Calvinism vs. Arminianism

Definition

Calvinism and Arminianism are two contrasting theological systems within Protestant Christianity that address the nature of salvation and God's sovereignty. Calvinism emphasizes the idea of predestination and God's absolute control over salvation, while Arminianism advocates for free will, suggesting that individuals can choose or reject God's grace. These differing beliefs had significant implications during the Great Awakening, influencing the religious revival movement and its literary expressions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Calvinism is rooted in the teachings of John Calvin, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the belief that salvation is an unchangeable gift from God.
2. Arminianism emerged from the ideas of Jacobus Arminius, who argued that God's grace is available to all and that individuals must respond to it.
3. The theological debate between Calvinism and Arminianism became particularly prominent during the Great Awakening, as different revivalist preachers aligned with one side or the other.
4. Literary works during the Great Awakening often reflected these theological tensions, influencing sermons, pamphlets, and conversion narratives that captured the fervor of the revival.
5. Both theological positions contributed to shaping American evangelical thought and established differing perspectives on divine grace and human responsibility.

Review Questions

• Compare and contrast Calvinism and Arminianism in terms of their views on salvation and human agency.
  • Calvinism asserts that salvation is predetermined by God, with individuals unable to influence their fate, highlighting God's absolute sovereignty. In contrast, Arminianism posits that humans have the free will to accept or reject God's grace, thereby playing an active role in their own salvation. This fundamental difference shapes how each tradition views divine justice and mercy, ultimately influencing various denominations within Protestant Christianity.
• Analyze how the theological differences between Calvinism and Arminianism influenced the Great Awakening's revivalist movements.
  • The Great Awakening was marked by passionate preaching and emotional engagement with faith. Calvinist revivalists emphasized predestination, often promoting a sense of urgency for conversion experiences. Meanwhile, Arminian preachers stressed personal decision-making in responding to God's grace, creating a more inclusive atmosphere for those seeking spiritual rebirth. This theological divide significantly shaped the rhetoric used during revivals and helped to mobilize different congregations toward personal faith experiences.
• Evaluate the long-term literary impact of Calvinism versus Arminianism on American religious writing following the Great Awakening.
  • The literary impact of Calvinism versus Arminianism on American religious writing post-Great Awakening was profound. Works reflecting Calvinist thought often focused on themes of divine sovereignty and judgment, reinforcing a solemn view of faith. Conversely, Arminian literature emphasized hope, choice, and personal testimony, leading to a richer diversity of spiritual narratives. This tension fostered a literary landscape where writers could explore complex ideas about faith, morality, and human experience, laying foundational elements for modern American spirituality.

Related terms

Predestination: The doctrine in Calvinism that asserts God has predetermined who will be saved and who will be damned, emphasizing God's sovereignty in the process of salvation.

Free Will: The concept in Arminianism that individuals have the capacity to choose their own path regarding salvation, highlighting human agency in accepting or rejecting God's grace.

Great Awakening: A series of religious revivals in the 18th century that emphasized personal faith, emotional expression, and a direct relationship with God, significantly impacting American religious life and literature.