Arminianism

Arminianism is a theological position named after Jacob Arminius (1560-1609), a Dutch theologian and pastor. Arminius's system may be viewed as a response to Reformed (especially Calvinist) theologies of predestination in terms of the relationship of grace and election. Rather than base the human reception of grace on God's prior election, Arminius conditioned election on the prior reception of grace. Such prevenient grace is freely available to all because of the universal scope of Christ's atonement. However, since Arminius maintained that grace is resistible, his position rejected both universalism and the impossibility of backsliding. John Wesley staunchly self-identified as "Arminian," especially regarding the doctrines of prevenient grace, free will, universal redemption (atonement), and salvation. Appropriately, these themes featured prominently in The Arminian Magazine, a periodical that Wesley began in 1778.