It has been believed commonly that the Apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew were proclaiming the Gospel in Armenia at the same time the Apostle Paul was journeying across the world with the same task. St. Gregory the Illuminator ministered in Armenia. He was there, in fact, when that nation adopted Christianity as the state religion in AD 301. Armenia claims to be the first Christian nation.
Christians in Armenia have long suffered under difficulty and life-threatening circumstances. They were caught in the middle during the conflict between the Byzantine Empire and Persia and have suffered innumerable persecutions under the Turks.
Doctrine within the Armenian Church is said to be based upon the historic writings and declarations of the Early Church Fathers. Armenian Christians venerate the saints and the virgin Mary. The Assumption of Mary is celebrated, though not accepted as dogma. The only translation of Scripture considered authoritative by the Armenian Church is that completed by St. Sahak and St. Mesrob (the Armenian Version of the Bible). Armenian Christians maintain seven sacraments: baptism by immersion eight days after birth, confirmation immediately following baptism, communion (including paedo-communion), penance, marriage, ordination and extreme unction.
So, are you an Armenian or a Calvinist? (or both?!?)
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Were the Armenians Arminian or Calvinist?
They would lean towards the Arminian side of the aisle as far as I know.
I would have thought that you would say they were Calvinist since the introduction of Arminianism would have been when Pelagius denied original sin creating the ground work for free will beliefs. I’ve thought that Augustine reaffirmed Pauline theology and that would make the Armenians somewhat Pauline in theology and therefore carry the “nickname” Calvinist much in the same way the Paul would be “Calvinist”.
just my thoughts
Charles
Well, I understand that Benny Hinn is Armenian. So…I shouldn’t say anymore.
Mark
Very interesting. The Big Guy, being the historian in our family would like to know your sources.
“So, are you an Armenian or a Calvinist?”
Are these my only choices?
Dr. Galyon… Are you a compatibilist?
James
I am having a bad day, a terrible hangover from Sunday. Now don’t get me wrong, I love my Church very much but my pastor and Bible fellowship teacher inundated me with Keswick views of Sanctification! I suppose I should not take such matters so personal.
I had to leave a Wesleyan Holiness denomination which has family ties. It is a painful separation. But to find a good Baptist Church and have to listen to the same views articulated clearly minus all the emotionalism, is dissapointing to say the least.
Normally I speak up and defend my views openly in Bible fellowship and have the favor of God with the class. However I just resigned myself to defeat yesterday and for the most part kept my views to myself. We were studying the Lifeway material on Saul’s conversion and how wonderful total commitment was demonstrated by Saul!
James, Keswick and Wesleyan views promote fakery among the uninformed masses. The preachers and teachers master the disciplines required for their views of sanctification and are perhaps well-meaning in their promotion of their views.
They achieve a degree of victory over sin to reinforce their own topics. This self-mastery mingled with the grace of God leaves the impression that the teacher is “sanctified”.
James, this is demonstrated over and over in the fakery that is promoted by this. You will not let me give the example as to what can evolve when this goes awry. But you understand, I’m sure. This is a dangerous doctrine! Then when you mingle it with eternal security you really have problems!
I am filled with the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead who administers the will of God in my life. He is not pleased with this doctrine and if He is not happy then I can not be happy! I suppose I need to learn not to let Him upset me so much!
Can you help me, Dr Galyon?
My absolute favorite is when someone comes to your blog informing you that they’ve thoroughly studied the issues and have decided that they are neither Calvinist nor Armenian.
johnMark – Benny Hill is Armenian, but not an Armenian Christian.
Joe – No, those aren’t your only choices, but I hope you realize this post is a bit tongue in cheek (as Gordan knows). Yes, I affirm both free will / human responsibility and divine sovereignty. I believe there is a vast difference between “free will” and absolute human autonomy.
Charles – I agree, those within the Keswick/ Wesleyan circles are “well-meaning in their promotion of their views,” but theese views are actually harmful. So, how can I help?
Dee – Metzger’s work on denominations.
James,
TY, not sure how that ties in with the Big Guy’s dissertation but he mentioned that your source might be useful.
James
I believe my recent post may address the free will issue. I would like your comment.
http://wholegospelchurches.blogspot.com/2008/07/what-is-total-depravity.html
Charles
Benny Hill is a funny guy. He is especially funny when he slaps people on the forehead and they fall down. I crack up laughing. Your kidding Hill is an Arminian.
Well, I meant Benny Hinn not Benny Hill as I believe Hill was British. Either way, I’m not aware of their Christianity.
Mark
Here’s the difference – one is unintentionally hilarious and the other is a deceased actor who was from England.
I first read it as Benny Hinn not Hill.
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