What is Synergism?

Synergism, a theological doctrine rooted in Christian soteriology, it derives its name from the Greek words syn (together) and ergon (work), meaning a cooperative effort. In the context of salvation, synergism teaches that human beings actively participate with God’s grace to achieve redemption. Unlike monergism, which attributes salvation solely to God’s unilateral action, synergism emphasizes a partnership between divine initiative and human response. This doctrine is prominent in Arminianism, Roman Catholicism, and Eastern Orthodoxy, offering a perspective that balances God’s grace with human responsibility. In this article we'll explore the theological foundations, historical development, and contemporary relevance of synergism, while contrasting it with monergism and addressing common critiques.

Theological Foundations

Synergism rests on the belief that God’s grace initiates the process of salvation, but humans must freely respond to this grace to be saved. This cooperative dynamic underscores human freedom and responsibility, portraying salvation as a joint effort where God's grace enables, but does not compel. Synergists often cite scriptural passages to support this view. For instance, John 3:16 highlights that salvation is available to “whoever believes,” suggesting human belief as a necessary response to God’s offer. Philippians 2:12-13 encourages believers to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you,” implying a synergy between human effort and divine enabling. Similarly, 2 Peter 3:9 states that God desires “all to come to repentance,” indicating a universal offer of grace that awaits human acceptance.

The doctrine of prevenient grace is foundational to synergism, particularly in Arminian theology. Prevenient grace refers to the divine initiative that precedes human action, restoring the ability to choose God despite the effects of sin. Unlike the Reformed view of total depravity (monergism), which renders humans utterly incapable of responding to God, Prevenient grace (synergism) holds that sin weakens but does not destroy human capacity for faith. This grace, freely given to all, enables individuals to accept or reject salvation, preserving human freedom.

Historical Development

The roots of synergism can be traced to early Christian thought, though it gained clarity during theological disputes. While Augustine of Hippo leaned toward monergistic ideas, his contemporaries and later thinkers, such as John Cassian, emphasized human cooperation with grace, laying early groundwork for synergistic theology. Cassian’s semi-Pelagian views (some scholars dispute this classification), which suggested humans could initiate the pursuit of God, were controversial but influential in shaping later synergistic thought.

Synergism became more defined during the Protestant Reformation, particularly through the work of Jacobus Arminius and his followers. Arminius challenged the strict monergism of Calvinism, arguing that God’s grace enables human free will to accept or reject salvation. The Remonstrants, a group of Arminius’s followers, formalized these ideas in the early 17th century, prompting the Synod of Dort to issue a monergistic response. Meanwhile, Roman Catholicism, articulated through the Council of Trent, affirmed a synergistic view, teaching that humans cooperate with grace through faith and works. Eastern Orthodoxy also embraces a synergistic perspective, emphasizing theosis, or divinization, as a cooperative process between God and humanity.

Synergism and Monergism Compared

Synergism stands in contrast to monergism, which holds that salvation is entirely God’s work, with no human contribution. Monergism often views grace as irresistible and transformative, ensuring salvation for the elect, while synergism sees grace as cooperative, enabling but not guaranteeing a response. Monergism prioritizes divine sovereignty, portraying humans as spiritually dead until regenerated, whereas synergism emphasizes human freedom, asserting that grace restores the ability to choose God. These differences have fueled theological debates, from the Reformation to modern times, shaping Christian understandings of salvation.

Influential Thinkers

Several figures have shaped synergistic theology. John Cassian’s early writings hinted at human cooperation with grace, influencing later thought. Jacobus Arminius provided a systematic defense of synergism against Calvinist monergism, emphasizing prevenient grace and free will. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, further developed Arminian synergism, popularizing the idea that God’s grace enables all to respond to salvation. In Roman Catholicism, theologians like Thomas Aquinas articulated a synergistic framework, balancing grace and human effort, while Eastern Orthodox thinkers like Gregory Palamas emphasized cooperative participation in the divine life.

Synergism Today

Synergism remains influential in contemporary Christianity, particularly within Methodist, Wesleyan, and Pentecostal traditions, as well as Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. Its emphasis on human responsibility resonates with those who value free will and the universal offer of salvation. Organizations like the World Methodist Council and Catholic theological institutions promote synergistic teachings, encouraging active participation in faith and works. Critics, however, argue that synergism risks elevating human effort above divine grace or undermining God’s sovereignty. Synergists respond that human cooperation does not diminish grace but fulfills God’s desire for a relational response, citing passages like Revelation 3:20, where Christ invites a response by knocking at the door.

Objections to synergism often focus on its perceived reliance on human effort, with critics claiming it borders on works-based salvation. Synergists clarify that grace initiates and sustains salvation, with human response enabled by divine power. Another critique suggests that synergism weakens divine sovereignty by making salvation contingent on human choice. Proponents counter that God sovereignly chooses to involve human freedom, respecting the dignity of His creation. Some also argue that synergism fosters uncertainty about salvation, but synergists assert that assurance comes through faith and trust in God’s grace.

Conclusion

Synergism offers a doctrine of salvation as a cooperative partnership between God and humanity. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by centuries of theological reflection, it celebrates the interplay of divine grace and human freedom. While it sparks debate with monergistic perspectives, synergism inspires believers to actively respond to God’s call, fostering a dynamic faith. For those eager to explore further, Arminius’s writings, Wesley’s sermons, or Catholic and Orthodox teachings on grace provide rich resources, while engaging with both synergistic and monergistic views can deepen one’s understanding of Christian soteriology.