Arminianism

Arminianism is a moderate direction of Reformed Protestantism. It was founded by the Dutch theologian Jacob Hermann (1560-1609), who was known by the Latinized form of his name Jacobus Arminius. The acceptance of Arminianism covers a large part of the regional church Protestantism and the Methodist churches.

Teaching

The logic of Arminius ( theology less) from Ramism marked ( Petrus Ramus ).

Arminianism represents the following lessons:

• People are inherently incapable of doing anything for their salvation ( predestination ).
• Salvation is possible only by God's grace (Sola gratia ).
• Human works can not do and do not contribute to salvation.
• God's election depends on faith in Jesus Christ.
• Salvation through Christ to all people.
• God allows that those who do not want to believe, resist his anticipatory grace.
• Salvation can be lost again, as it depends on continued faith in Jesus Christ.

Within the Arminianism, there are two main variants:

• Classical Arminianism by Arminius, represented for example by the Remonstrants
• Wesleyan Arminianism by John Wesley, represented by the Methodist and Wesleyan churches and often used as a synonym for Methodism.

By incorporating different, eg sozinianischer, elements created various divisions, such as the anti-Trinitarian Arminians. The most important fraction were purely independentistischen colleagues Gianten.

Some Calvinist critics insinuate Arminianism Pelagian, but this is vigorously rejected by the followers of the two variants.

Church History Arminianism is closest related to the Calvinism and the two directions, both the history as well as a large part of the teachings together. Nevertheless, Arminianism and Calvinism are often seen in the conservative Protestantism as rivals, since they represent different teachings on predestination and redemption.