[T]he Papist and the Arminian on the one extremity…
![“[T]he Papist and the Arminian on the one extremity, enthroneth Nature, and extolleth proud merit, and abaseth Christ and free grace. The Familist, libertine, and Antinomian, on a contrary extremity and opposition, turn man into a block, and make him into a mere patient in the way to heaven.” quote by Samuel Rutherford](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/cea/samuel-rutherford-3289_nature_t-he-papist-and-the-arminian-on-the-one_1331766.jpg)
““[T]he Papist and the Arminian on the one extremity, enthroneth Nature, and extolleth proud merit, and abaseth Christ and free grace. The Familist, libertine, and Antinomian, on a contrary extremity and opposition, turn man into a block, and make him into a mere patient in the way to heaven.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote contrasts two extremes: one elevates nature and merit over Christ and grace, the other reduces humanity to a passive block, denying agency in salvation.
In simple terms: It warns against both extreme pride and passive fatalism in faith.
Key Takeaway
Seek a balanced view that honors both divine grace and human responsibility.
Themes
theology
human nature
salvation
extremism
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- church debates
- personal belief formation
- interfaith dialogue
- ethical teaching
- spiritual counseling
Key Concepts
Grace
merit
agency
predestination
faith
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile divine grace with human effort?
- What dangers arise from viewing believers as merely passive?
A Different Perspective
It may oversimplify complex theological positions into binary extremes.