Its Origins
John Calvin (1509–1564) a 16th century theologian and Protestant reformer much of his theological thinking was similar to Augustine of Hippo (354-430) Augustine of Hippo Calvin saw mankind as being totally unable to do anything for ourselves to free us from the stranglehold of sin, hence the reason why Jesus came to reveal what God the Father was really like (John 14:6) and that it is only through faith in Jesus and a continual yielding of ourselves to the Holy Spirit that we are able to have an intimate relationship with a holy and righteous God .
John Wesley (1703–1791) from whom the Methodist Church commenced seems to hold to this view as his notes on Psalm 22:6 seem to suggest . (Further comment follows). Although Wesley was a firm believer in the 'Grace of God' which emphasises the goodness of God towards humankind even though we have done nothing to deserve it.
Worm Theology was more acceptable by Christians of previous generations. St. Paul writes "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:24, NIV). This was understood as being a way in which one was able to humble themselves before God and man. However, the context of this verse suggests otherwise .
Paul of Tarsus was an extremely influential Christian who took the Gospel all over the then known world, suffering greatly for the cause of Christ; eventually losing his life in defense of the Gospel. He also wrote a number of powerful letters which are now a substantial part of the New Testament. One of these is the book of Romans Epistle to the Romans, where he develops the argument where a person is changed from a sinner to a saint though faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus, the sinless Son of God lived a perfect life before God and man, and Paul sought to imitate his Lord and Saviour. However no matter how hard he tries, he finds it impossible to achieve. This leads him to write the phrase, "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" But in the very next verse he points out that Jesus has made this impossible task possible through the help and enabling of the Holy Spirit, who is able to change us from slaves of sin to sons of God, without condemning us in any way . The only way one feels condemned is when we chose to go our way instead of keeping in step with God's Holy Spirit .
The term 'worm theology' is generally used by those who do not accept this, and so is used as a way of expressing the belief that this theology is wrong. But 'worm theology' is not as prevalent today.
Read more about this topic: Worm Theology
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