Posted on 11/14/2006 6:06:24 AM PST by xzins
Dort Pitted Calvinists against Arminians.
by the Staff or associates of Christian History Institute.
James (Jacob) Arminius was uneasy with some of the teachings that had come to be identified with Calvinism. Did God really choose some men to be damned before he created them? Was Christ's death only intended for those who would finally be saved? Does God exercise his sovereignty so fully that man has no choice in his own salvation? Does regeneration come first and then repentance? As the professor of theology at Leyden, James had promised to teach only those things which conformed to the confessions of faith of the state church of the Netherlands. These were Calvinist. In his public teaching, Arminius kept his word, but he laid out Scripture readings in such a way as to cast doubt on Calvin's theology (which was heavily indebted to Augustine of Hippo).
Gomarus, leading opponent of Arminianism. In private, James offered a different interpretation of Scripture to interested students. While not varying from a single doctrine of the early church creeds and accepting much that Calvin taught, he modified his theology to say that man (through ordinary grace) can respond to the gospel and has real choice in his ultimate destiny. Strict Calvinists, such as Dr. Franciscus Gomarus, objected strongly. However, a number of pastors of state churches adopted Arminian views. Arminius himself downplayed differences for the sake of peace and because of his promises, although he tried to get the Heidelberg Catechism and another Dutch confession amended.
After his death, his followers issued a document called a Remonstrance. In it they set out five points in which they differed from Calvin. Inevitably the issue got mixed up with politics too complex to go into in this short article. The Remonstrants (as Arminians were called) were on the side of those who wanted decentralized government or "states rights." The Calvinists were on the same side as Maurice, who was attempting to reduce "states rights" and create a stronger central government.
The central government called a synod (council of churchmen) to weigh the issues. On this day, November 13, 1618, the Synod of Dort convened. It was controlled by Calvinists who invited other Calvinists from neighboring countries. The assembly existed for one purpose only: to condemn the Remonstrants. The Remonstrants considered this unfair.
And the proceedings were biased. The Calvinists met alone until the sixth of December. Meanwhile, Remonstrants around the country were thrown out of their pulpits. Those Remonstrants who were summoned to the assembly found their movements restricted. They were not allowed to have their strongest speakers represent them. Many other injustices occurred.
Needless to say, with matters so stacked against the Remonstrants, their cause was condemned. One of their supporters, the statesman, John Oldenbarneveld, was invited to a meeting with Maurice and arrested. Falsely charged with treason, he was beheaded. Another supporter, Hugo Grotius (who became the father of international law), was sentenced to life in prison but managed to escape.
Arminian ideas are found among Wesleyans, Methodists, Nazarenes, Free Will Baptists and in similar traditions, while variations of Calvinism can be detected in the theologies of Reformed, Presbyterian, Calvinist Methodist and some Baptist groups.
Resources
"Arminianism," and "Dort, Synod of," in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church," edited by F. L. Cross and E. A. Livingstone. (Oxford, 1997).
Bangs, Carl. Arminius. (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1971).
Hunt, Dave. What Love Is This? Calvinism's misrepresentation of God. (Sister, Oregon: Loyal, 2002).
Vandergugten, S. "The Arminian Controversy and the Synod of Doredt."
(http://spindleworks.com/library/vandergugten/arminian_c.htm).
Watson, Richard. "Synod of Dort." www.geocities.com/calvinismheresy/synoddort.html).
And what exactly do you need to admit to? Confession is good for the soul, you know. :-P
Well, at least this piece acknowledges that Arminius was a liar who said what he had to say in public to be able to subvert students to theologies contrary to what he publically confessed to be true.
I wonder if there ever was an apology.
I wonder if there was ever an apology for Arminius' academic fraud. I'll bet that, like liberals everywhere, he felt the end (teaching what he wanted) justified the means (lying).
post tenebras lux,
Currently worn by the followers of Charles G. Finney. Grotius' governmental theory of the atonement is remarkably identical to Finney's governmental theory, and just as heretical.
Free speech was not the rule. Your post glosses over the danger to individuals.
not to worry. the democrats would just restore the voting rights.
You can almost see the death rays emanating from Finney's eyes!
How much time do you have?
Time for a break.
See y'all later.
Hi buggs. Where you been lately?
Post Toasties Lox n Bagels
Is that our cue to go back to discussing the Inquisition and the Crusades? ;-)
Don't know much about the time, do you. The Remonstrants were FREELY allowed to worship as they pleased and believe as they pleased without interference from the Calvinists (something the Arminians in England can't say about how they treated the Puritans (Calvinists)). Let's face it, Arminius simply lied to be able to teach and then subvert students with his heresy.
And you just now justified it. Aparently, the ends do justify the means. Hmmmm!
post tenebras lux,
The Inquisition is in a different class. There is so much misinformation floating around out there (not the least of which due to Monty Python), while it is irrelevant, it still must be addressed.
(No one expects the Spanish Inquisition!)
It is not a lie to be silent.
Nor is it a lie to speak some things only when you are in safety.
Post Toasties Lox n Bagels
I decided to spend a few days away from FR after the elections. I'm glad I came back when I did.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.