Arminianism facts for kids
Arminianism is a set of Christian beliefs about how God saves people. It is a part of Protestant Christian theology. These ideas were first taught by a Dutch thinker named Jacobus Arminius. His teachings became very important in the 1600s.
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Who Was Jacobus Arminius?
Jacobus Arminius was born in 1560 in a small town in the Netherlands. He became a very smart student. He studied theology, which is the study of religious faith and God.
Arminius became a pastor and a professor at Leiden University. He was asked to defend some ideas about God's plan for saving people. But as he studied, he started to have different ideas.
He believed that God's love and desire to save people were very wide. He thought that people also had a part to play in choosing God. His new ideas caused a big debate in his time.
What Do Arminians Believe?
Arminianism focuses on several key ideas about how God saves people. These ideas are different from some other Protestant beliefs, like Calvinism.
God's Choice (Election)
Arminians believe that God chooses people to be saved. But this choice is based on God knowing ahead of time who will believe in Him. It's like God knows who will say "yes" to His invitation.
This means God doesn't just pick some people and leave others out. Instead, He offers salvation to everyone. He knows who will accept it by faith.
Jesus Died for Everyone (Atonement)
Arminians believe that Jesus Christ died for all people. His death on the cross was enough to pay for the sins of everyone in the world.
This means that God's offer of forgiveness is open to everyone. It is not just for a select few. Anyone who believes in Jesus can be saved.
People Can Choose God (Free Will)
A main idea in Arminianism is that people have free will. This means we can choose to believe in God or not. We can accept God's gift of salvation or reject it.
God helps us to be able to choose Him. But He does not force us to believe. Our choice is real and important.
God's Help (Grace)
Arminians believe that God's grace is very important. Grace is God's undeserved favor and help. It is what allows us to respond to God.
God's grace comes to us before we even choose Him. It helps us to understand our need for God. It also helps us to have faith and turn away from sin.
This grace can be resisted. This means that people can say "no" to God's help. God invites, but He does not force.
Staying Saved (Perseverance)
Arminians believe that once a person is saved, they need to keep trusting God. It is possible for a person to turn away from God later.
This means that salvation is not a one-time event that can never be lost. It requires a continuing relationship with God. If someone stops believing and living for God, they might lose their salvation.
Arminianism Today
Arminian ideas have had a big impact on many Christian churches. One of the most famous groups to follow Arminian beliefs is Methodism. John Wesley, who started the Methodist movement, strongly believed in Arminian ideas.
Many other churches also share these beliefs. These include some Baptist churches, Pentecostal churches, and Seventh-day Adventist churches. Arminianism continues to be an important part of Christian thought around the world.
Images for kids
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Portrait of Jacobus Arminius, from Kupferstich aus Theatrum Europaeum by Matthaeus Merian in 1662
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Portrait of Simon Episcopius, (Anonymous)
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Portrait of John Wesley, by George Romney
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Allegory of the theological dispute between the Arminianists and their opponents by Abraham van der Eyk (1721), allegorically represents what many Arminians thought about the Synod: the Bible on the Arminian side was outweighed by the sword, representing the power of the state, and Calvin's Institutes on the other
See also
In Spanish: Arminianismo para niños
