Posted: August 14th, 2022

Comparing soteriological models in Christianity, such as Calvinism and Arminianism, and exploring their philosophical foundations.

Comparing soteriological models in Christianity, such as Calvinism and Arminianism, and exploring their philosophical foundations.
Christian soteriology refers to doctrines of salvation within Christianity. There are differing perspectives on salvation within Christian theology, with two of the most significant being Calvinism and Arminianism. Both perspectives seek to understand how God’s sovereignty and human free will interact in the process of salvation. This article will explore the key tenets of Calvinism and Arminianism and their philosophical underpinnings.
Calvinism
Calvinism is a theological system derived from the teachings and writings of 16th century French reformer John Calvin. Some of the key tenets of Calvinism are:
Total Depravity – Due to the fall of man, humans are born sinful and unable to freely choose God or salvation apart from God’s grace. This is based on a Calvinist understanding of passages like Romans 3:10-18 and Jeremiah 17:9.
Unconditional Election – God has sovereignly chosen from eternity past those he will save. Election is not based on any foreseen merit, faith or works in those chosen but is due solely to God’s mercy. This stems from passages like Ephesians 1:4-5 and Romans 9:10-16.
Limited Atonement – Jesus died specifically for the elect chosen by God. The atonement was definite and limited only to the elect rather than indefinite for all people. This is derived from interpretations of texts like John 10:11 and John 17:9.
Irresistible Grace – The internal call of God that comes through the Holy Spirit cannot be resisted and will certainly result in the salvation of those chosen. God’s grace overcomes man’s depravity and inability. This draws from passages such as John 6:37-40 and Philippians 2:12-13.
Perseverance of the Saints – Those chosen and regenerated by God are kept by God’s power and will persevere in faith till the end. This eternal security is grounded in verses like John 10:27-29 and Romans 8:31-39.
Calvinism is grounded in a high view of God’s sovereignty over all things, including salvation. God is seen as the primary causal agent in salvation from election to final glorification. This upholds divine grace and human dependence on God for salvation. Critics argue it diminishes human responsibility and moral accountability.
Arminianism
Arminianism is a theological perspective derived from the teachings of 16th century Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius. The key tenets of Arminianism include:
Conditional Election – God’s election is based on his foreknowledge of whether individuals would freely accept salvation by faith or reject it. Election is conditional rather than unconditional.
General Atonement – Jesus died for all people and not just the elect. The atonement was unlimited in sufficiency but only efficacious for those who believe.
Resistible Grace – While prevenient grace is given to all, individuals have libertarian free will to either accept or resist saving grace. Grace can be resisted and is not irresistible.
Persistable Grace – Those who are truly regenerated can lose their salvation if they freely and finally decide to reject it. Believers can lose their salvation through apostasy.
Corporate Election – Election is of groups or classes of people rather than individuals. God elects the church rather than individuals.
Arminianism upholds libertarian free will as central to human nature and responsibility. It seeks to balance divine sovereignty and human freedom. Critics argue it diminishes God’s sovereignty over salvation and leaves open the possibility of Christ’s atonement failing to actually save.
Philosophical Foundations
Calvinism is grounded more in the philosophical school of thought known as theological determinism which sees God as the prime causal agent determining all things. Arminianism is closer to libertarian free will philosophically, seeing humans as self-determining agents capable of independent free choices and actions.
Calvinism’s view of total depravity and irresistible grace stems from Augustinian concepts of original sin and predestination popularized by Calvin. Arminianism rejects strong Augustinian views of total inability and embraces human freedom and responsibility.
The debate between Calvinism and Arminianism involves philosophical questions about the relationship between divine sovereignty and human freedom, predestination and free will, causality and agency. Both perspectives seek to be biblically grounded while differing in their philosophical assumptions.1
Contemporary Assignment help – Discussions
While Calvinism and Arminianism were most clearly delineated in the 16th-17th centuries, discussions continue on key issues like the extent of the atonement, perseverance of the saints and the relationship between divine sovereignty and human freedom.
Recent philosophers like Alvin Plantinga, William Lane Craig and John Feinberg have sought to nuance Calvinist views on issues like middle knowledge, divine command theory and compatibilism to address theological determinism concerns.2 Arminians like Clark Pinnock have explored open theism as a way of enhancing divine-human interactivity.3
Within evangelicalism, the debate continues to influence discussions on doctrines like election, assurance of salvation and evangelism methodology. While differences remain, most evangelicals embrace elements of both traditions and seek unity in the essentials of salvation through Christ.4
Conclusion
Calvinism and Arminianism represent two major perspectives on the doctrines of soteriology and the divine-human relationship in salvation. Both seek to be biblically grounded while differing in philosophical assumptions. The debate between them involves complex questions about theological determinism, libertarian free will and reconciling divine sovereignty with human responsibility. While differences persist on non-essentials, most Christians find unity in the saving work of Christ.
References
Erickson, Millard J. 2013. Christian Theology. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.
Plantinga, Alvin. 2000. “On Ockham’s Way Out.” Faith and Philosophy 17 (2): 188–198.
Pinnock, Clark H., Richard Rice, John Sanders, William Hasker, and David Basinger. 1994. The Openness of God: A Biblical Challenge to the Traditional Understanding of God. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Grudem, Wayne. 1994. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House.

Order | Check Discount

Tags: Best Research Paper Topics for Examples, Dissertation Topics & Good Thesis Ideas, Research Titles Examples, Thesis and Dissertation Ideas for Research Topics in UK, Thesis Topics for Your Final Academic Project