arminianism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Theological
Quick answer
What does “arminianism” mean?
A Christian theological system derived from the teachings of Jacobus Arminius, emphasizing conditional election based on God's foreknowledge of human faith, universal atonement, resistible grace, and the possibility of falling from grace.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Christian theological system derived from the teachings of Jacobus Arminius, emphasizing conditional election based on God's foreknowledge of human faith, universal atonement, resistible grace, and the possibility of falling from grace.
Any doctrine or system of thought that emphasizes human free will and cooperation with divine grace, in contrast to determinism or absolute predestination. It is often used broadly to describe theological positions opposing strict Calvinist predestination.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Usage is largely confined to theological and historical academic contexts in both regions.
Connotations
In evangelical circles in both the UK and US, it often carries strong doctrinal connotations, positioning it against Calvinism.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, appearing almost exclusively in religious studies, theology, and church history.
Grammar
How to Use “arminianism” in a Sentence
[Subject] adheres to/promotes/espouses Arminianism.Arminianism [verb] that...The debate surrounding Arminianism [verb]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arminianism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The theologian sought to Arminianise the church's confession.
- They accused him of arminianising the doctrine of election.
American English
- The preacher was accused of Arminianizing the gospel message.
- Some scholars argue the movement gradually Arminianized over decades.
adverb
British English
- He argued Arminianly for a conditional covenant.
- [Extremely rare; contextually constructed] The doctrine was interpreted more Arminianly than before.
American English
- The sermon was preached from an Arminianly perspective. [Rare/constructed]
- They understood grace less monergistically and more Arminianly. [Rare/constructed]
adjective
British English
- His Arminian leanings were evident in his sermon.
- The Arminian position was thoroughly debated at the synod.
American English
- She holds an Arminian view of salvation.
- The Arminian interpretation of the text is less common here.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
[Not applicable]
Academic
Common in papers on Reformation history, systematic theology, and comparative religion.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Precisely defined in theological dictionaries and doctrinal statements.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arminianism”
- Misspelling as 'Armenianism'.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'free will' outside its specific theological context.
- Failing to capitalize it as a proper noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In a theological context, yes, but specifically it is a defined system articulating how free will interacts with divine grace in salvation, contrasted with Calvinist determinism.
Jacobus Arminius (1560–1609) was a Dutch Reformed theologian whose teachings and those of his followers were formalised into the system later called Arminianism.
Traditional Wesleyan Methodism is generally considered Arminian in its soteriology (doctrine of salvation), though it adds distinct emphases like Christian perfection.
The Synod of Dort (1618–1619) was a national council of the Dutch Reformed Church that condemned the teachings of Arminianism and established the Calvinist 'Five Points of Calvinism' in direct opposition.
A Christian theological system derived from the teachings of Jacobus Arminius, emphasizing conditional election based on God's foreknowledge of human faith, universal atonement, resistible grace, and the possibility of falling from grace.
Arminianism is usually formal, academic, theological in register.
Arminianism: in British English it is pronounced /ɑːˈmɪn.i.ə.nɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɑːrˈmɪ.ni.ə.nɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not applicable for this highly technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ARM-inianism' – it's about the human 'arm' (effort/will) working in concert with divine grace, as opposed to grace alone.
Conceptual Metaphor
THEOLOGICAL POSITION IS A SPECTRUM (with Calvinism and Arminianism as opposing poles).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a central tenet of Arminianism?