Conclusion
Arminianism is a theological movement that emerged in the 16th century. It is named after Jacobus Arminius, a Dutch theologian who challenged the teachings of John Calvin and the Reformed Church. Arminianism has been a subject of controversy and debate among Christians for centuries. In this article, we will define and explore the meaning of Arminianism.
Definitions
Arminianism is a theological system that emphasizes the free will of human beings, the possibility of falling from grace, and the universal scope of God’s love and salvation. It opposes the Calvinist doctrine of predestination, which teaches that God has already chosen who will be saved and who will be damned.
Origin
Arminianism emerged in the Netherlands in the late 16th century. Jacobus Arminius, a Dutch theologian, challenged the teachings of John Calvin and the Reformed Church. He argued that God’s grace is available to all people, not just the elect, and that human beings have the free will to accept or reject it.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Arminianism is “a theological doctrine holding that salvation is attained through free will and human effort rather than through predestination.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines Arminianism as “a theological system emphasizing free will, human responsibility, and the universality of grace, in opposition to Calvinism.”
Associations
Arminianism is associated with the Protestant Reformation, particularly in the Netherlands and England. It is also associated with the Methodist and Wesleyan movements, which emphasize the role of personal faith and the possibility of sanctification in the life of a believer.
Synonyms
There are no direct synonyms for Arminianism, but it is often contrasted with Calvinism, which emphasizes predestination and the sovereignty of God.
Antonyms
The antonym of Arminianism is Calvinism, which teaches that God has already chosen who will be saved and who will be damned.
The same root words
There are no root words for Arminianism, but it is named after Jacobus Arminius, the Dutch theologian who challenged the teachings of John Calvin.
Example Sentences
- “The debate between Arminianism and Calvinism has been ongoing for centuries.”
- “Arminianism emphasizes the role of human free will in salvation.”
- “John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was influenced by Arminianism.”
Arminianism is a theological movement that emerged in the 16th century. It emphasizes the free will of human beings, the possibility of falling from grace, and the universal scope of God’s love and salvation. It is often contrasted with Calvinism, which emphasizes predestination and the sovereignty of God. The debate between Arminianism and Calvinism has been ongoing for centuries, and it continues to be a subject of controversy and discussion among Christians today.