Classical Arminianism?

I am not talking about Billy's blog, but the name itself. Lately people are using the term Classical Arminianism, Reformed Arminianism, Arminianism of the heart...  Do these terms do Arminians a disservice?

I think the point of these terms is to get back in touch with our roots and point out that Arminius himself was completely orthodox. But what are we distinguishing areselves from? Is there a type of Arminianism other than Classical Arminianism? Are these other Arminians open theists, anti-trinitarians, liberals and Pelagians?  Have the Calvinists been right all along about Arminianism and Classical Arminians only represent a small subset of Arminianism?

I think not. Arminianism is Classical Arminianism.

Comments

Charlie Cameron said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
September 14, 2010 at 1:56 PM
The Seeking Disciple said…
I borrow Reformed Arminianism from Robert Picirilli's book. He says that reformation Arminianism is classical Arminianism but uses it to show that Arminianism has its roots within the reformation movement. Calvinists often portray their theology as directly from the reformation but Arminianism as a move away from the reformation.
September 14, 2010 at 1:58 PM
Charlie Cameron said…
Here's a link to some posts which may be of interest to you - Arminius.
September 14, 2010 at 2:01 PM
Godismyjudge said…
Thanks Roy. Yes, Reformation Arminianism does trace us back to the reformation. But I guess my I fear that such terms set us up for a "good Arminianism", "bad Arminianism" view. All Arminians are Reformation Arminians.

God be with you,
Dan
September 14, 2010 at 4:18 PM
Godismyjudge said…
Thanks for the link standrews! Nice blog.

God be with you,
Dan
September 14, 2010 at 4:18 PM
Anonymous said…
Man! Now I've gotta change my blog title?

I was thinking about this issue last month, when a Calvinist noticed that I distinguished "true" Arminianism as Classical Arminianism. I thought to myself, if we're to recover the term "Arminianism" from popular, even semi-Pelagian theology, then perhaps these adjectives are not helpful.

If I decide to switch from blogspot to wordpress or get a dot com (etc.), I'll probably drop the "Classical". I think it's been somewhat helpful, however. I've certainly had plenty of people (mostly Calvinists) ask me what "Classical" Arminianism is. It was my pleasure to introduce them to Arminius : )
September 14, 2010 at 7:33 PM
A.M. Mallett said…
Dan,
As with Roy, I often use Reformed or Reformation Arminian taking the cue from Picirilli although I will use Classical as well. Lately, as I noted in my previous post in the earlier thread, I am looking for a safer ground than the big tent philosophy I am encountering under the "general" Arminian umbrella. I am leaning toward taking back the "conservative" label as I consider myself to be a theologically conservative evangelical Arminian (there is a mouthful). I cannot bring myself to stating open theism, social liberalism, emergent and a host of other outside the main "isms" fit well in my understanding of orthodox Arminianism. Perhaps it is "Conservative or Orthodox Arminianism" I am looking for.
September 15, 2010 at 1:11 PM
Godismyjudge said…
Hey Billy,

Sorry about taking your blog name in vain. I am not suggesting you change it. I do think the name does connect us to our heritage.

God be with you,
Dan
September 16, 2010 at 5:44 PM
Godismyjudge said…
Thanks Trav, I consider myself conservative too and feel the same about the "ism's".

God be with you,
Dan
September 16, 2010 at 5:45 PM
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