Question

Why was Anne Hutchinson and antinomianism important?

Answer 1

Important participant in the Antinomian Controversy which shook the infant Massachusetts Bay Colony from 1636 to 1638.

Answer 2

Answer:

In 1638 Anne Hutchinson was kicked out of Boston for “antinomianism.”  

So Anne Hutchinson’s view says good character is not necessary for salvation.  This is to be “anti-nonmain” — “against law.”  The opposite is to make law central — “legalism.”  Legalism goes the opposite way and says good character is what is necessary for salvation.  But then how good do you have to be?  Is anyone really good enough?  Can anyone conform to law enough?  Perhaps not.  No one is perfect.  People have weaknesses, secret needs and habits.  So we may need some “antinomianism.”  If you aren’t good enough but get the benefit anyway, that’s called forgiveness.  It seems like forgiveness must be required to go to heaven.  Forgiveness negates the necessity of the law.  It says you didn’t follow the law properly but it’s okay.  If in reality we’re all a bunch of greedy , then we might need a bit of antinomianism to go to heaven.  This fundamental problem of Christian religion goes all the way back to the founding and continues today.  It’s an inherent logical problem of Christian faith.

Explanation: