Jansenism

(jan’sen-izm), n. [ def.) + -ism. The Flemish surname Jansen = E. Johnson.| A system of evangelical doctrine deduced from the writings of Augustine by Cornel i us Jansen, Roman Catholic bishop of Ypres (1585-1638), and maintained by his followers. It is described by Catholic authorities as “‘a heresy which consisted in denying the freedom of the will and the po ibility of resisting Divine grace,” under “a profe ed attempt to restore the ancient doctrine and discipline of the Church.” (Cath. Dict.) It is regarded by Protestant authorities as a reaction within the Catholic Church against the theological casuistry and general spirit of the Jesuit order,” and “a revival of the August in i an tenets upon the inability of the fallen will and upon efficacious grace.” (G. P. Fisher, Hist. Reformation, p. 451.)