Arminianism Flashcards
What is Arminianism?
Arminianism is a theological doctrine developed by Jacobus Arminius, a Dutch minister, in contrast to Calvinism. Arminians believe that salvation is available to all, and individuals have free will to accept or reject God’s grace, as opposed to Calvinism’s predestination.
How does Arminianism differ from Calvinism regarding salvation?
Arminianism believes salvation is available to all, but depends on the individual’s free will to accept or reject God’s grace. Calvinism, on the other hand, asserts that salvation is predetermined by God, and only the “elect” will be saved.
Why was Arminianism controversial in England?
Arminianism was controversial, especially among Puritans, because it was seen as potentially subversive and reminiscent of Catholicism. It allowed for human free will in salvation, unlike Calvinism’s deterministic view.
What is the key belief of Calvinism?
Calvinism is based on the belief in predestination, where God has already decided who will be saved (the elect) and who will be damned, irrespective of human actions or will.
How did Arminians view predestination?
Arminians rejected strict predestination and believed that salvation is available to all but requires a free choice to accept God’s grace.
What are the key points outlined in the Remonstrance?
- Christ died for all, but only some will receive the benefits
- Salvation is through God’s grace, but it can be resisted
- Humans have free will to accept or reject God’s grace
What was the Synod of Dort (1617-1618)?
The Synod of Dort was a council held in the Netherlands to reaffirm Calvinist orthodoxy. It resulted in the Canons of Dort, which solidified the five points of Calvinism: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints.
What were the five points of Calvinism defined in the Canons of Dort?
- Total Depravity: Human nature is corrupted by sin.
- Unconditional Election: Predestination is based on God’s will, not human choice.
- Limited Atonement: Christ died only for the elect.
- Irresistible Grace: God’s grace cannot be resisted by the elect.
- Perseverance of the Saints: Once saved, always saved
What was the Council of Trent (1545-1563)?
The Council of Trent was a Catholic response to the Protestant Reformation, condemning both Lutheranism and Calvinism. It upheld Catholic doctrines, including the authority of the pope and the necessity of works for salvation.
What is the Westminster Confession (1646)?
The Westminster Confession was a key Protestant doctrinal statement produced during the English Civil War, outlining Calvinist principles, and became a cornerstone for Puritan theology in England.
were the Puritans, and what did they believe regarding Arminianism?
Puritans were followers of Calvinism who opposed Arminianism. They viewed Arminianism as a potential step toward Catholicism and a threat to Protestant orthodoxy.
What was Charles I’s stance on Arminianism?
Charles I favored Arminianism because it aligned with his belief in the Divine Right of Kings and his hierarchical view of governance. He saw Arminians as supporters of order and authority, which reinforced his authority.
Why did Arminians gain support under Charles I?
Arminians emphasized order and authority, which made them sympathetic to Charles I’s governance style. Arminian clergy supported his authority, even during politically contentious events like the Forced Loan of 1626.
How did the rise of Arminianism in the Church of England affect political tensions?
The rise of Arminianism under Charles I contributed to political tensions, as it challenged Puritans in Parliament. These religious disputes fueled conflicts that eventually led to the English Civil War.
What is Sabbatarianism?
Sabbatarianism is the Puritanical belief that all Old Testament regulations, especially those regarding the Sabbath, apply to Christians, influencing church life and public morality.
What does the Divine Right of Kings refer to?
The Divine Right of Kings is the belief that monarchs derive their authority directly from God, making them answerable only to God, not to earthly authorities like Parliament.
How did Puritans view Arminianism in relation to Catholicism?
Puritans feared that Arminianism was part of a larger Catholic plot to reintroduce Catholicism into England, as its ceremonial and hierarchical practices resembled Catholic traditions.
What was the Forced Loan (1626), and how did it relate to Arminianism?
The Forced Loan was an attempt by Charles I to raise funds without Parliament’s approval. Puritans opposed it, and Arminian clergy, like Robert Sibthorpe, supported it as a measure to reinforce the crown’s authority.
What was the Trial of Archbishop William Laud (1644)?
Archbishop William Laud, an outspoken supporter of Arminianism, was tried and executed for high treason during the English Civil War, symbolizing the intense conflict between Arminianism and Puritanism.
How did the Ship Money Controversy relate to religious tensions?
The Ship Money tax, imposed by Charles I, was opposed by Puritan-dominated local governments. The opposition was partly driven by religious tensions, as the Arminian church structure supported by Charles was viewed as part of his tyranny.
How did Arminianism contribute to the political and religious struggles of early 17th-century England?
Arminianism played a central role in the political and religious struggles of the time, as it was increasingly associated with royal absolutism and the erosion of parliamentary power. Its conflict with Calvinism fueled the tensions that led to the English Civil War.
