Strange quote from Arminius

[Reformationist]

"After the reading of Scripture, which I strenuously inculcate, and more than any other ... I recommend that the Commentaries of Calvin be read ... For I affirm that in the interpretation of the Scriptures Calvin is incomparable, and that his Commentaries are more to be valued than anything that is handed down to us in the writings of the Fathers -- so much that I concede to him a certain spirit of prophecy in which he stands distinguished above others, above most, indeed, above all"
-Jacobus Arminius (1560-1609)

Is it just how I'm reading this or is Jacobus Arminius, the man known for his "sovereignty of man" theology giving kudos to the one (John Calvin) whose theology goes against most of what he taught? Kinda weird. And before anyone feels the need to "freak out" (said in the voice of Jerry Macguire) I just wanted to share this as it struck me as odd and I though others might feel the same way. (For those in the back row) I'M NOT TRYING TO START AN ARGUMENT!!!

Anyway,
God bless.

 

[ScottEmerson]

Arminius began by studying in Geneva under Calvin's successor, Theodore Beza. It is during this time that he said the quote.

Jacobus Arminius was by then a noted scholar and a strict Calvinist and taught Calvinism at the university. Arminius was called to reply to Koornhert and to defend the supralapsarian position. In Arminius' preparation for the debate and through meditation and study, he saw through the Calvinist exclusivism, intolerence and the false doctrines of John Calvin and had come to doubt the whole idea of unconditional predestination and utimately rejected it.

It is then that he stated that Calvin's God was "a tyrant and an executioner."

For the record, here were Arminius' five points, which came BEFORE TULIP. TULIP was, in fact, the answer to the Remonstrants' position.

1. God has decreed to save through Jesus Christ those of the fallen and sinful race who through the grace of the Holy Spirit believe in him, but leaves in sin the incorrigible and unbelieving.
2. Christ died for all men (not just for the elect), but no one except the believer has remission of sin.
3. Man can neither of himself nor of his free will do anything truly good until he is born again of God, in Christ, through the Holy Spirit.
4. All good deeds or movements in the regenerate must be ascribed to the grace of God but his grace is not irresistible.
5. Those who are incorporated into Christ by a true faith have power given them through the assisting grace of the Holy Spirit to persevere in the faith. But it is possible for a believer to fall from grace.

Just trying to give you some context for the quote of Arminius.

 

[Lion Heart]

Originally posted by ScottEmerson

It is then that he stated that Calvin's God was "a tyrant and an executioner."

Now the world can see, why this man Arminius, has such a low esteem of the Blood that purchases men from

"an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and sets their feet upon a rock,"

He has no problem, blaspheming and judging GOD.

Why shouldn't HE after all he controls his own destiny.

Such is the way of the wise of this world.




Richard

 

[seebs]

Originally posted by Lion Heart

Now the world can see, why this man Arminius, has such a low esteem of the Blood that purchases men from

Uh, no. He has a low esteem of Calvin's beliefs. It's like if I look at someone with a really delusional belief system and say that "his god is small and petty", I'm not talking about God (the real one), but about the construct in his belief system.

 

[ScottEmerson]

Originally posted by Lion Heart


Now the world can see, why this man Arminius, has such a low esteem of the Blood that purchases men from

"an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and sets their feet upon a rock,"

He has no problem, blaspheming and judging GOD.

Why shouldn't HE after all he controls his own destiny.

Such is the way of the wise of this world.

Richard

Have you ever read any of Arminius' or the Remonstrants' writings? He never blasphemed or judged God. They were very careful to attribute to God sovereignty, power, and all that. He was making a comment about the God that Calvin constructed, since it was so unbiblical and illogical as a system of faith. (Read more of his works to find out why...)

 

[JohnR7]

>>Is it just how I'm reading this or is Jacobus Arminius, the man known for his "sovereignty of man" theology giving kudos to the one (John Calvin) whose theology goes against most of what he taught?

I would not pay any attention to what people say about Arminius or Calvin. If your interested, then go read their work for your self. Why let the mixed up and confused interpertation of others have any influence on you.

I belong to a Methodist Church, but I do not pay to much attention to what they attribute to John Wesley. I just go directly to his sermons and read them for myself.

 

[ZiSunka]

I would never want to be an Arminian or a Calvinist.

Only a CHRISTian. One who follows the teachings of Christ, not Calvin or Arminius. What they have to say affects me not one bit.

But whatever Christ says, I take to heart!

 

[Blackhawk]

I think it is of note to say that Arminius was in many ways very close to Calvinism. I have never read stronger writings in favor of total depravity then in his works.

blackhawk