Thursday, June 8, 2017

Disdain for the God of Reformed Theology?

I’ve seen a few comments lately that if it were to be discovered that the God of Christianity was identical to the God of Reformed theology (specifically the causal-determinist variety) that the reaction of some Christians would be to show “disdain” or even to spit in his face! Something about that strikes me as very unsettling. I am no fan of Reformed theology; I think it reveals something less than desirable about God’s character. That is to say, I don’t think it describes who God is and what he is like accurately. But that’s almost beside the point. If I find Reformed theology objectionable on those grounds, then why wouldn’t I also disdain God in these circumstances?

I have thought about it, and I have a reason or two: First, if this really is the God of the Bible, it’s not an attitude a regenerate person has toward God (I'm not suggesting whoever says this is unregenerate; merely that it's not a great attitude). Somehow, some way, there must be some answer of which I was not aware that vindicates God’s character. Second—and this is quite related—I am simply not that confident that my interpretation of Scripture, theology, and philosophy is that airtight and unassailable. I may, for all I know, be quite wrong about my views of God.

Now, this looks interestingly like some of the current defenses for why God, on Reformed theology, does not save everyone or allows (or even causes!) some specific evil or set of evils. But here I don’t think I am opening a realistic door this side of heaven. Why? Because I’m not simply thinking that we don’t know the specific reason that God does x or y; I’m going further and saying this looks like it’s not in the character of God at all! Thus, to embrace the mystery response is to do so in spite of the evidence (again, if I am right, which is a separate question from what we are dealing with now).


Basically, the idea that we would disdain the God of Reformed theology were he to be actual, I think, places far too much confidence in ourselves. Plus, it’s off-putting to those whom we would like to convince. What do you think?

6 comments:

  1. Socratic humility is similar to Christlike meekness. Love your willingness to set an example and that we 'have a RIGHT view of ourselves.'

    I see it similar to the skeptic question, "What if you were to find out with no doubt whatsoever that the Bible was NOT the word of God"... we need to be careful how we answer that lest we express faith without reason or dogmatic blindness. A simple "I would abandon any such teachings IF it was found to absolutely be false." With the disclaimer that it would have to be IRREFUTABLE evidence, which I highly doubt (for many other reasons) will ever become a reality.

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    1. Thanks for your thoughts, Robert! I definitely agree with your evidence-based approach. We would not want to have an evidence-proof fideism. :)

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  2. I couldnt agree more. Reformed folk, like myself, DO NOT believe that the God of Arminian (read here many variations of non Reformed soteriology christians is a terrible being that we couldnt stand to worship. We merelynthink He has not presented himself in scriptures that way. Unfortunately, that sentiment is often not requited. it was only 2 days ago that i listened to a sermon from a man i know who called it the "Damnable Heresy of Calvinism" implying we are all lost.
    Good post.

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    1. Thanks for your comments, and understanding! Yes, it is interesting to note the qualities we often deride on the "other side" are qualities our side often possesses; it just manifests itself differently. :)

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  3. Yeah I completely agree. While I believe that Reformed theology does not "seem" to portray God accurately, I must admit that if they are correct the flaw is my own understanding not the character of God. We know God is good, therefore, if Reformed theology is correct, God's goodness would include those qualities and I was mistaken when I thought it could not. Thank you Randy for this post.

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    1. I always knew you were a closet Calvinist, Matt! Whatever happened to the "Stop Hitting Yourself" objection! lol jk. Thanks for the comment, and hope you are well. I need to call you soon about EPS!

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