ARMINIANISM:
a general term embracing the teachings of Jacobus ARMINIUS. The
THEOLOGICAL views of Arminius and his followers were summed up in five points which were
designed to counter the prevailing CALVINIST ORTHODOXY of his day. They are: (1) GOD from
all ETERNITY predestined to ETERNAL LIFE those of whom He foresaw would remain steadfast
in FAITH to their end; (2) CHRIST died for all mankind, not only the elect; (3) through
free will Man cooperates in his CONVERSION; (4) humans may RESIST divine GRACE; (5) humans
may FALL from divine grace. At the SYNOD OF DORT the Arminian teachings were condemned as
heretical by orthodox CALVINISTS. Today, Arminianism is the major theological force among
North American EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANS.