Arminianism
|ar-min-i-an-ism|
🇺🇸
/ɑrˈmɪniənɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/ɑːˈmɪniənɪzəm/
theological system emphasizing free will over unconditional predestination
Etymology
'Arminianism' originates from the Latinized name 'Arminius' (the name of the Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius) combined with the suffix '-ism' from New Latin/Greek via French, which denotes a system of beliefs.
'Arminianism' was formed in English in the early 17th century from 'Arminian' (follower or pertaining to Arminius) plus the suffix '-ism', naming the doctrines associated with Jacobus Arminius and his followers.
Initially, it referred specifically to the doctrines advocated by Jacobus Arminius and his immediate followers; over time it has continued to denote broadly the theological position emphasizing conditional election and free will.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a Christian theological system based on the teachings of Jacobus Arminius that emphasizes human free will in salvation, conditional election, and resistible grace; historically opposed to strict Calvinist doctrines of unconditional predestination.
Arminianism stresses that people can freely respond to God’s grace rather than being irresistibly predestined.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/28 18:05