Monergism & Synergism

[graceandpeace]

Forgive me if I've asked this before, but in general are Anglicans monergists or synergists? I think synergists is correct, but wanted to ask any way before Lent.

I am a synergist. If you are, too, can you please explain why? Is synergism how the early Christians understood salvation? If yes, where's the evidence?

In my church journey, this has come up. I found myself thinking about Lutheranism, but they are monergists...so, I don't know. Right now I am happy visiting TEC, but my husband & I need to talk more.

 

[ebia]

...in general are Anglicans monergists or synergists?

Yes

 

[graceandpeace]

Yes

 

[ebia]

that too

 

[graceandpeace]

LOL yes there is confusion! I just was wondering because a more traditional LCMS would be a possibility for me, except I am not a monergist & the denomination is inconsistent regarding the Eucharist.

 

[PaladinValer]

I'd argue that Anglicanism takes a "soft synergism", which affirms that we must cooperate with God but that He acted first and is the only source of saving grace and goodness.

 

[crimsonleaf]

Certainly ^^^ that's today's position, but it's been different historically, in both directions.

 

[PaladinValer]

Certainly ^^^ that's today's position, but it's been different historically, in both directions.

Not sure I can agree. The 39 Articles are as clear as mud on the topic, and the Divines are split at best.

 

[everbecoming2007]

I'd argue that Anglicanism takes a "soft synergism", which affirms that we must cooperate with God but that He acted first and is the only source of saving grace and goodness.

This seems consistent with the Articles which say (paraphrasing) we cannot of our own strength prepare ourselves and turn to God, but when he does give us our good will, he works with us, implying that we cooperate. The Articles also imply that we may fall from grace. Thus we may cooperate with or resist grace, but grace comes first in salvation.

But it is kind of vague and I honestly don't know what they mean or even how directly this question was meant to be addressed by them.

 

[graceandpeace]

Not sure I can agree. The 39 Articles are as clear as mud on the topic, and the Divines are split at best.

Divines?

 

[PaladinValer]

Divines?

Another term for theologian or even an ordained cleric (deacon, priest, or bishop).

 

[AngCath]

In general and speaking most broadly, Anglicanism has moved from a softish monergism (somewhat akin to the Reformed of the Palatinate and Lutheranism) toward synergism. Evangelical Anglicans tend to be Arminian and Anglo-Catholics whether Western or Eastern leaning, are definitely in the synergist camp (as are both Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox).
Again speaking most broadly, Calvinists and Lutherans are the most typical theological movements that are monergistic.

 

[crimsonleaf]

Not sure I can agree. The 39 Articles are as clear as mud on the topic, and the Divines are split at best.

Well, I was agreeing with your post, so I presume you may not agree with the historical flip-flopping argument. The Church of England was still Catholic under Henry, in all but Papal authority, Edward started the Reformation process but died, Mary returned us to Catholic hands and only after her death did Elizabeth bring the via media in the 1558 Elizabethan Settlement, making us both Catholic and reformed. There was even a period under James 1 when we adopted Presbyterian ecclesiology before returning to the position under Elizabeth. Our middle way has meant that there is great freedom within the Church, and theology ranges from the low church Calvinism to the middle and high church Arminianism or neither.

 

[GratiaCorpusChristi]

Anglicanism is a broad spectrum that allows for both monergism and synergism.