According to a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, approximately 60% of Protestant congregations in the United States adhere to Arminian leaning theology, while only 36% adhere to Calvinist leaning theology.
What are these two theologies?
Arminianism and Calvinism are two different views on how God relates to human salvation.
Calvinism stresses God’s sovereignty and human predestination.
Arminianism emphasizes human free will and human faith.
Calvinism teaches that God chooses who will be saved without condition, that Christ died for the elect, and that grace is perfect saving ALL whom God chose from the beginning.
Arminianism teaches that God chooses who will be saved based on their own foreseen faith, that Christ died for everyone, and that grace can be resisted by the sinner.
Calvinism Overview
Founder: Based on the teachings of John Calvin (1509-1564), a prominent figure in the Protestant Reformation.
Belief
God’s Sovereignty: Calvinists emphasize unconditional, unlimited, and absolute sovereignty of God. Everything is predetermined by God’s will, and His foreknowledge is a result of His own planning.
Man’s Depravity: Due to the Fall, humans are totally depraved and incapable of saving themselves. Salvation must be initiated by God.
Election: Election is unconditional—God chooses some for salvation before the world’s foundation.
Grace: God’s grace is irresistible; only it can draw the elect to salvation.
Perseverance: The elect will persevere in faith.
Arminianism Overview
Founder: Based on the views of Jacobus Arminius (1560-1609), a Dutch theologian.
Beliefs
God’s Sovereignty: Arminians believe God’s sovereignty is limited in correspondence with human freedom. His decrees are associated with His foreknowledge of human response.
Man’s Depravity: Humans inherit a corrupted, depraved nature, but through prevenient grace, God enables them to respond to His call for salvation.
Election: Election is conditional, based on God’s foreknowledge.
Grace: God’s grace is resistible, and humans can choose to cooperate with it.
Salvation: It can potentially be lost.
In my understanding, Arminianism leans towards a more man-centered perspective, placing human agency and decision-making at the forefront of their faith, while Calvinism emphasizes a God-centered approach, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and trustworthy control over all things.
