Current Theology Thoughts: Pt. 2, Definitions
I started this post just reviewing patristic quotes of immutability, but as I’ve thought through the idea, I think that I need to review definitions of some basic words used in theology and philosophy, and really think through some implications. I’ve decided this post should be split into multiple posts. I should probably also re-write…
Current Theology Thoughts: Pt. 1, Inscrutability & Authority
I’ve not written any personal reflections in quite a while. For one reason, it is because I went through a brutal divorce. For another, it is because I’ve been pondering a lot, and I hate to release anything that isn’t based in well-researched writing. But, now I’ve decided that I should just write about what…
Quote: Willson on the Sabbath
God, who knows what crimes out to be restrained by civil pains, has ordained that the violation of this day (Sabbath) is of that character [that] such restraints can be imposed by the civil government only. James R. Willson, “The Sabbath and Civil Government”
Of What Use?
Of what was it to be loved and lose one’s beauty and become Real if it all ended like this? -The Velveteen Rabbit
Made gods
We have not been made gods from the beginning, but at first merely men, then at length gods; although God has adopted this course out of His pure benevolence. -Irenaeus, Against Heresies
Destined
“But before the foundation of the world were we, who, because destined to be in Him, pre-existed in the eye of God before, —we the rational creatures of the Word of God, on whose account we date from the beginning; for ‘in the beginning was the Word.’” -Clement of Alexandria, Exhortation to the Heathen
A Summary of How Theologians Describe God
The works of God with respect to Himself and His creatures : 1. Immanent/Internal Works (ad intra) 2. Transient/External Works (ad extra) Some Notes:
The Cup
He has acknowledged the cup…as His own blood, from which He bedews our blood; and the bread…He has established as His own body, from which He gives increase to our own bodies. -Irenaeus, Against Heresies Again, as a Protestant, don’t know what to think of this.
Ignorance
“More senseless than stones is a man who is steeped in ignorance.” -Clement of Alexandria, Exhortation to the Heathen