May 8, 1603 - Jacob Arminius Appointed Professor of Theology

Leiden, Netherlands (City Hall and Koornbrug). Photo by Erik Zachte via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Possibly one of the most famous theologians, John Calvin established the theological idea of predestination, raising doctrinal discussions on the topic of man’s free will to choose salvation. Although these discussions existed prior to Calvin, his ideas intensified the debate. He systemized the doctrine of predestination, which is the belief that God has sovereignly chosen who will be saved. In opposition to Calvin was Jacob Arminius who taught the theological doctrine now called Arminianism, or the belief that humans have free will in accepting or rejecting salvation. He taught conditional response based upon God’s foreknowledge of human response. On May 8, 1603, Arminius was appointed as a professor of theology at Leyden University in the Netherlands, which was a major center for theological debate. His teachings eventually led to the Synod of Dort fifteen years later which formally rejected Arminianism. The Synod produced the “Canons of Dort,” establishing the “Five Points of Calvinism,” which led to long-standing divisions in Protestantism, especially between Reformed, Baptist, and Methodist traditions.

Through Jacob Arminius and his career, modern Christians see context for one of the most integral and most debated theological questions- how does salvation work? Understanding the historical context for the continuing debate of God’s sovereignty and human responsibility is imperative to forming an understanding of modern controversies and personal belief. It is important for Christians to know why different denominations hold different views on salvation, and it is important for Christians to study Scripture deeply and personally rather than to rely on assumptions. Looking to the example of Calvin and Arminius inspires respectful dialogue on secondary theological differences. Theological disagreements have existed for centuries, but understanding the history behind them helps Christians to understand their own beliefs and church traditions. It is necessary, though, to ground beliefs in biblical teaching, not simply tradition.