ARMINIANISM, a term applied to a cer tain phase of Protestant theology. In the Netherlands early in the 17th century there was a revolt against the doctrine of unconditional election as taught by the rigid Calvinists. The most important person, though not the first one, in this revolt was Jacob Arminius (q.v.) A controversy was carried on between him and Gomarus over the question of predestination, and, after the death of Arminius, with increased vigor by their followers. In 1610 the Arminians set forth their views in a 'Remonstrance' cov ering the points in controversy which in sub stance was as follows: (1) God decreed to save through Christ those who believe in his Son and who persevere in faith and obedience through life, but he leaves in sin those who are not believers. (2) Christ died for all, but no one except the believer has remission of sins. (3) Man can neither do nor think anything truly good until he is born again through the Holy Spirit. (4) All good in the regenerate man is brought about by the grace of God, but this grace is not ir resistible. (5) Those who are truly converted have power given them through the Holy Spirit and the help of Christ, so that if they desire his aid and are not inactive, no power can take them away from Christ.
In 1618 the Synod of Dort met and con demned the five articles, and many of the remonstrant ministers were deposed, but in 1630 they were granted religious liberty. They have continued to the present as one of the smaller religious sects of Holland with a pres byterial organization and a theological seminary at Amsterdam. The present importance of Arminianism is due to the fact that the founders of Methodism (q.v.) incorporated into their system the teachings of Arminius and his im mediate followers. This is the belief of the Methodist Church to-day, as well as that of many individuals belonging to churches nomi nally Calvinistic. Consult Annan, W., The Difficulties of Arminian Methodism' (Philadel phia 1860) ; Blok, 'History of the People of the Netherlands' (Part III, trans. Putnam, New York 1900) ; Gill, J., 'The Cause of God and Truth: Being an Examination of the Principal Passages of Scripture made use of by the Ar minians in Favour of Their (4 vols., London 1735-38) ; 'The Works of Arminius) (trans. 2 vols., Buffalo 1853).