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Defining Semi-Pelagianism – The Alternatives Explained
The term “Semi-Pelagianism” or “Semi-Pelagian” was not given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. It’s not a Biblical term. It’s a theological term, apparently first developed in the 16th century (1500s). Based on the work of Backus and Goudriaan (discussed here), we believe that the term was created – possibly independently – first by Theodore Beza…
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"Semi-Pelagianism" in Systematics – Toward a Functional Definition
The following is a non-exhaustive (yet possibly exhausting) list of various systematic theologies that I tracked down (not always successfully) in an effort to obtain the raw material from which to distill the meaning of “Semi-Pelagian” in systematic theology, particularly among the Reformed. Not all of the sources cited are Reformed, and some are more…
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Frédéric Spanheim, Jr. on Historic Semi-Pelagianism
Frederick Spanheim the Younger, wrote a book of church history, known as Ecclesiastical Annals. From page 264 of “Ecclesiastical Annals” (in the source, the author’s name is spelled Freidrick Spanheim) (source) This work was originally written in the 1690s or so, with the English translation coming much later. It is interesting, of course, to note…
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Arminius Against the Label of Semi-Pelagianism
In 1607 or shortly thereafter, Arminius wrote a Declaration of his sentiments on various subjects including Perseverance of the Saints. One of the articles under that heading is provided below (as found at this link): ARTICLE XXX (X.) It may admit of discussion, whether Semi-Pelagianism is not real Christianity. ANSWER In a certain lecture I…
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Other General-Purpose Dictionary Definitions of Semi-Pelagianism (in the English language)
In a previous post we covered the 1913 Oxford English Dictionary’s definitions of Semi-Pelagian and Semi-Pelagianism (link to that post). What about other general-purpose dictionaries of the English language? Webster’s 1828 (website version): SEMI-PELA’GIANISM, noun The doctrines or tenets of the Semi-pelagians, supra. SEMI-PELA’GIAN, noun In ecclesiastical history, the Semi-pelagians are persons who retain some…
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Defining Semi-Pelagianism – the Lutheran Take
While Reformed Theodore Beza (1556) and Roman Catholic Nicholas Sanders (1571) may have been the first to use the label “Semi-Pelagianism,” the first (and perhaps only) conciliar use of the term is in the Lutheran Epitome or Formula of Concord (1577). “The Formula of Concord contains,” according to Nicholas Hoppmann (link to article), “the most…
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Semi-Pelagianism in some Theological Dictionaries and Encyclopedias
The following are definitions of Pelagianism and Semi-Pelagianism from the “Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms” (1996). Despite the “Westminster” in its name, I’m confident that this work represents the mainstream Presbyterian church, which is not “Reformed” in most rigorous senses of the word, though it is broadly in that tradition, as distinct from Eastern Orthodox…
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Semi-Pelagianism Defined by the Oxford English Dictionary
One ought not to have to provide such caveats, but this is a reminder that dictionary definitions are descriptive more than they are prescriptive. In the case of this particular dictionary, the definitions are built on usage over the centuries (but particularly in the period from about 1600 to 1900). Likewise, this is a reminder…
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Defining "Semi-Pelagianism" by Theodore Beza
My debate opponent (in an upcoming debate), Dr. T. Kurt Jaros, has suggested that we should define “Semi-Pelagianism” as Beza did. For example, in an interview with Warren McGrew, Dr. Jaros stated: “I think that the term should just be wiped from history and — you know — the new definition of ‘Semi-Pelagianism’ should be…
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Defining "Christian" so as to Deceive Christians
Over in the comment box of the GreenBaggins blog, Dave Armstrong asked: First of all, how could one who accepts the Nicene and Apostles’ Creed not be a Christian? I think that is something you should ask yourself.If those do not help clarify who is and who is not a Christian, what in the world…