November 21, 2019

Dogmatic Theology Vol 2 - Shedd - VIII - Chapter 3 The Human Will commenced

Required reading
Dogmatic Theology Vol 2 by William G.T. Shedd (Available from Amazon or free here) - Conclude Chapter 3 'The Human Will'.

My summary
Now Shedd gives us the distinctions between the will's inclination and its volition.
(i) Inclination is the central action of the will ; volition is the superficial action;
(ii) The volition has the same moral quality with the inclination;
(iii) The inclination of the will is the result of self-determination, not of a volition, because the inclination is the self-determination viewed objectively;
(iv) Inclination differs from volition, as the end differs from the means;
(v) Volition is common to man and the animal creation - inclination or self-determination belongs only to man, and other rational beings;
(vi) Inclination or self-determination is inherited - volitions or choices are not;
(vii) Inclination is free, because it is self-determined - volition is necessitated, because it is determined in its morality by the inclination of which it is the executive;
(viii) Self-determination is causative, and originative of character;
(ix) Inclination is spontaneous - volition is nervous and often spasmodic.

What grabbed me
I appreciated the distinction between man and animal to help us understand our wills: 'Instinct in a brute is necessitated, because it is grounded wholly in sense and animal nature ; inclination in man is free, because it is grounded in reason and a spiritual essence. Inclination is the subject of command, and prohibition. Man is bidden to have a good inclination, and forbidden to have an evil one. The command to love (Dent 6:5; Lev. 19 : 18 ; Matt. 28 : 39, 40), to "make the tree good " (Matt. 13 : 33), to love not (1 John 2 : 15), to lust not (Ex. 20 : 17), are examples.'

We are responsible for our inclinations as well as our actions.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 4 'Man's probation and apostasy'.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.

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