Great Awakening by providing a theological framework that emphasized personal conversion and emotional experiences in worship. Preachers like George Whitefield promoted Arminian beliefs, encouraging individuals to seek a direct and personal relationship with God. This movement facilitated widespread religious enthusiasm and led to a decline in traditional authority structures within established churches, reshaping American religious life.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Arminianism on modern Christian thought and its relevance in contemporary discussions about free will and salvation.
  • The long-term impact of Arminianism on modern Christian thought is significant, as it has shaped many contemporary denominations that advocate for free will and the universal availability of God's grace. The ongoing discussions about free will versus predestination continue to reflect Arminian influences in theology. This has led to a diverse range of interpretations within Christianity regarding salvation, encouraging believers to explore personal faith journeys while fostering inclusivity in discussions around grace and redemption.

Related terms

Calvinism:

A branch of Protestantism based on the teachings of John Calvin, emphasizing predestination and the absolute sovereignty of God in salvation.

Great Awakening:

A series of religious revivals in the American colonies during the 18th century that emphasized personal faith, emotional experiences, and the rejection of established authority in religion.

Free Will: The concept that individuals have the ability to choose their own actions and decisions, particularly in relation to accepting or rejecting salvation.