Arminianism refers to a belief structure ascribed to Jacobus Arminius (1560-1609), a Dutch Christian theologian who studied the tenants of Calvinism.
Many Christian Protestant denominations trace their roots to John Calvin and the reformation movement.
Arminius embraced Calvinistic doctrine at the beginning of his studies but later took issue with Calvin's beliefs relative to predestination.
Arminius also took exception to Calvin's view that the elect were not capable of losing their salvation; a concept that John Wesley championed in his adherence to Arminianism. However, Wesley disagreed with Arminius by insisting "backsliders" could return to the congregation of the elect should they repent of their transgressions and once again embrace the doctrines of the church.
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Listed below are five Christian denominations that identify with Arminian beliefs.
1. American Baptist Churches USA
American Baptist Churches USA claims in excess of 5,200 congregations in the United States. One of the many body of believers that call themselves Baptists, the ABCUSA clearly identifies themselves with Arminianism.
While other Baptist conventions waffle between Calvinism and Arminianism,
the ABCUSA states: "By and large modern Baptists are motivated by an Arminian theology that stresses free will, and have emphasized evangelism and discipleship."
2. The United Methodist Church
Methodists associate with the teaching of John Wesley and "John Wesley particularly identified his understanding of salvation with the theology and writings of the 17th-century Dutch theologian ... Jacob Arminius,"
according to the United Methodist Church.
In one of his most famous sermons "A Call to Backsliders," Wesley held that repentance and readmission to the faith was possible.
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3. Wesleyan Churches
While recognized as the "founder of the Methodist movement," John Wesley's name lends itself to the Christian congregation of Wesleyan churches.
A splinter denomination of the Methodists, the Wesleyan Church broke away in the mid-1800s over the issue of slavery,
according to PBS.
The Wesleyan Church ordained the first woman for Christian ministry in 1853.
4. Pentecostal Churches
The Pentecostal movement of the early 20th century spawned a number of Christian denominations including the Pentecostal Holiness Church. Other organizations such as The Christian and Missionary Alliance, the Church of God, The Churches of Christ, and the Assemblies of God all follow Wesleyan teachings and Pentecostal traditions.
5. The Church of the Nazarene
According to the Church of the Nazarene, "The spiritual vision of early Nazarenes was derived from the doctrinal core of John Wesley's preaching." However, the Church's doctrine is Arminian with the influence of Wesley's Methodist convictions.
The Church of the Nazarene takes its name from Nazareth, the region where Jesus spent his early years.
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