Gods genade en onze vrijheid: in welke zin is genade onweerstaanbaar?

Samenvatting

Since the Synod of Dordrecht (1618/19) issued its Canons, the notion of ‘irresistible’ grace became a hallmark of Reformed theology. Philosopher of religion Vincent Brümmer proposes to describe God’s grace as a personal, not causal, relationship, with the result that it is ‘rationally impossible’ to reject God’s grace. This article argues that Brümmer’s analysis fails to sufficiently focus on the Canons’ specific act of regeneration, and, using distinctions employed by 17th­century theologian William Ames, presents an understanding of ‘irresistible grace’ that moves beyond Brümmer’s categories and includes moral, rational, and causal aspects.