# Monergism

In Christian theology, monergism primarily denotes the belief that God alone is the agent of human salvation. Divine monergism is most commonly associated with Augustinian, Lutheran and Reformed soteriology. Secondarily, monergism can also refer to the belief that humans alone determine their salvation. Humanistic monergism is commonly associated with Pelagianism. Both perspectives contrast with synergism, which asserts that divine and human cooperation is essential for the conversion process.

## Definition

Monergism derives from the Greek monos (sole) and ergon (work) and refers to a single source acting alone. In Christian theology, it primarily denotes the belief that God is the sole agent in human salvation. This view, known as "divine monergism," is characteristic of Calvinist and Augustinian soteriology. It describes a process in which God alone authors for every step of salvation, without human participation.
Monergism can also refer the belief that humans are the sole agents of their salvation, a view known as "humanistic monergism" and associated with Pelagianism. Both perspectives contrast with synergism, which holds that divine and human cooperation is necessary in the conversion process.

## Theology
### Historical developments

Augustine of Hippo (354–430) first articulated the view of divine monergism. This stance, responding to Pelagianism, argued that prevenient grace is necessary to prepare the human will for conversion. This view incorporated a compatibilist form of theological determinism, and implied a form of unconditional election. Divine monergism later became a foundational principle in Lutheran theology, most notably expressed in the Formula of Concord (1577). It also played a central role in Calvinist theology, shaping Reformed confessions such as the Canons of Dort (1618–19) and the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646).

### Monergism and ordo salutis

In orthodox Calvinism, the classical ordo salutis follows a sequence of effectual calling, then regeneration, and finally faith. Lutheranism largely mirrors this sequence. Some theologians argue that because the first steps of effectual calling and regeneration are passive, then the whole conversion must also be entirely passive and monergistic in nature. However, certain Calvinists advocate for a revised ordo, still claimed to uphold monergism, while placing faith before regeneration. A similar modification occurs in Molinist-influenced Calvinist revisions, which likewise reorder the sequence to place faith before regeneration. Despite these differences, both orthodox and revised Calvinist perspectives affirm that the steps of salvation are ultimately determined by God.

## Denominational variations
### Lutheran theology

Martin Luther (1483-1546) limited monergism strictly to soteriological aspects. He asserted that monergism applied to both election (to salvation) and reprobation. Philip Melanchthon (1497-1560), however, rejected monergism after Luther's death in favor of synergism. Melanchthon's stance influenced many Lutherans of his time throughout Europe to adopt synergism. The "synergistic controversy" arose when Gnesio-Lutherans, citing Luther's monergistic stance, opposed John Pfeffinger's synergistic views on the role of human will in conversion.
By 1580, Melanchthon's view had lost prominence, and the Book of Concord (1580) affirmed soteriological monergism in relation to election (to salvation), but explicitly rejected its application to reprobation. Accordingly, the contemporary Lutheran Church continues to uphold this view. While monergism remains the official stance, Lutheran history includes both monergist and synergist views.

### Reformed theology

In orthodox Reformed theology, divine monergism is understood as operating through an exhaustive divine providence. For example, Huldrych Zwingli (1484–1531) viewed that everything, including human salvation and reprobation, was determined by God. In contrast, "libertarian Calvinism", a revision described by Oliver D. Crisp in his book Deviant Calvinism (2014), is a soteriological monergism. Historically, this perspective has remained a minority view within Calvinism.

### Anglican theology

In the Anglican Churches, there is the Reformed monergistic view of salvation, which is the historic position. Some Anglicans, however, adhere to the synergistic position held by Richard Hooker.

## Objections

Since all forms of divine monergism (both soteriological and exhaustive) rely on unconditional election, God determines the fate of individuals, whether felicity or reprobation, either directly or indirectly. This appears to portray God's love as restricted and arbitrary.
Monoenergism, the heretical belief that Christ had only one "energy" (energeia), was propagated during the first half of the 7th century. In historical soteriological forms of divine monergism, Jesus was seen as being predetermined to obey the Father's will. Consequently, the Father alone was the commanding energy, to which Christ's energy was entirely subjected. Some have suggested that monergism logically entails monoenergism. Conversely, if Christ was not predetermined, this would allow for the possibility of a non-monoenergistic synergy.