arminianism

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Word: Arminianism

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Arminianism is a belief system in Christianity that was developed in the 17th century. It is named after a Dutch theologian named Jacobus Arminius. This belief is known for opposing another belief called Calvinism, which teaches that God has already decided who will be saved and who will not (this idea is called predestination). Arminianism emphasizes that people have free will and can choose to accept or reject God's grace, meaning they have a say in their relationship with God.

Usage Instructions:

• When to Use: You can use the word "Arminianism" when discussing different beliefs within Christianity, especially when contrasting it with Calvinism.

Example:

• "Many people in the church believe in Arminianism, as they think that individuals have the ability to choose to follow God, rather than being chosen by God in advance."

Advanced Usage:

In theological discussions, you might hear phrases like "Arminian theology" or "Arminian view," which refer to the broader implications and interpretations of Arminianism in various contexts.

Word Variants:

• Arminian: This can be used as an adjective to describe beliefs or practices that align with Arminianism. For example, "He has an Arminian perspective on salvation."
• Arminianist: This noun refers to someone who adheres to Arminianism.

Different Meanings:

In general, "Arminianism" specifically refers to the theological doctrine and does not have other meanings outside this context.

Synonyms:

• There are no direct synonyms for Arminianism, but you can think of it as the opposite of "Calvinism" in discussions about Christian theology.

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to Arminianism, you might encounter discussions about "choosing one's path" or "free will" in the context of this belief system.

Summary:

Arminianism is a significant concept in Christian theology that emphasizes human free will in the context of salvation, contrasting with the idea of predestination found in Calvinism.

Academic

Noun

1. 17th century theology (named after its founder Jacobus Arminius) that opposes the absolute predestinarianism of John Calvin and holds that human free will is compatible with God's sovereignty

Synonyms

• arminianism