Required reading
Dogmatic Theology Vol 3 by William G.T. Shedd (Available from Amazon or here) - Continue Theology (Doctrine of God) by reading up to the paragraph commencing 'VOL. I., p. 409. Mohler, in his Symbolics, contends that the doctrine of the absolute dependence of man upon God, held by both Luther and Calvin, makes God the author of sin.' (page 153 of my edition)
My summary
In Shedd's bonus reading material on the doctrine of God we learn about:
(i) the divine attributes;
(ii) the persons of the trinity;
(iii) time;
(iv) happiness;
(v) the suffering of animals;
(vi) election.
What grabbed me
I really appreciated the explanation about how God controls evil: 'The permissive decree is executed in part by the withdrawal of restraints, as a punitive act of God which St. Paul speaks of in Rom. 1:24, 28. This is a punishment for sin previously committed: “When God ‘gives up’ the sinner to sin, he does not himself cause the sin. To withdraw a restraint is not the same as to impart an impulse. The two principal restraints of sin are the fear of punishment before its commission and remorse after it. These are an effect of the divine operation in the conscience; the revelation of divine orgē in human consciousness. When God ‘gives over’ an individual he ceases, temporarily, to awaken these feelings. The consequence is utter moral apathy and recklessness in sin.'
Our evil originates in us. God controls it by restraining it.
Next week's reading
Continue Theology (Doctrine of God) by reading up to the paragraph commencing 'VOL. I., p. 441. The preterition of a part of mankind in the bestowment of regenerating grace presupposes the fall, according to Calvin.' (page 179 of my edition).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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