February 7, 2020

Dogmatic Theology Vol 2 - Shedd - XII - Chapter V Original Sin continued

Required reading
Dogmatic Theology Vol 2 by William G.T. Shedd (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue Chapter 5 'Original sin' by reading up to the paragraph 'Fatalism has been charged upon this doctrine of moral necessity, but erroneously.' (page 231 in my edition).

My summary
Firstly, this week, Shedd speaks about the 'inability to good' of the apostate will due to original sin.  

Shedd notes the following particulars:
(i) the inability relates to spiritual good;
(ii) the inability is self-caused and voluntary.

This led into a discussion of natural and moral inability and particularly a refutation of Edwards' definition of natural inability. 

What grabbed me
I enjoyed watching Shedd refute Edwards.

I think the illustration from Pascal was particularly helpful in demonstrating the differing positions:

''Pascal (Provincial Letters, 11.) illustrates this equivocation respecting " natural ability " (a distinction employed by the Jesuits) in the following manner : " A man setting out on a journey is encountered by robbers who wound him, and leave him half dead. He sends for aid from three neighboring surgeons. The first on examining his wounds pronounces them mortal, and tells him that God alone can restore him. The second tells him that he has strength enough to carry him back to his dwelling, and that he will recover by the force of his system. The patient, perplexed between the two, calls upon the third surgeon. This latter after examination sides with the second surgeon, and ridicules the opinion of the first. The patient naturally supposes that the third surgeon agrees with the second ; and in fact receives in reply to his inquiries an assurance that he has strength sufficient to prosecute his journey. The poor man, however, conscious of his weakness, asks on what his conclusions are founded. Because,' said he, 'you still have your legs, and the legs are the natural organs for walking.' ' But,' says the sick man, ' have I strength to make use of them ; for they seem to me useless, in my state of weakness ? ' ' Certainly not,' replied the doctor ; 'and in reality yon never will walk, unless God shall send yon supernatural aid to sustain and lead you.' 'What'  cries the patient, 'have I not then in myself sufficient strength for walking?' 'Very far from it,' replied the surgeon. 'Your opinion then is entirely opposed to the second surgeon respecting my state ? ' 'I confess it is,' he replied." 
... 
Ability must not be confounded with capability or power with capacity. The sinner is capable of loving God supremely, but not able to love him supremely ; and probably this is all that is intended by many who assert "natural ability."''

Therefore the conversion of fallen man must be all of God regardless of how you describe his ability.

Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 5 'Original sin' by reading up to the paragraph '1. It is objected, that if man is unable to keep the law, he is not obligated to keep it.' (page 242 in my edition).

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