Was Arminius a Reformed Theologian? On Attitude of Arminius to His Own Theological Tradition

Abstract

Jacob Arminius is a figure historically associated with the Reformed tradition. His theology was in a large measure reflection of this tradition. However in some important points Arminius’ views were in open contradiction to the post-reformation Calvinism. This article attempts to find an answer for the question about theological identity of the Dutch reformer. The author proposes to struggle with this problem in reference to four theological themes, characteristic for Reformed Protestantism, that is: God’s sovereignty and glory, covenant theology, monergistic soteriology and predestination. The analysis, which has been made, indicates that Leiden’s professor strongly emphasized God’s sovereignty over the creation and affirmed the opinion that an ultimate end of divine actions, including salvific acts, is His glory. But lie never forget to add that the Creator by His external activity communicate His goodness. The Arminian covenant theology also fits into the stream of Reformed thought. Its shape docs not differ from the widely accepted interpretation of this issue in the era of “early orthodoxy.” The most important differences occur in the context of soteriology. Arminius’ understanding of the relation grace-free will differed from the radical monergistic Calvinism. Due to the doctrine of prevenient grace one can speak about limited synergism in his ease. So it is in the matter of predestination. God, according to the Dutch reformer, elects to salvation according to His foreknowledge concerning the free acceptance of the grace by man. He reprobates those who stubbornly remain in their sins and, in spite of the grace, do not want to convert. Ultimately, Arminius should be considered as a “critical” Reformed theologian.