|
|
|
|
Monergism
|
| |
|
| |
Monergism describes the position in Christian theology of those who believe that God through the Holy Spirit works to effectually bring about the salvation of individuals through spiritual regeneration without cooperation from the individual. This is in contrast to synergism in which God and individuals cooperate for salvation. Monergism is most often associated with Calvinism (e.g., Presbyterians and Dutch Reformed) and its doctrine of irresistible grace and in particular with historic doctrinal differences between Calvinism on the one hand and Arminianism on the other.
Discussion
Ask a question about 'Monergism' Start a new discussion about 'Monergism' Answer questions from other users |
Encyclopedia
Monergism describes the position in Christian theology of those who believe that God through the Holy Spirit works to effectually bring about the salvation of individuals through spiritual regeneration without cooperation from the individual. This is in contrast to synergism in which God and individuals cooperate for salvation. Monergism is most often associated with Calvinism (e.g., Presbyterians and Dutch Reformed) and its doctrine of irresistible grace and in particular with historic doctrinal differences between Calvinism on the one hand and Arminianism on the other. Lutherans generally adhere to a modified and less stringent form of monergism.
Statement of the doctrine
In its simplest form, monergism states that the regeneration of an individual is the work of God the Holy Spirit alone, as opposed to synergism, which, in its simplest form, argues that the human will cooperates with God's grace in order to be regenerated. To the synergist, faith may arise from unregenerated human nature. Salvation is not complete until the individual performs some action(s). According to monergism, faith in Christ only springs from a heart first renewed by God. Among various arguments, proponents believe 1 Corinthians 12:3 to mean that no one can possibly confess Jesus as Lord apart from the Holy Spirit's prompting and conviction.
Opposition to monergism
Synergists typically believe that God wills a human being to follow Him and helps the person, but does not determine the choice for the individual. Some synergists believe that because man is made in the "image and likeness of God," he has the ability to make free choices for good or for evil. Other synergists believe fallen man is by default unable to do good but God has extended grace to all people which gives them the ability to have faith in Christ. Either way, synergists believe individual salvation is a matter of individual, not divine, choice. Synergists look to various Biblical passages, such as the parable of the talents and the passage "If today you hear the voice of God, harden not your heart."
Some synergists believe that monergism is fatalistic. The argument is largely predicated on moral considerations, namely that there is no necessity to live in a godly and decent way and obey God's law if one cannot have an influence on his or her personal salvation.
Another argument against monergism is that it is comparable to the lottery; for the human being, the eventual outcome of grace could just as well be the result of drawing a lot or a divine whim.
External links
- - Contains articles explaining and defending Calvinistic monergism.
|
| |
|
|
