Bartholomew
New Member
Hello!
I know the "guilt by association" argument isn't as compelling as many would like it to be, but I keep wondering about the conections between Calvinism, Arminianism, and Roman Catholicism. I have heard the following "facts" from different sides of the debate, and wondered if any of you might be able to tell me which of these is true?
1. The Reformation was (in many respects) a return to the theology of Augustine, who taught what we would now call "Calvinism". ALL the reformers were "Calvinists".
2. Augustine did indeed teach "Calvinism", but he persecuted baptists and laid the foundations of the Roman Catholic system (e.g. he believed in praying to saints and the healing properties of holy relics). The Roman Catholics originally accepted his "Calvinism".
3. Roman Catholicism teaches "Arminianism", and the pre-Reformation Christians during the Roman Catholic era taught "Calvinism".
4. Arminius advocated his "Arminianism" in order to try to bring about a re-unification of the Reformed Church with the Roman Catholic Church.
I am interested to know whether these are true or not. If an idea was invented by Roman Catholicism, I think we should be very wary of it (although I know it doesn't make it wrong). Thanks!
I know the "guilt by association" argument isn't as compelling as many would like it to be, but I keep wondering about the conections between Calvinism, Arminianism, and Roman Catholicism. I have heard the following "facts" from different sides of the debate, and wondered if any of you might be able to tell me which of these is true?
1. The Reformation was (in many respects) a return to the theology of Augustine, who taught what we would now call "Calvinism". ALL the reformers were "Calvinists".
2. Augustine did indeed teach "Calvinism", but he persecuted baptists and laid the foundations of the Roman Catholic system (e.g. he believed in praying to saints and the healing properties of holy relics). The Roman Catholics originally accepted his "Calvinism".
3. Roman Catholicism teaches "Arminianism", and the pre-Reformation Christians during the Roman Catholic era taught "Calvinism".
4. Arminius advocated his "Arminianism" in order to try to bring about a re-unification of the Reformed Church with the Roman Catholic Church.
I am interested to know whether these are true or not. If an idea was invented by Roman Catholicism, I think we should be very wary of it (although I know it doesn't make it wrong). Thanks!