In this series of episodes we will be diving into Arminius' Fourfold Doctrine of Predestination as outlined in his Declaration of Sentiments (1608). We will see how it aligns with Covenant Theology, Scripture, and is thoroughly Christocentric. In this episode we will focus on the third and fourth decree in Arminius' Fourfold Doctrine of Predestination. The fourth is the most controversial because it deals with "particular" election of individuals. We will also look at how Middle Knowledge fits into the theology of Arminius and what W. Stephen Gunter thinks of all of this in the analysis section of his book. 

Resources Used:

Arminius and His Declaration of Sentiments (W. Stephen Gunter)

Jacob Arminius: Theologian of Grace (Stanglin and McCall)

After Arminius (Stanglin and McCall)

In this series of episodes we will be diving into Arminius' Fourfold Doctrine of Predestination as outlined in his Declaration of Sentiments (1608). We will see how it aligns with Covenant Theology, Scripture, and is thoroughly Christocentric. We will also discuss whether it could be described as "Reformed" or not and compare it to various Calvinistic versions of the doctrine of predestination. Could the theology of Arminius be more "Reformed" than the theology of many Calvinists today? I think so. Listen in to see what you think. 

Resources Used:

Arminius and His Declaration of Sentiments (W. Stephen Gunter)

Covenant Theology: Biblical, Theological, and Historical Perspectives (Crossway)

From Faith to Faith: John Wesley's Covenant Theology and the Way of Salvation (Stanley J. Rodes)

This month, we will be releasing a teaching I did last year based on John Wesley’s sermon “On Divine Providence” in two parts. There is a link to Wesley's sermon below. The teaching was done only a few weeks into the COVID-19 Pandemic and recorded at Wesley Chapel, the church where I serve as Lead Pastor. It focuses on how the doctrine of providence gives us hope and confidence even in times of uncertainty because the doctrine reveals that God is ultimately in control. If you are interested in listening to expository preaching from a Wesleyan-Arminian perspective then check out the Wesley Chapel podcast. 

Links:

On Divine Providence by John Wesley

Wesley Chapel Podcast 

This month, we will be releasing a teaching I did last year based on John Wesley’s sermon “On Divine Providence” in two parts. There is a link to Wesley's sermon below. The teaching was done only a few weeks into the COVID-19 Pandemic and recorded at Wesley Chapel, the church where I serve as Lead Pastor. It focuses on how the doctrine of providence gives us hope and confidence even in times of uncertainty because the doctrine reveals that God is ultimately in control. If you are interested in listening to expository preaching from a Wesleyan-Arminian perspective then check out the Wesley Chapel podcast. 

Links:

On Divine Providence by John Wesley

Wesley Chapel Podcast 

Welcome back to Remonstrance Revamp! In this episode, we will continue to look at the lineup of Classical Methodist Theologians. Richard Watson, Samuel Wakefield, Thomas Ralston, Thomas Summers, and William Pope. Other Methodist theologians such as John Miley (boo!) will be mentioned as well. As a guide, we will be looking at sections of "After Arminius: A Historical Introduction to Arminian Theology" by Keith Stanglin and Thomas McCall. In this episode, I will focus on the topics of Atonement, Justification, and Eschatology. 

Did you buy "After Arminius" yet? If not, please do! Also, here is the article by Henry C. Sheldon that is mentioned in the episode. 

Welcome back to Remonstrance Revamp! In this series of episodes, we will be looking at the lineup of Classical Methodist Theologians. Richard Watson, Samuel Wakefield, Thomas Ralston, Thomas Summers, and William Pope. Other Methodist theologians such as John Miley (boo!) will be mentioned as well. As a guide, we will be looking at sections of "After Arminius: A Historical Introduction to Arminian Theology" by Keith Stanglin and Thomas McCall. In this episode, I will focus on the topics of Scripture, Middle Knowledge, and Original Sin. 

Did you buy "After Arminius" yet? If not, please do! 

Welcome back to Remonstrance Revamp! In this series of episodes, we have a conversation with Dr. Vic Reasoner about the theology and practices of the Holiness Movement. In this episode, Dr. Reasoner discusses the theology of the Holiness Movement. He talks about how Pheobe Palmer and Charles Finney influenced the theology of the Holiness Movement. He also shares how the theology of the Holiness Movement is supported through narrow "proof-texting" and a purposeful selection of particular theology. Finally, he shares his understanding of the doctrine of Perfect Love and how it differs from the formulation of the Holiness Movement. 

Links:

Fundamental Wesleyan Society 

Welcome to Remonstrance Revamp! In this series of episodes, we have a conversation with Dr. Vic Reasoner about the theology and practices of the Holiness Movement. In this episode, Dr. Reasoner shares his personal history with the Holiness Movement and what ultimately led him to leave behind the Holiness Movement. He also talks about "the good, the bad, and the ugly" within the Holiness Movement. Stay tuned for the second part of this series that will be released later this month where we will talk about the theology of the Holiness Movement. 

Links:

Fundamental Wesleyan Society Bookstore 

In this minisode I continue to share some of what I have learned so far from "After Arminius: A Historical Introduction to Arminian Theology" by Thomas H. McCall and Keith D. Stanglin. In this minisode I focus on the second part of Chapter 3: "Hearts and Hands: John Wesley and the Theology of Early Methodism." I focus primarily on the "Reformed" Wesley. Highlighting Wesley's views on the inspiration of Scripture, Meticulous Providence, Middle Knowledge, Federalism, Penal Substitution, Justification, and Imputation. 

Here is the link to the article about Wesley and Middle Knowledge:

Molina, Arminus, Plaifere, Goad, and Wesley On Human Free-will, Divine Omniscience, and Middle Knowledge

Make sure you buy a copy of "After Arminius" for yourself:

"After Arminius" on Amazon 

In March Remonstrance turns five! The first “minisode” of Remonstrance dropped on March 3, 2016, and we have been working to promote Wesleyan-Arminian Reformation ever since.

A lot has changed in the last five years. Ben and I planted a church in Shelton, Connecticut, and we have both become fathers. Remonstrance has teamed up with the Fundamental Wesleyan Society and I graduated from Wesley Seminary. The theological podcast landscape has also changed significantly since 2016, although Calvinist voices still dominate.

All of these factors have prompted the necessity to revamp Remonstrance beginning the week of our fifth birthday. The first week of March 2021.

Remonstrance is not going anywhere but we will be changing our programming. Moving forward, the podcast will consist of five types of episode formats:

1. Interviews: There will be a lot of interviews with Wesleyan and Arminian scholars, historians, seminary professors, and theologians on the show. Stay tuned for some interesting interviews! Some of them will be returning from past episodes and others will be new to the podcast. 
2. Book and Article Reflections: I will be dropping minisodes or even full episodes where I reflect on theology books I am reading or I have read. I will also interact with and respond to current theology articles relative to Wesleyan-Arminianism.
3. Historical Episodes: I will be dropping some episodes (or minisodes) where I will explore significant historical events from the history of the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition. 
4. Doctrinal Dialogues: True to our “pre-revamp” selves Ben and I will discuss topics together related to Wesleyan-Arminian theology or practice.
5. Debates: Remonstrance will also be hosting debates from within the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition. These will not be your classic “Calvinist vs. Arminian” debates (yawn) but rather “in-house” debates only! 

Essentially, each month will be something different. Remonstrance will remain committed to delivering fresh and theologically substantial content every month. We will also continue our partnerships with the Society of Evangelical Arminians and the Fundamental Wesleyan Society. 

I hope you will join Remonstrance Podcast for the next five years of Wesleyan-Arminian Reformation. I am looking forward to seeing what God will do. 

Soli Deo Gloria. 

-Vin @ Remonstrance