Jacob Arminius was a Dutch theologian whose views have become the basis of Arminianism and the Dutch Remonstrant movement, and which are quite influential on Wesleyan, and therefore, Methodist, theology as well. Arminius attempted to reform Reformed theology and ended up lending his name to a movement which resisted some of the primary tenets of Calvinism. Rustin E. Brian outlines the life and theology of Arminius, shedding fresh light on his life, theology, and writings. Brian argues that Arminius's theology is thoroughly unconcerned with being either 'Reformed' or 'Catholic', but it results in one theology that is shaped and guided first and foremost by Scripture.

The theological persuasion known as Arminianism become fully developed not during Arminius's lifetime but rather after his death when the five articles of the Remonstrants systematized and formalized the ideas. Furthermore, the Calvinist Synod of Dort condemned Arminius's theology and persecuted Arminian pastors who remained in the Netherlands – though it might be argued that Arminian theology and not the theology of Arminius was the subject of this condemnation. Later, John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, embraced Arminian theology and became its most prominent champion. Today, the majority of Methodists remain committed to Arminian theology, and Arminianism itself has become one of the dominant theological systems in the world, particularly in the Great Britain and the USA.