Arminianism Quote by Philip Schaff
“Calvinism emphasizes divine sovereignty and free grace; Arminianism emphasizes human responsibility. The one restricts the saving grace to the elect; the other extends it to all men on the condition of faith. Both are right in what they assert; both are wrong in what they deny. If one important truth is pressed to the exclusion of another truth of equal importance, it becomes an error, and loses its hold upon the conscience. The Bible gives us a theology which is more human than Calvinism and more divine than Arminianism, and more Christian than either of them.”
About This Quote
Source Book: “History of the Christian Church” by Philip Schaff, 1890
Calvinism stresses God’s control over salvation; Arminianism stresses human choice; both have truth but also limits; a balanced view sees divine grace and human responsibility together.
In simple terms: Both divine control and human choice matter.
Key Takeaway
Seek a faith that embraces both God’s grace and personal responsibility.
Themes
theology
faith
balance
Mood
thoughtful
theological
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- church teaching
- personal belief
- inter‑denominational dialogue
Key Concepts
predestination
free will
ecumenism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you honor both divine sovereignty and personal responsibility?
- What practices help you balance faith and action?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on one side can lead to legalism or fatalism.
