Infralapsarianism for Dummies

This topic was mentioned on another forum on this site. The terms were used in the controversy which arose around Arminius and the Remonstrants. They have to do with Adam's sin and the question 'Did God predetermine that Adam would sin?' or 'Did God specifically permit it?' Or as it was expressed in those days "Was the first sin of man, constituting his fall, included in the Divine Decrees?"Supralapsarians said that Adam was predestinated to sin. It was in the Divine Decrees.Infralapsarians said that Adam's sin was foreknown but not predestinated. It was not in the Divine Decrees.As time passed the views moved closer to each other and become almost indistinguishable. Most Reformed theological statements embody the the Infralapsarian position, but do not condemn Supralapsarianism.Supralapsarians will be relieved to know that while it is not permissable to represent the supralapsarian view as the doctrine of the Reformed churches in the Netherlands, it is just as little permissable to molest any one who cherishes that view for himselfSuparlapsarians are hereby assured that they will not be 'molested' if travelling to the Netherlands.I wonder if that has been included in the latest travel advice from our governments? :-P [Most of the above is gleaned from "Systematic Theology" Louis Berkhof.]

Thanks RonFor answering the question I wasn't sure I even wanted to ask. And you even got the heading right! :-D

:-o , Okay Ron,If a fella' can't get molested in the Netherlands, where can he get molested? :-D Clutch :-P

Ron,Oh, I get it ! It's Ne-th-erlands, not Ne-v-erland. Cheeky aren't we? :-D Clutch :-P

Although I was pretty shocked by my visit to the Netherlands - Amsterdam particulary- it didn't seem as if anyone was being molested. They were all participating freely you might say, in whatever activity (or belief)they chose.But, I hadn't heard the doctrine of Infralapsarianism before now. Thanks,

What then, do you think of the angels? were they predestined to fall? Thanks for the insight...matthew

What then, do you think of the angels? were they predestined to fall? Supralapsarianism and Infralapsarianism is a debate between Calvinists. Arminians like me interpret predestination and election totally different. As a result, we don't encounter this problem. Men and angels freely fell according to Arminian theology :-) .In Christ,Jeremy Hulsey

Hi Jeremyreally an Arminian? Arminius was far too Calvinist for my tastes! :-P Just teasing.