A. W. Harrison

This is an excellent and very interesting read on the early history of Arminius, his theology, followers, the growth of the Remonstrant cause and its hold in the Dutch country despite the religious oppression by Calvinists to extinguish it. Harrison seems to make an evenhanded presentation of it's history and, although he writes of Calvinists and Calvinism in a fair and good light, he does not shy from presenting some of the theological problems associated with Calvinism in the light of Arminian theology, nor glimpses of the ruthless deception and violence the contra-Remonstrants (Calvinists) used against the Remonstrants (Arminians).

Harrison discusses Arminius, life and theology in the first four chapters; the growth of Arminian theology by Arminius' followers, along with the challenges they faced from the Calvinist party in chapters 57; and finally closes his history in the last chapters beginning with a background history and politics in the United Provinces (chapter 8), ending with the infamous Synod of Dort and the judgments the contra-Remonstrants against the Remonstrants (chapters 8-10). Harrison ends his discussion with closing remarks (chapter 11).

I chapter 10, Harrison includes the 5-Points of the contra-Remonstrants, which they considered "to be takes from the Word of God, and in conformity to the Confessions of the Reformed Churches" (p375f).

I think this is a read that ought to be included if one is to have a serious study of Arminius and Arminian theology and history.… (more)