monergism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowSpecialized Academic / Theological
Quick answer
What does “monergism” mean?
The theological doctrine that regeneration is performed by the Holy Spirit alone, without any cooperation from human will.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The theological doctrine that regeneration is performed by the Holy Spirit alone, without any cooperation from human will.
More broadly, it can refer to any system, theory, or doctrine where a single force, agent, or entity is the sole active cause of an effect, with other elements being entirely passive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. The term is used identically within theological discourse in both regions.
Connotations
Neutral within its specific theological context. May carry positive connotations for Calvinists/Reformed theologians and negative ones for Arminians or others who affirm synergism.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse. Frequency is tied exclusively to niche theological discussions and is equally low in both UK and US English outside those circles.
Grammar
How to Use “monergism” in a Sentence
[Theology] + [verb: teaches/affirms/rejects] + monergismMonergism + [preposition: in/of] + [noun: regeneration/salvation]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monergism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Theologians do not 'monergise'; the term is solely a noun.
American English
- There is no verb form 'to monergize' in standard usage.
adverb
British English
- The grace was conceived of as working monergistically.
American English
- They believed salvation occurred monergistically, by divine agency alone.
adjective
British English
- His view of regeneration was distinctly monergistic.
American English
- The monograph presented a monergistic interpretation of the relevant texts.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used exclusively in theological studies, historical theology, and systematic theology seminars and papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary usage context. A precise term in theological taxonomy describing mechanisms of divine action.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monergism”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “monergism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monergism”
- Confusing it with 'monism' (a philosophical concept about the nature of reality).
- Misspelling as 'monergicism'.
- Using it outside of its strict theological context where it is largely meaningless.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In practical usage, yes. While the concept of a single active cause could theoretically be applied elsewhere, the term is exclusively used within Christian, particularly Protestant Reformed, theology.
The doctrine is most strongly associated with John Calvin and the Reformed theological tradition (Calvinism), as well as with some interpretations of Augustine's theology.
The direct theological opposite is synergism, which teaches that human will cooperates with divine grace in regeneration.
Almost certainly not, unless you are engaged in advanced theological study or debate. It is not a word for general English communication.
The theological doctrine that regeneration is performed by the Holy Spirit alone, without any cooperation from human will.
Monergism is usually specialized academic / theological in register.
Monergism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒnədʒɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːnərdʒɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MONO (one) + ERG (work) + ISM (doctrine) = the doctrine that ONE (divine) force does the WORK.
Conceptual Metaphor
SALVATION IS A DIVINE MONOLOGUE (not a dialogue).
Practice
Quiz
Monergism is most accurately defined as: