...368 When discussing and trying to define God and how He interacts with the world. There are not many ways in which to do so. Grudem tries to find a way to explain this problem by using communicable and incommunicable attributes. In the handouts, incommunicable is defined as absolute and God chooses not to share them with others, communicable is defined as relative and are the attributes that God chooses to share with others. These attributes are how God chooses to communicate who He is with the world and allow us to better understand Him. The incommunicable attributes that I see most in God are His eternity and His omnipresence. When I think of these attributes and God, I feel that I can better comprehend God. By using eternity and omnipresence to get to know God better, I can have a better faith in knowing that He is always with me and He will never leave me. When talking about a God that is eternal, you must understand that means that God had no beginning and will have no end. To explain God’s eternity Grudem states, “To be “infinite” is to unlimited, and this doctrine teaches that time does not limit God or change him in any way.” If God is infinite then time, as it does to humans on earth, does not apply to Him. We see a day as one rotation of the earth and a year as one rotation around the sun, which is defiantly not how God sees time pass. God, on the other hand, can see any point in time as He sees fit. God knows exactly what is taking place and with...
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...Explain biblical ideas about the goodness of God: The Bible presents God as a morally perfectly good being, everything that he is, could be or ever will be, will be morally perfect like him. The Bible presents God as benevolent, an all loving figure. It displays this in a number of ways throughout the Bible. Everything he does is good and done out of love. He is the source of all goodness and love. His nature is goodness and love. However, it is not a sterile and remote source of goodness (Plato’s Ideal and Aristotle’s P.M). God’s is a goodness born out of a tender and deep relationship with his creation. The first and possible the most important way is in the first book of the Bible, Genesis. The creation account is possible the most important book in both Judaism and Christianity because it provides the evidence of how the earth was created and came into existence and gives prove of God's omnipotence that is unquestionable to both religions. God’s goodness is revealed in the creation and the sustaining of the world, since the creation of the world was an act of love Genesis states that everything that God creates is "Very Good". When God created the world in the Genesis creation account he commanded various things. "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light, and God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness ". (Genesis 1:34). The authors of the bible when praising God do so because he provides reason for it God provides...
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...against the existence of a God, more specifically an omnipotent and omnibenevolent God. Whilst John Hick describes evil and suffering as “physical pain, mental suffering and moral wickedness”, the problem is widely seen to refer to the existence of both natural evil, such as natural disasters, and moral evil, heartless actions such as murder, along with the suffering that is often a result of these. Perhaps one of the most significant aspects of the problem of suffering, the issue suggests that only two of the three features of the God of classical theism can be possible. If God is omniscient, he is all knowing and is knowledgeable of the suffering that exists. If God is omnipotent, then he must have the power to stop this suffering, and if he is an omnibenevolent, all-loving God, he must wish to stop this suffering. The existence of suffering suggests that God cannot be omniscient and omnipotent and still be omnibenevolent in agreement. As David Hume describes, God must be either malevolent or powerless for the other two features to remain applicable. Aquinas also argued this case, but referred to the idea that “the name of God means that He is infinite goodness”, which signifies that a God that did not meet the particulars of the God of classical theism is not viable. However, Aquinas’ argument is based upon the two assumptions that God is infinitely good, and that God’s goodness is the same as human goodness. Many argue that God’s goodness and reasoning is beyond what...
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...Image of God in Man: How Mankind is Unique. THEO 525 LUO (Spring 2012) Systematic Theology I Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Nathaniel Jones (ID# L21077684) May 12, 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS Thesis…….. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Introduction……………………….. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Beginning…………………………………………………. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Views ………….……………………… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Original Image……………………… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 God’s Image In Woman…………………………………….. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Conclusion…… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Bibliography……. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 THESIS STATEMENT Instead of dividing the human race into characteristics, one must recognize that the whole essence of the human being is the exact image and likeness of God. ...
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...one God. Islam and Christianity are also Abrahamic religions; both religions have spiritual ties connecting them to the prophet Abraham. There are a few common roots and many common elements to Christianity, and Islam-the so-called Abrahamic religious heritage. Belief in God Thou shalt have no other gods before me (The Bible exodus 20.3). Do not associate another deity with God (The Quran 17:22). Both the above quotes show that Christianity, and Islam are monotheistic religions, they believe that there is only one God. Muslims greatly stress the oneness and unity of God. The affirmation of the oneness of God by Christians is sometimes misunderstood, because Christians believe that the one God is triune (the Holy Trinity). However, this is not a denial of monotheism but an affirmation of the complexity of the Divine Being. The two religions believe that God is the origin and source of all that exists. God cares about the entire creation and desires the well-being of all. God is just and has provided basic rules for our guidance so that we may be good and righteous, according to God's intention. God is also merciful; by means of God's grace we are given strength. Humans These two religions believe that human beings are the highest creatures on earth and we are the children of Abraham. God created us full of mystery, which means potential for continuous growth, both as a species and as individuals. We are capable of both good and evil and when we grow in goodness, righteousness...
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...disciples, describing how Jesus was able to bring forth the power of God. Jesus’ first miracle provides a deeper message into the community of faith. This paper will take a deeper look into the miracle according to John; of turning water into wine as well explain the significance of the miracle then and now. In John 2:1-11, Jesus is at a wedding with his mother, brothers, and disciples on the third day. During the festivities, all of the wine is drunk. Jesus’ mother brings this issue to his attention. He states this shouldn’t be a concern of his or hers and that his time has not yet come. Mary, tells the servants to do as Jesus tells them. Jesus notices 6 stone water jars that are used for ceremonial washing and he directs the servants to fill them, each jar holding up to 30 gallons of water. Once the servants fill the jars, they pour a glass for the head steward. Amazed by the delicious wine, the steward calls for the bridegroom and states that he had left the best wine for last. This was the first sign performed by Jesus displaying his glory (John). The wedding in Galilee is a significant miracle for many reasons. The first important detail is the setting of the miracle. The wedding is a celebration with friends and family. This setting is a human celebration of salvation (Moody). The miracle performed is done in a celebration setting to show that salvation is coming. Another important aspect is the presence of Mary. Jesus’ mother was not present much during his...
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...lectures, the Bible) and at least two other sources from the GCU Library to support your points. Remember, the Bible counts as one reference regardless of how many times you use it or how many verses you cite. Begin your paper with an appropriate introduction, including a thesis statement to introduce the purpose of the paper. Organize your paper with the following sections using the seven underlined titles for subheadings. The Christian Worldview: Describe the beliefs of the Christian worldview with regard to the following components corresponding to Topics 2-5. Write at least one paragraph for each component using the underlined title for a subheading. God: What is God like? What are God's characteristics? What is his creation? To explain god and what his characteristics mean to a Christian would be to explain what it means to Christian. God is good, an entity that does not present with evil. God is loving, does not represent hate. God is just, has understanding with reason. These are also three of the attributes that humans should have and possess. This make the Christian god relatable and with achievable expectation. The attributes of god allows for a base of morality for people. With this ability to meet the expectations of god people can achieve a moral world view. This in turn gives Christians the ability to have an open heart and mind towards society. It is revealed that god want us to spread the word of god through man. The word of god is his characteristic...
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...BUSINESS FOR THE GLORY OF GOD The Bible’s Teaching on the Moral Goodness of Business Book Review BUSI 301 In the book, “Business for the Glory of God”, the author, Wayne Grudem, states there are many aspects of business that a Christian can use to glorify God. The main aspects are Ownership, Productivity, Employment, Profit, Money and Borrowing and Lending. According to Grudem, all these things can bring glory to God in the way they reflect the nature that is God and His provision for man. God structured humans in such an intricate way to give them the ability to provide food, shelter and clothing for themselves and families. He also designed us to be a part of a community, one with an economic system for sustainability. The basis for all economic systems is free enterprise. The ability to govern one’s own business and to set forth the mandates therein is essential to the well being of any strong economy. In today’s marketplace, many consumers have become weary of businesses due to the high level of corruptness and the large amount of government interference. Grudem suggest that rather than business being viewed with inherently evil motives, consumers should understand that business activities are sometimes manipulated and used as a means to sin. In this book, he proposes that the practice and nature of business is a blessing given by God to mankind. The Introduction and fist chapter begin by acknowledging that many view business ownership as a means to procure...
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...Secularism A Religion Profile from International Students, Inc. Secularism: An Overview Number of Adherents Demographer Davit Barrett estimates that there are 150 million atheists and 768 million nonreligious people in the world. The combined total comes to more than 918 million people (Barrett). Toward the end of the Renaissance, the modern method of empirical science began to develop. The key players were Nicholas Copernicus (1473-1543), Johannes Kepler (15711630), and Galileo Galilei (1564-1642). Although it may seem ironic now, each of these men believed in the Christian God. They viewed science as studying the handiwork of an almighty Creator and discerning His natural laws. Galileo considered God to have written two “books”: the Bible and nature (Hummel, p. 106). Contrary to popular belief, the cause for the diversion between Christianity and science originated not with the Church but with the university professors who were threatened by Galileo’s revolutionary ideas. These professors were steeped in the Greek scientific method, which included observation to a small extent, but mostly explained the workings of nature through rational deduction from first principles, or assumptions, an entire view of the universe had been built up. Consequently, the professors embraced such misconceptions as the sun having no imperfections, the moon being a perfectly smooth sphere that shone with its own light, and the earth alone having a moon since the earth was at the center of the...
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...God The Nature of God Barbara J. DeYoung University of St. Francis Abstract Through the reading of the book of Genesis and Exodus, one would almost say that God is a merciless God of punishment and rules. The truth is God is the same in the Old Testament and the New Testament of the Bible. We are just seeing different attributes of God at different times. God does not change, he is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. Keywords: Faith, Old Testament, God The Nature of God The Nature of God: The Old Testament The book of Genesis opens with an omnipresent (or everywhere present) God creating the world that we know today. How is it possible to be in all places at once? David asked the same question in Psalms 139:7-10 “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” (Bible, KJV) God is everywhere at the same time, but we can be separated from God. God is “everywhere” present, but this does not mean that we are continuously with God. We can be separated from God as we read in Isaiah 59:2 “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear?” The Bible clearly states that iniquities (sin) can separate us from God...
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...reborn from a previous life until we reach nirvana (extinction of all desire and release from suffering). The cycle of death and rebirth is called samsara. | We are reborn from a previous life until we realize our "oneness" with Brahman. The cycle of death and rebirth is called samsara. | We are made in the image of God and come into the world with the capacity to opt for good or evil. | We are made in God's image but come into the world inclined to sin because of the sin of Adam. Redemption is needed. | Way to Truth | Follow the teachings of Buddha, e.g., the Four Truths and the Eightfold Path. The written Scripture, the Tripitaka ("three baskets"), includes the teachings of Buddha. | Through the study of scriptural texts running to more than five thousand volumes. | Spiritual disciplines like yoga enable one to achieve the enlightenment and truth needed. Suffering and samsara result from ignorance of self-truth. Vedas are scriptures that hold final authority. | Bible (Hebrew Scriptures). Oral Law provides the authoritative interpretation for knowing how to live. Truth is seen in deeds more than in creed, although a cardinal tenet of belief is the Unity of God. | Bible (Old and New Testaments) as divinely revealed. It is final arbiter, although various creeds give expression to its teaching. Y'shua is the ultimate embodiment of truth. | Goal of spirituality | Deliverance from samsara through reaching nirvana. | Deliverance from samsara through reaching nirvana is not to be sought...
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... Philip Mion January 22, 2015 Outline……………………………………………………………………………iii Introduction………………………………………………………………………1 C . S . Lewis’ Influential Experiences with Pain and Suffering………………2 The Weight of Pain and Suffering………………………………..……….2 C. S. Lewis’ Theological Foundations on Why God is God?………………….4 Divine Goodness…………………………………………………………6 Human Pain………………………………………………………………8 Conclusion ………………………………………………………………….……9 Bibliography………………………………………………………………….…11 ”If God is so good and all loving, why does he allow pain and suffering to enter our worlds?” a question asked by many, believers and non-believers alike as to how God could allow people to suffer if He loves them. Naturally, the Bible has something to say about the subject. For example, in his book, James declares,”Count it...
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... A Paper Submitted to Prof. Scott Henderson Luther Rice University ____________________ In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Course TH 536 – Seminar in Apologetics ____________________ By Mark Reid JC 1866 August 24, 2012 OUTLINE I. INTRODUCTION II. EVALUATING THE TYPES OF EVIL III. ATHEISTIC AND SKEPTICAL ARGUMENT IV. FREE-WILL THEODICY V. POSSIBLE WORLDS VI. THE ALTERNATIVE APPROACH VII. CONCLUSION VIII. BIBLIOGRAPHY INTRODUCTION Evil is a universal problem with many categories. Philosophers like David Hume and Alvin Plantinga have attempted to explain the presence of evil despite there being a God. One can choose from many theodicies on moral and natural evil. Lately work has shifted to the notion of gratuitous evil. If gratuitous evils exist, is God morally responsible? Gratuitous evil and natural evil appears to bring the most plausible charge that something malevolent has occurred. This paper will critique various arguments concerning evil. Biblical Theology will show that the arguments are missing a key to understanding evil. EVALUATING THE TYPES OF EVIL The complexity involved in addressing evil persuades us to define what is meant by natural and moral evil. It is noted, by Steven Layman, that the distinction between natural and moral evil is not always sharp. It is Erickson who provides very distinctive definitions. Natural evil are the destructive forces of nature. Forces...
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...Theism: There is a God Monotheism: One God Christian worldview is a monotheistic worldview but not all monotheistic worldviews are Christian worldviews. Three Monotheistic worldviews Judaism 4000 yrs old Abraham, Isaac & Jacob Moses & the exodus Christianity 2000 yrs old Jesus 3 subdivisions: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant Islam 1400 years old Mohammed (last prophet, considered last & greatest) Several divisions and levels of tolerance Hesselgrave’s Monotheistic Model : Maps REALITY Monotheistic WV touches all of them Timeline: Eternity=Past Present=Activity Eternity=Future It’s linear Francis Schaeffer’s Worldview He called it a biblical worldview There is an infinite personal God who exists and who has created the external universe, not as an extensive of his own essence, but out of nothing Knowable: God can be knowable, he is personable The Universe Not chaotic Not random Exists apart from God It does NOT operate on its own There are causes and effects, but God is not a slave to it… He can step in! God made a man in his own image therefore, man can act into the cause/effect flow of history * Francis Shaffer’s Worldview “…the universe as it is now is not normal; that is, it is not now as it was when it was created. Likewise, man is no longer as he was when first created. Therefore, from God’s side, there is the possibility of a qualitative solution to man as he is now and to man’s cruelty, without man ceasing...
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...I believe that God has chosen to reveal Himself through miraculous means to include physical appearances of God, dreams, and visions, the written Word of God, and most importantly—Jesus Christ. The Bible records God appearing in physical form many times (Genesis 3:8, 18:1; Exodus 3:1-4, 34:5-7), and the Bible records God speaking to people through dreams (Genesis 28:12, 37:5; 1 Kings 3:5; Daniel 2) and visions (Genesis 15:1; Ezekiel 8:3-4; Daniel 7; 2 Corinthians 12:1-7). Also, God chooses to reveal Himself as taught in Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Like Psalm 19, Romans 1:20 teaches that God’s eternal power and divine nature are “clearly seen” and “understood” from what has been made. I believe the primary importance in the revealing of God is His Word, the Bible. God miraculously inspired the authors of Scripture to correctly record His message to mankind, while still using their own styles and personalities. God sets forth in the infallible Scriptures combines Jesus’ own declaration of the present reality of the Kingdom of God with the apostles’ account of the person, place, and work of Christ, and how sinful humans benefit from it. The Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). The Word of God is inspired, profitable, and sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God determined to have the...
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