Jacobus Arminius

Jacobus Arminius (1560-1609) was a Dutch theologian whose ideas influenced Protestant thought significantly. He is best known for challenging the strict predestinarian views of John Calvin, asserting that God grants everyone the ability to accept or reject salvation. This perspective, known as Arminianism, emphasizes free will, divine grace, and the belief that God's love is extended to all people. His views laid the groundwork for debates about salvation and human choice within Christianity, leading to the development of various denominations and theological perspectives that value individual responsibility in faith.