Remonstrance

Latest Episodes:

Episode #16: Open Theism (Part 2) May 23, 2017

Show notes

In this episode we continue to explore the question of whether or not Open Theism can properly be categorized as "Arminian" theology. We also want to clarify that these two episodes (15 & 16) were never intended to be a full blown attack on Open Theism, rather they were simply made to inform our listeners what Open Theism is and then determine whether or not Open Theism could be properly considered Arminian or not based on the writings of Arminian scholars. In this episode we read through some quotes by Clark H. Pinnock and ask whether or not he truly took a theological pilgrimage from Augustine to Arminius, or if he went further than Arminius in his pilgrimage. Then we weigh in on some opinions by Thomas C. Oden and John Mark Hicks regarding whether or not Open Theism can properly be considered Arminian or not. Don't miss the next two episodes of Remonstrance that will be released in June where we will revisit Open Theism again doing a source by source comparison of the writings of Arminius, Wesley, and prominent Open Theist authors. Stay tuned.

Links:

Thoms C. Oden on Open Theism:

https://summaphilosophiae.wordpress.com/2009/03/17/thomas-oden-on-greg-boyd-open-theism/

John Mark Hicks Article (READ IT)

http://dsntl8idqsx2o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2013/03/classical-arminianism-and-open-theism.pdf

Episode #15: Open Theism (Part 1) May 09, 2017

Show notes

In this episode we ask the question whether or not Open Theism can properly be categorized as "Arminian" theology. We start off by defining Open Theism and then turn to some analysis of Open Theism by Tim Challies (see link below). We then weigh in on the opinions of some modern Arminian scholars on the question.

Tim Challies Article:

https://www.challies.com/articles/challenges-to-the-church-open-theism

Minisode 30: Middle Knowledge May 02, 2017

Show notes

In this minisode we will be exploring the concept of Middle Knowledge and how it fits in the broader doctrine of foreknowledge in the thought of Arminius. To do this we will be jumping back into the same two disputations we read through in the past two weeks (Public Disputation IV and Private Disputation XVII). We will then look for some help from Stanglin and McCall in their book "Jacob Arminius: Theologian of Grace" for some clarification.

Minisode 29: Arminius on Foreknowledge (Part 2) Apr 25, 2017

Show notes

In this minisode we will continue exploring what the writings of Arminus have to say about the Doctrine of Divine Knowledge and specifically Foreknowledge. To do that we will be reading through a section of Public Disputation IV entitled: "On The Understanding of God." Once again it is clear that Arminius was no Open Theist in his understanding of the knowledge of God.

Links:

http://wesley.nnu.edu/arminianism/the-works-of-james-arminius/volume-1/public-disputations/disputation-4-on-the-nature-of-god/

(Note: you need to scroll down to the section titled ON THE UNDERSTANDING OF GOD)

Minisode 28: Arminius on Foreknowledge (Part 1) Apr 18, 2017

Show notes

In this minisode we examine what Arminius wrote concerning the knowledge of God with a specific focus on foreknowledge. To do this we will be reading through Private Disputation 17: "On The Understanding of God." This episode will be the first in a three podcast series that will culminate in a full analysis of whether or not Open Theism could truly be called "Arminian." It should be pretty clear after listening through this minisode that it shouldn't be. Arminius has a very strong doctrine of Omniscience that is presented in this disputation. He also touches on the doctrine of "Middle Knowledge" and we get some help from Keith Stanglin and Thomas McCall from their book "Jacob Arminius: Theologian of Grace."

Link to Disputation 17:

http://wesley.nnu.edu/?id=4788

Episode #14: Regeneration Apr 04, 2017

Show notes

This episode of Remonstrance is devoted to the Doctrine of Regeneration. One major question we will be looking into is whether or not regeneration precedes faith (the Calvinist view) or if faith precedes regeneration (the Wesleyan-Arminian view). We will be reading through sections of articles by the Society of Evangelical Arminians (SEA) and discussing them. Then we will move on and look at what Arminius specifically had to say about regeneration and what Wesley specifically had to say about it as well. One interesting point that Arminius brings up is that Calvin actually taught that faith precedes regeneration as well. We make references to a lot of different articles in this episode so make sure you investigate the links below. Also, join become a member of the SEA and buy Thomas C. Oden's "Classic Christianity." Trust us, you need this systematic theology.

Links:

"Does Regeneration Precede Faith?"

http://evangelicalarminians.org/does-regeneration-precede-faith/

"Arminius on Regeneration"

http://evangelicalarminians.org/arminius-on-regeneration/

"Calvin on Faith Preceding Regeneration"

http://evangelicalarminians.org/calvin-on-faith-preceding-regeneration/

"John Wesley on Regeneration"

http://evangelicalarminians.org/john-wesley-on-regeneration/

"Sermon 45: The New Birth"

http://www.umcmission.org/Find-Resources/John-Wesley-Sermons/Sermon-45-The-New-Birth

Minisode 27: Wesley on Regeneration Mar 28, 2017

Show notes

In this minisode we will be reading through John Wesley's Sermon, "The New Birth" to get some insight into his views on the Doctrine of Regeneration. This is a great sermon by Wesley. He covers the depravity of man as a result of the fall. He also writes about the nature of the new birth and why the new birth is necessary. The questions he asks are as follows in his own words: "First, Why must we be born again? What is the foundation of this doctrine of the new birth? Secondly, How must we be born again? What is the nature of the new birth? And, Thirdly, Wherefore must we be born again? To what end is it necessary?"

The sermon will not be read entirely, but follow the link below to where you can find the whole sermon online:

http://www.umcmission.org/Find-Resources/John-Wesley-Sermons/Sermon-45-The-New-Birth

Minisode 26: Arminius on Regeneration Mar 21, 2017

Show notes

This minisode launches a three podcast series where we will examine the doctrine of regeneration in the thought of Jacob Arminius and John Wesley. In this minisode we will specifically focus on what Arminius had to write about regeneration in his works. To do this we will be reading through a selection from his commentary on Romans 7 where he deals with the doctrine of regeneration, specifically the differences between the regenerate person and the unregenerate person. We will also be reading through Article 20 of his "Certain Articles to be Diligently Weighed and Examined" as well where he explores the topic of regeneration further. Along the way we will explore his understanding of where regeneration takes place in the order of salvation and the high view of regeneration that he held to.

Episode #13: Saving Faith Mar 07, 2017

Show notes

In this episode we will discuss the doctrine of saving faith in the thought of Jacob Arminius and John Wesley. The episode will focus on how both men taught that faith was a gift of God. We will also discuss how both Arminius and Wesley had a very theocentric understanding of salvation and were not man centered at all. We will also discuss how the theology of Arminius and Wesley was different from the theology of other theologians such as Charles Finney on this point. For help on this episode we will be referencing works by Stanglin, McCall, Collins, Olson, and Rodes. All of their books can be found on the Remonstrance website theologians tab. We also read through sections of an article by Chris Bounds and Keith Drury.

Links:

https://remonstrancepodcast.com/2017/02/09/john-wesley-contemporary-wesleyanism-and-the-reformed-tradition/

Minisode 25: Wesley on Faith Feb 28, 2017

Show notes

In this episode we will be reading through a portion of John Wesley's sermon "Salvation By Faith" to start getting some insight into Wesley's views on faith. It is clear from this sermon that Wesley did not understand faith as something that people can do independent of the grace of God. Wesley in strong terms emphasizes the divine activity of God in saving sinners. Wesley is clear that faith is a gift of God and that God works faith in men's hearts. In working faith into men's hearts, God (in Wesley's words) shows that He is "mighty to save." Please read or listen to the rest of this sermon by following the links below. Also, don't miss the next full episode of Remonstrance that will be devoted to the Wesleyan-Arminian doctrine of faith and will focus on how faith is a gift of God.

Links:

Text Version

http://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-1-salvation-by-faith/

YouTube Version

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oObNm8ZCiDI