Arminius, Jacobus (1560-1609)

Dutch Protestant priest who founded Arminianism, a school of Christian theology opposed to John Calvin's doctrine of predestination. His views were developed by Simon Episcopius (1583-1643). Arminianism is the basis of Wesleyan Methodism.

Arminius was born in southern Holland, ordained in Amsterdam in 1588, and from 1603 was professor of theology at Leiden. He asserted that forgiveness and eternal life are bestowed on all who repent of their sins and sincerely believe in Jesus Christ. He was drawn into many controversies, and his followers were expelled from the church and persecuted.