The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Terms

Hey everybody,

I know I should probably just read a few dozen books and figure it out for myself, but I was really wondering if someone would give me an easy to understand and easy way of explaining any differences that might exist between the terms "Augustinian", "Calvinist", "Monergist", and "Reformed". I've seen them used interchangably but I don't see why we'd have 4 terms for the exact same thing, so I figured there might be a difference between them I don't really know about. Furthermore, I was talking to my dad (and I'll hopefully get to talk to my younger cousin) about the Reformed Faith and I'm not sure when to use what term.

Any help would be most appreciated.

Bro. Luke

Here's my amateur take on it.

Augustinianism refers to the theology of St. Augustine (the Bishop of Hippo in Northern Africa during the 3rd century). He was Catholic, so not all of his theology could be characterized as "reformed" (especially since he predates the reformation by about 1200 years). But he did believe in forensic justification.

Calvinism refers specifically to the theology and writings of John Calvin, who was a French reformer after Luther. He did not agree with Luther at every point, but he was a leader of the Protestant Reformation. In a broader sense, many people refer to those who embrace the Reformed Faith as Calvinists.

Monergism is a technical, theological term that means "one working"--in other words, the salvific work is by God alone and man contributes nothing to his salvation. It's opposite term is synergism, which means "working together" and means that man works together with God (cooperates with grace) in salvation.

Reformed, to me, means that one affirms the Doctrines of Grace, reformed soteriology, and covenant theology. I'm sure there is a much better definition and others will jump in and correct me where I am wrong, but that is my understanding.

Kim,

I think you've given an excellent summary. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/applause.gif" alt="" />


Augustinianism

A term used in two major senses. First, it refers to the views of Augustine of Hippo concerning the doctrine of salvation, in which the need for divine grace is stressed. In this sense, the term is the antithesis of Pelagianism. Second, it is used to refer to the body of opinion within the Augustinian order during the Middle Ages, irrespective of whether these views derive from Augustine or not.


Calvinism

Calvinism, the Protestant religious perspective associated with the work of John Calvin, includes both the teachings of Calvin and the later developments of his world view. Calvin's doctrine was catholic in its acceptance of the Trinity, human sinfulness, and the saving work of Jesus Christ. It was Protestant in its commitment to the final authority of the Bible, justification by Grace through faith alone, and the bondage of the will for Salvation. It was distinctly reformed in its stress on the omnipotent sovereignty of God, the need for discipline in the church, and the ethical seriousness of life.

The so - called Five Points of Calvinism were formulated by Dutch Reformed theologians at the Synod of Dort (1618 - 19) in response to the teachings of Arminianism. The five points teach that

1. humankind is spiritually incapacitated by Sin
2. God chooses (elects) unconditionally those who will be saved
3. the saving work of Christ is limited to those elected ones
4. God's grace cannot be turned aside
5. those whom God elects in Christ are saved forever Predestination



Monergist

A person who understands that the Holy Spirit is the only efficient agent in regeneration - that the human will possesses no inclination to holiness until regenerated, and therefore cannot cooperate in regeneration. Apart from the supernatural power of God whereby we are granted the spiritual ability and desire to comply with the conditions of the covenant of grace; that is, to apprehend the Redeemer by a living faith, to come up to the terms of salvation, to repent of idols and to love God and the Mediator supremely. The Holy Spirit, in quickening the soul, mercifully capacitates and inclines God's elect to the spiritual exercise of faith in Jesus Christ (John 6:44, 1 John 5:1). This instantaneous and intensely personal work of God is the means by which the Spirit brings us into living union with Him.



Reformed

Reformed: ri-farmed', a, to be corrected; restored to a good or proper state; having turned from unlawful ways to obey the law; as a reformed criminal; to restore from a bad state, to a previous good state; a rearrangement which brings about a better order of things; restoring biblical precepts, as pertaining to Protestant Churches, esp. those retaining the principles of belief in the total sovereignty of God, Predestination, supreme authority of scripture over men, and the doctrines of Grace alone, through faith.

Reformed is a term used to refer to a tradition of theology which draws inspiration from the writings of John Calvin (1510-64) and his successors. The term is generally used in preference to "Calvinist." There would be no such thing as a Reformed church today if God had not sent the great Reformation. But the Reformation was not only a mighty work that came from God; it was also effected through men. That it was God's work did not make their work easy. It was the Reformers, therefore, who taught us to understand that the work of reforming the church is not finished. They said, "Ecclesia reformata semper reformanda est": the church that is Reformed is always reforming.

A faithful Reformed church is therefore a church that is constantly striving to think and act, to believe and live, according to the written word of God. "The purest churches under heaven are subject both to mixture and error" (WCF, XXV:5). Also, some have degenerated horribly. It follows, then, that there is but one antidote to degeneration, namely, continued diligence. It is for this reason that the vows taken by ministers in the OPC include the promise "to be zealous and faithful in maintaining the truths of the gospel, and the purity, the peace, and the unity of the church, whatever persecution or opposition may arise unto you on that account" (Form of Government, XXIII).


Wes

Excellent discriptions of the terms <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/applause.gif" alt="" />

The only thing I would like to add, is when I think of the word 'Monergist', I think of an article written by our host Pilgrim. You can find that article here.

Tom

Does one regard the Regulative Principle - only that which is explicitly commanded in scripture, or is required as essential to acts explicitly commanded, or is indifferent and common to all human gatherings for the sake of order, is allowed in the public worship of God - as a hallmark of a Reformed Church? of Calvinism?

First of all [img]http://www.the-highway.com/Smileys/welcome_scroll.gif" align="absmiddle[/img] to The Highway Discussion Board.

You will find that there are different views on the actual definition of "The Regulative Principle". What sets the Reformed Faith/Calvinism apart from all others is their insistance that unless something is explicitly commanded OR by "good and necessary consequence", it is disallowed. This is in contrast to those who hold that unless something is explicitly forbidden, it is allowed.

In His Grace,

thanks for the greeting, Pilgrim.

several questions:

What does the term Calvinian(ism) mean, in contrast to Calvin(ism)?

What is Reformed Covenant Theology, roughly? I can't get it clear? Do you simply mean covenant of works/ covenant of grace distinctions? What of the historic covenants - are they discussed under such a topic?

Explain to an Australian the term OPC. "O" Presbyterian Church, presumably. What are her basic distinctives, briefly?

Where exactly does Augustine mention Forensic Justification? I have read scholars who contend that Luther was the first to argue this way, eg Alistair McGrath, but he is a bit New Perspective (your faith is your actual righteousness, or obedience to the covenant, not Christ's alien righteousness received by faith, for righteousness is not imputed according to Alistair, although guilt is), so I am a touch scared of him.

Was Calvin really Catholic on the Trinity? Reading BB Warfield and Institutes I, I thought he contended that the Son was Autotheos, which is hardly a position endemic to historical Christendom. (I think I agree with him).

Finally, on protocol, is it decorous, in fora such as this, to ask questions on someone else's thread?

They are identical terms; a rose is a rose is a rose.

Simply put.. there is one "covenant of grace" where by God calls the elect to salvation through faith in Christ throughout history; from Adam to the last man. The "historic covenants" are God's progression of revelation concerning the redemption which is in Christ. I grant you that this is a VERY simplistic answer. However, if you have further questions in regard to Covenant Theology, please start a new thread.

OPC = "Orthodox Presbyterian Church" (denomination) See here: OPC Homepage.

Another good topic for a new thread.

I'm not sure what you are asking here. And how are you using the term "Autotheos"? Please start a new thread for this one too.

You betcha! The forums are for open discussion and everyone is welcome to participate. If someone wants to keep something private, they can send a PM (Private Message) to the particular member.

What we do request and try to enforce in a consistent and fair manner is keeping threads on topic.

In His Grace,