The spelling of the word "Molinist" is derived from the surname of the Spanish Jesuit theologian, Luis de Molina. This word is pronounced as [moh-luh-nist] in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Molinists believe that God has given humans free will and that he knows the future based on the choices people will make. This theological philosophy is also known as Molinism. With this spelling, this word helps to describe a specific theological position for those who are interested in understanding more about Christian philosophy.
Molinist refers to a person or philosophy influenced by the theological and philosophical ideas proposed by the Spanish Jesuit theologian, Luis de Molina. Molinism, also known as middle knowledge or the Molinist perspective, is a theological doctrine that seeks to reconcile human freedom with the concept of divine omniscience.
In this context, a Molinist adheres to the belief that God possesses exhaustive knowledge of all possible conditions and outcomes but also respects and incorporates the free choices and actions of humans. According to Molinism, God possesses three types of knowledge — natural knowledge, middle knowledge, and free knowledge.
Specifically, middle knowledge is the unique aspect central to Molinist thought. It is defined as God's knowledge of what a free creature would do under various circumstances. Middle knowledge enables God to understand and anticipate the choices humans would make within their specific circumstances, forming a bridge between divine omniscience and human freedom.
Molinists argue that this perspective affirms the theological concepts of God's sovereignty and human free will simultaneously. They assert that God, through middle knowledge, orchestrates a world where humans exercise genuine freedom and autonomy while also accomplishing His ultimate plans and purposes.
Molinists often engage in theological discourse and philosophical debates concerning divine foreknowledge, predestination, election, and the nature of time and causality. It is important to note that Molinism is mainly associated with the Catholic and Reformed Protestant traditions, although individuals from other theological backgrounds may also integrate these principles into their theological beliefs.
In the R. Cath. Ch., a follower of the religious opinions of Molina, a Spanish Jesuit, who taught a system of opinions on grace and predestination somewhat resembling those of the Arminians among Protestants.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The term "Molinist" refers to a follower or proponent of Molinism, a theological doctrine associated with the Jesuit theologian Luis de Molina. The etymology of the word "Molinist" lies in the name "Molina", which is derived from the Latin word "molina", meaning "mill" or "millstone". It is believed that the name "Molina" could have been a reference to Luis de Molina's family's association with a mill or miller in Spain. Over time, this name became associated with the theological views and teachings of Luis de Molina, resulting in the term "Molinist" being formed to describe his followers.