Ep. 183 - What’s That All About? The Strange Road of Amyraldism

Click here to text us your thoughts and questions!Who did Christ actually die for? Was the cross intended to make salvation possible for everyone, or did it actually secure salvation for a particular people? Few theological questions have generated more thoughtful debate within the Reformed tradition than this one. Standing between classic Calvinism and Arminianism is a little-known but highly influential position called Amyraldism—an attempt to uphold both the universal offer of the gospel and God’s sovereign election without surrendering either.In this episode, the Curious team travel to seventeenth-century France and the Academy of Saumur to meet Moïse Amyraut, the theologian whose ideas would challenge the Reformed world for generations. We explore the doctrine of hypothetical universalism, why it appealed to so many, how it differs from both classic Calvinism and Arminianism, and why theologians such as Herman Bavinck and John Owen believed it ultimately weakened the certainty of Christ’s saving work. Whether you’ve never heard of Amyraldism or have wrestled with the doctrine of the atonement for years, this conversation will help you understand one of the most significant and enduring debates in Reformed theology.Further ReadingHere’s a bit of homework for you….we’ve included a few articles that compliment this episode….https://www.modernreformation.org/resources/articles/amyraldianismhttps://wm.wts.edu/listen/the-church-in-the-modern-age-amyraldism---11-of-37What we’re reading?As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve browsed related to this episode…enjoy! John Owen—The Death of Death in the Death of ChristAnthony A. Hoekema—Saved by Grace Edited by David & Jonathon Gibson—From Heaven He Came and Sought Her: Definite Atonement in Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective Send your questions or thoughts to: [email protected] us on Instagram @theologyforthecuriousFind us on TikTok: @theologyforthecurious