Calvinism, Particular Redemption, Definite Atonement

The Calvinists at the Synod of Dort spoke of ‘Limited Atonement'. For some this is the most disputed point of Calvinism, the controversy largely revolves around a choice of words, there are those who do not like the word ‘limited ‘ to be used alongside ‘atonement.' With respect to those who first used this term, i.e. those godly men who stood at that Church assembly in the City of Dordt in the Netherlands [South Holland] 1618-1619, their choice of words were well selected, those were days of theological precision, words meant the difference between truth and error, when they spoke of Limited atonement they knew precisely what they were talking about. However, with the passing of time the term ‘limited atonement' and those who used it have unfortunately had a stigma attached, as a result men prefer to use the term ‘particular redemption' or ‘definite atonement.' There is wisdom it that, for the simple reason that we do not have the same theological astuteness that was present in the 16th-17th C, nor is there the same familiarity with Christian Doctrine as there was back then, consequently preachers are liable to be taken the wrong way, they must ensure that the terms and words they use are understood by their hearers. So while the original term was ‘Limited Atonement' we should not have an issue speaking of ‘particular redemption' or ‘definite atonement.'