Amyraldism is a theological term used to describe a system of belief that combines elements of Calvinism and Arminianism. The spelling of the word is based on the name of French theologian Moïse Amyraut, who was a key proponent of this belief system. The IPA phonetic transcription for Amyraldism is /ˌæmɪˈrɑːldɪzəm/. The stress is on the second syllable, and it is pronounced as "uh-MI-ruh-l-diz-uhm" with emphasis on the second syllable.
Amyraldism, also known as hypothetical universalism or four-point Calvinism, is a theological position within Protestant Christianity that seeks to reconcile the concepts of God's sovereignty and human free will in the context of salvation. Named after the French theologian Moses Amyraut (1596-1664), amyraldism emerged as a controversial alternative to strict Calvinism in the 17th century.
Central to the doctrine of amyraldism is the belief in a universal atonement. Unlike traditional Calvinism, which teaches that Christ's death is only efficacious for the elect, amyraldism holds that Christ's sacrifice has a universal scope and is sufficient for the salvation of all humanity. However, it posits that the benefits of this atonement are applied only to those who have saving faith. While salvation is freely offered to all, it is ultimately received by those who choose to believe.
Amyraldism also emphasizes the necessity of God's irresistible grace in the salvation process. It asserts that God's grace is offered to all through the preaching of the gospel, enabling individuals to respond in faith. However, it affirms that God's grace is efficacious only for the elect, ensuring their salvation according to God's sovereign decree.
This theological position is often seen as a middle ground between strict Calvinism and Arminianism, attempting to preserve the sovereignty of God while accounting for the reality of human freedom. Amyraldism continues to be a topic of debate and discussion within Protestant theology, contributing to the richness and diversity of theological perspectives on the relationship between God's sovereignty and human choice in matters of salvation.
The word "Amyraldism" is derived from the name of its most prominent advocate, Moses Amyraut (also known as Moïse Amyraut or Amyraldus). Amyraldism is a theological system associated with Amyraut and his followers, which combines elements of Calvinism and Arminianism. It is often referred to as hypothetical universalism or moderate Calvinism. The term "Amyraldism" was coined by later theologians to describe this particular theological position.