Reconsidering Arminius: Beyond the Reformed and Wesleyan Divide

Publisher Marketing: The theology of Dutch theologian Jacob Arminius has been misinterpreted and caricatured in both Reformed and Wesleyan circles. By revisiting Arminius's theology, the book hopes to be a constructive voice in the discourse between so-called Calvinists and Arminians. Traditionally, Arminius has been treated as a divisive figure in evangelical theology. Indeed, one might be able to describe classic evangelical theology up into the twentieth century in relation to his work: one was either an Arminian and accepted his theology or one was a Calvinist and rejected his theology. Although various other movements within evangelicalism have provided additional contour to the movement (fundamentalism, Pentecostalism, etc.), the Calvinist-Arminian 'divide' remains a significant one. What this book seeks to correct is the misinterpretation of Arminius as one whose theology provides a stark contrast to the Reformed tradition as a whole. Indeed, this book will demonstrate instead that Arminius is far more in line with Reformed orthodoxy than popularly believed and show that what emerges as Arminianism in the theology of the Remonstrants and Wesleyan movements was in fact not the theology of Arminius but a development of and sometimes departure from it. This book also brings Arminius into conversation with modern theology. To this end, it includes essays on the relationship between Arminius's theology and open theism and Neo-Reformed theology. In this way, this book fulfills the promise of the title by showing ways in which Arminius's theology--once properly understood--can serve as a resource of evangelical Wesleyans and Calvinists doing theology together today. Editors: Keith D. Stanglin, Mark G. Bilby, and Mark H. Mann Contributors: Jeremy Dupertuis Bangs Mark G. Bilby Oliver D. Crisp W. Stephen Gunter John Mark Hicks Mark H. Mann Thomas H. McCall Richard A. Muller Keith D. Stanglin E. Jerome Van Kuiken Contributor Bio:  Stanglin, Keith D Keith D. Stanglin is associate professor of scripture and historical theology at Austin Graduate School of Theology in Austin, Texas. Contributor Bio:  Bilby, Mark Mark G. Bilby completed his PhD in 2012 at the University of Virginia. His recently published dissertation explores the early Christian interpretation of Luke 23:39-43, the story of the two co-crucified criminals. At present he works as the reference librarian at the Claremont School of Theology. Contributor Bio:  Mann, Mark Howard Mark H. Mann is Associate Professor of Theology and Director of the Wesleyan Center at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California.