Merriam-Webster.com

Definition of Molinism

Mo·​li·​nism | \ ˈmōləˌnizəm, ˈmäl- \plural -s

(Entry 1 of 2): a doctrine that it is man’s free cooperation which makes it possible for him to perform a good act with God’s helping grace— compare CONGRUISM (see below), thomism

Molinism noun (2)\ ” \plural -s

Definition of Molinism (Entry 2 of 2): QUIETISM

History and Etymology for Molinism

Noun (1)

• Spanish molinismo, from Luis Molina †1600 Spanish Jesuit and theologian + Spanish -ismo -ism

Noun (2)

• Spanish molinismo, from Miguel de Molinos †ab 1697 Spanish priest and mystic + Spanish -ismo -ism

Definition of congruism

con·​gru·​ism | \ ˈkän(ˌ)grüˌizəm, ˈkäŋ(-; ˈkäŋgrəˌwi- \plural -s

: a theory advanced by the Molinists according to which divine grace is efficacious because it is given by God in circumstances that He foreknows to be congruous and favorable to its operation

(all above info is directly quoted from their site)

Discussion/Explanation

Molinism is made up of an interesting group of ideas that at first glance seems to put them between Calvinism and Arminianism if you put all of them on the same continuum.

Proponents make a case for a sort of synergy between God’s will and man’s will through what they call God’s “middle knowledge.” It is a philosophical-theological position that has scriptural support but is not purely supported by Scripture alone.

Common critiques come from both Arminians and Calvinists. Arminians think the Molinist position ends up subverting man’s free will whereas Calvinists would say Molinism subverts God’s sovereignty. In my own experience, I knew several Methodists, who would be typically Arminian, who operated on more of a Molinist mindset.

Nevertheless, Molinism would have natural implications regarding Total Depravity and Limited Atonement as Calvinists know them when you think about it.

Molinism is named after the Jesuit priest and Catholic theologian Luis de Molina.

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“Congruism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/congruism. Accessed 10 Mar. 2021.

“Molinism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Molinism. Accessed 10 Mar. 2021