📖 Biblical Definition
The theological tradition flowing from Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD), characterized by distinctive doctrines of grace, sin, and predestination. Core commitments: (1) original sin — Adam's guilt and corruption are inherited by all his descendants; (2) total inability — the fallen will cannot of itself turn to God; (3) sovereign grace — salvation is entirely God's gift, not a cooperation God rewards for human effort; (4) unconditional election — God chose His elect from before the world's foundation, not on the basis of foreseen faith or works; (5) perseverance — those whom God effectually calls He will keep to the end. Developed against Pelagius (who taught that humans could choose God without grace), Augustine's positions were affirmed by multiple councils. The Reformation recovered Augustinianism against the medieval synergism that had compromised it; Luther was an Augustinian monk; Calvin quoted Augustine more than any other theologian. The Reformation can fairly be described as an internal Augustinian dispute over which Augustine (his doctrine of grace or his doctrine of the Church) should govern.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Augustine's grace-and-sovereignty theology.
expand to see more
The theological tradition deriving from Augustine: humanity's bondage to original sin and total inability, salvation by sovereign grace alone, the predestining purpose of God, and the perseverance of the elect. Foundation of Reformed theology.
📖 Key Scripture
Ephesians 2:1 — "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins."
Romans 5:12 — "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin... for that all have sinned."
Romans 9:18 — "Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Caricatured as fatalism rather than received as the deepest articulation of grace's priority.
expand to see more
Augustine fought Pelagius in the 5th century; the Reformers fought a return to Pelagianism in the 16th. The fight is perpetual because man's heart wants to contribute to his salvation. Augustinianism keeps grace at the bottom of the stack.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Latin Augustinus — Augustine.
expand to see more
['Latin', '—', 'Augustinus', 'Augustine']
['Greek', 'G5485', 'charis', 'grace']
Usage
"Augustine's grace is the gospel's grace."
"Pelagianism dies hard; Augustinianism revives often."