2 Peter 3: 8-9 Theological leanings so far

Barcelona: trekearth.com

2 Peter 3: 8-9 Theological leanings so far

Key related archives

Archives: 2 Peter

Revised on August 11, 2022 for an entry on academia.edu

Preface

Saturday, July 13, 2019 Second Peter 3 & Canada Prophecy Conference

I have noted that at a Canada Prophecy Conference in 2019, the main speaker, well-known pastor and biblical scholar, Dr. David Hocking, stated that regarding 2 Peter 3: 9, it was (paraphrased) written to Christian readers regarding repentance before they perish. In context, this would be repentance before death, in Jesus Christ. This supports my tentative view.

2 Peter 3: 8-9

8 But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Strong's Concordance

‘You’ #2248 Original Greek word ἡμᾶς Meaning: our, us, we. The meaning is also documented for 2 Peter 3:9. The word being changed slightly in this usage. Strong (1890)(1986: 45). ὑμᾶς 

Strong's Concordance 

‘Perish’ #622 ‘Perish’ Original Word: ἀπόλλυμι Meaning: to destroy fully, to perish, to lose, literal or figurative, die. Documented in the context of Second Peter. Strong (1890)(1986: 16). The word being altered slightly in this usage. ἀπολέσθαι 

Millard Erickson

In regards to issues raised from 2 Peter 3: 8-9

We must distinguish between two different senses of God’s will, which we will refer to as God’s “wish” (will1) and God’s will (will2).’ (361). Will1 is God’s general intention and Will2 is God’s specific intention.

Or it could be stated Will1=God’s perfect will and Will2=God’s permissible will.

Reformed theology

As my Hebrews professor informed me at Columbia Bible College (paraphrased), within God's eternal, sovereign, plans, although all human beings have a fallen nature (consciousness, desires, will, my add) outside of Christ by default (see Romans 1-3, especially), some have a fallen nature (consciousness, desires, will, my add), that will never accept Christ and be acceptable to God. Others will be regenerated (Titus 3, and being born again, John 3, see also 1 Peter 1). This is done by grace through faith, and not by human works righteousness.

Therefore, God’s eternal, perfect will, and not God's eternal, permissible will, would actually be for some to reject him and remain everlastingly outside of his Kingdom, although in a sense, it is theologically, reasonably, possible that God wishes it would be otherwise. I acknowledge possible interpretations supporting the idea that universal salvation is God's perfect will, that will not actually occur, within scholarship in 2 Peter 3: 8-9 and 1 Timothy 2: 4.

1 Timothy 2, 6

1 Timothy 2:3-4 New American Standard Bible (NASB) 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the [a]knowledge of the truth. Footnotes: a 1 Timothy 2:4 Or recognition

However, I favour a Reformed perspective here that 'who desires all men to be saved...' is not the divine context of God wishing all humanity would be saved, but that all ethnic groups of humanity would be saved.

One example from other scholarship...

Reformed Answers Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr., D.D., M.Div. is the Theological Editor at Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill)

Cited

Calvinism and 1 Timothy 2:4, 6?

Cited

1 Timothy 2:4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 

1 Timothy 2:6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

Cited

Salvation is not limited to a particular ethnic group or gender or to any other subsection of humanity. Moreover, that the word "all" is commonly used to mean "all types" can be seen clearly in 1 Timothy 6:10, where the same Greek word is translated "all kinds." Although the value of Christ's death is infinite, his sacrifice on the Cross was fully effective in winning the salvation of the elect only. 

Bible Hub

Cited

1 Timothy 6:10

of all πάντων (pantōn) 3956: all, every a prim. word
sorts of evil, κακῶν (kakōn)

Bible Hub

Cited

1 Timothy 2:4 Adj-AMP (Accusative, masculine, plural)

πάντας (pantas)

GRK: ὃς πάντας ἀνθρώπους θέλει 
NAS: who desires all men to be saved 
KJV: Who will have all men to be saved, 
INT: who all men wishes

Bible Hub

Cited

1 Timothy 2:6 Adj-GMP (Genitive, masculine plural)

πάντων (pantōn)

GRK: ἀντίλυτρον ὑπὲρ πάντων τὸ μαρτύριον
NAS: as a ransom for all, the testimony
KJV: for all, to be testified
INT: a ransom for all the testimony

It seems to me the interpretation of Dr. Nally is not strictly identical to the Bible Hub, New Testament Greek interpretation, but the theological idea is basically the same. If God wishes to save within all ethnic groups and not all persons, this places doubt that God's wish to save all, as Erickson provided as a theological option, is God's perfect will, by my definition.

God's wish, but not his perfect will

A theological deduction could be made, that in a sense, and only in a sense, it is logically possible that God wishes for salvation for all (universalism) within his will, but it will not occur as God has greater plans. This is not outlandish or unreasonable. On one hand, God desires me not to sin, he does not tempt me (James 1), but on the other hand, God created humanity with an eternal plan of salvation from sin. I have an inherited, sinful nature and had no choice in the matter, but I have limited free will regarding embracing sin or not.

Jesus Christ showed his disciple and friend, Judas Iscariot love, but it was still God's perfect will for Judas to betray him.

John 6:70 New American Standard Bible (NASB) 70 Jesus answered them, “Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?”

Does God love all his creation?

Does God have no love for his fallen angels? Yet, they are damned and doomed in their own rebellion (Revelation 20). God has no plan of salvation for fallen angels, but in a sense, God could wish, I suppose, that all his creation eventually is in harmony with him. Yet, this will never be the case. The lake of fire is ultimately the destination for those not in the Kingdom of God, both angelic and human. (Revelation 20).

God's eternal plan

Some within humanity will be regenerated, justified and sanctified in salvation and some will not. This being God's perfect will. Christ is the lamb slain from the foundation (foundations also works theologically) of the world (Revelation 13: 8, see also Revelation 5 for related).

Revelation 3: 5

English Standard Version (ESV) 5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angel

The gospel and the applied atoning and resurrection work of Jesus Christ, are part of God's eternal plans, as are those whose names are within the book of life.

Ephesians 1: 3-4

Ephesians 1:3-4 New American Standard Bible (NASB) 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before [a]Him. In love Footnotes: (a) Ephesians 1:4 Or Him, in love

God's eternal plan as the first and primary cause, included a human sin, fall and rebellion. This implies significantly free creatures that will sin, is the eternal plan which makes sense as Christ is the lamb slain from the foundation/foundations of the world, in other words, the atoning and resurrection work of God the Son, Jesus Christ, applied to those chosen is an eternal triune, plan. Persons are morally accountable for sin as secondary causes, as long as they are not forced or coerced to do so, and therefore those not within the Kingdom of God, post-mortem, with limited free will, embrace their exclusion.

God's perfect will is that this temporal, temporary realm exists, but to be clear, I still reason that many human sinful, acts and actions are allowed within his permissible will.

Summary

It is theologically possible that it is God's perfect will that occurs, regarding human salvation and the citizenship of those within the culminated Kingdom of God. It is my theological leaning so far that 2 Peter 3: 8-9, is not discussing salvation. It is likely not God's perfect divine will for all in humanity to be saved. At best, within Reformed theology, God could be wishing for salvation for all, but I am not biblically and theologically convinced that salvation is the context in 2 Peter 3: 8-9. What is more likely being discussed in 2 Peter 3: 8-9, is the repentance of  'you', those in Jesus Christ. The 'you' being those already covered by the applied atoning and resurrection work of Jesus Christ. Those in the Christian Church reading the scripture.

---

A Study of 2 Peter 3:10-13 -- By: R. Larry Overstreet: Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra Volume: BSAC 137:548 (Oct 1980) Article: A Study of 2 Peter 3:10-13 Author: R. Larry Overstreet BSac 137:548 (Oct 80) p. 354 A Study of 2 Peter 3:10-13 R. Larry Overstreet [R. Larry Overstreet, Professor of Homiletics, Grace Theological Seminary, Winona Lake, Indiana] 

BARCLAY, WILLIAM (1976) The Letters of James and Peter, Philadelphia, The Westminster Press.

BROWNING, W.R.F. (1997) Oxford Dictionary of the Bible, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

BRUCE, F.F. (1987) Romans, Grand Rapids, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

CAIRD, GEORGE B. (1977) Paul's Letters from Prison Paperback, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

COURSON, JON (2003) Jon Courson's Application Commentary, Nashville, Thomas Nelson.

CRANFIELD, C.E.B. (1992) Romans: A Shorter Commentary, Grand Rapids, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

DUNN, JAMES D.G. (1988) Romans, Dallas, Word Books.

DUNNETT, WALTER M. (2001) Exploring the New Testament, Wheaton, Crossway Books.

EDWARDS, PAUL AND ARTHUR PAP (1973)(eds.), A Modern Introduction To Philosophy, New York, The Free Press. 

ELWELL, WALTER AND YARBROUGH, ROBERT W., Third Edition (2013) Encountering The New Testament, Grand Rapids, Baker Academic.

ERICKSON, MILLARD (1994) Christian Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.

ERICKSON, MILLARD (2003) What Does God Know and When Does He Know It? Grand Rapids, Zondervan.

FOULKES, FRANCIS (1989) Ephesians, Grand Rapids, Inter-Varsity Press. 

GUNDRY, ROBERT (1981) A Survey of the New Testament, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.

HARPUR, GEORGE (1986) Ephesians in The International Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.

HOCKING, DAVID (2014) The Book of Revelation, Tustin, California, HFT Publications.

LIGHTFOOT, JOHN B. (1993) The Destination of the Epistle to the Ephesians in Biblical Essays, New York, Macmillan.

MARSHALL, ALFRED (1975)(1996) The Interlinear KJV-NIV, Grand Rapids, Zondervan. 

MOUNCE, ROBERT H. (1990) The Book of Revelation, Grand Rapids, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

MOUNCE, ROBERT H. (1995) The New American Commentary: Romans, Nashville, Broadman & Holman Publishers.

NALLY, JOSEPH R. 'Calvinism and 1 Timothy 2:4, 6?' Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr., D.D., M.Div. is the Theological Editor at Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill). http://reformedanswers.org/answer.asp/file/45600

NUTE, ALAN G. (1986) in '1 Timothy', The International Bible Commentary, F.F. Bruce, General Editor, Grand Rapids, Zondervan/Marshall Pickering.

NUTE, ALAN G. (1986) in 'Titus', The International Bible Commentary, F.F. Bruce, General Editor, Grand Rapids, Zondervan/Marshall Pickering.

ORR, R.W. (1986) 'The Letters of John' in The International Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.

Oxford Dictionary of Science, (2010), Sixth Edition, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

PAYNE DAVID F.(1986) ‘2 Peter’, in F.F. Bruce, (ed.), The International Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Marshall Pickering/Zondervan. 

POJMAN, LOUIS P. (1996) Philosophy: The Quest for Truth, New York, Wadsworth Publishing Company. 

POLKINGHORNE, G.J. (1986) '1 Peter' in F.F. Bruce (ed.), The International Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.

STRONG, J. (1890)(1986) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Burlington, Welch Publishing Company.

The Greek New Testament (1993) Stuttgart, United Bible Societies. 

The Orthodox Study Bible, New Testament and Psalms, (1993) Saint Athanasius Orthodox Academy, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.

WHALE, J.S. (1958) Christian Doctrine, Glasgow, Fontana Books.

Facebook jail? Facebook quarantine?

Tech Grench

Facebook

Facebook has in error blocked my second Blogger website, Satire Und Theology from posting entries on my Facebook business page, Russell Norman Murray, PhD. Facebook falsely claims I violated community standards with a recent entry where Kenneth Copeland is on a YouTube video stating...

Quote: The Devil's tryin' to give me the flu

Further, the Blogger entry and the associated Facebook entry contained the following comments from me:

Presumptive theology in regards to God, Satanic beings and humanity, and making money in the process.
---

Obviously, my entry was not supporting Kenneth Copeland's claim.

I have made three requests from Facebook for clarification in regard to community standards. No reply.

I am taking this Facebook ban of Satire Und Theology with a grain of salt. I reason it was done hastily, within a politically correct environment and without a reasonable, studied, evaluation of what I actually posted.

I am annoyed but I am at the same time acknowledging that as with everything that happens in reality, it is either within God's perfect or permissible will. Satire Und Theology was banned in error once before by Facebook and Facebook soon apologized and ended the ban. I can acknowledge that the lack of Facebook response to my legitimate concerns may have to do with fewer employees present due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I wish the Facebook team, well.

I show grace as God demonstrates divine grace for me in the gospel.

John 1:14 English Standard Version (ESV) 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son[a] from the Father, full of grace and truth. Footnotes: John 1:14 Or only One, or unique One

American Family Radio

COVID-19 versus Influenza

In regards to some of the scientifically, modelled, potential death rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States of America. Sadly, some are significantly high.

I have read from some Christians online write (paraphrased) that COVID-19 is like the flu or another form of the flu.

Well, what does the World Health Organization state on their official website?

WHO: World Health Organization 

Similarities between influenza and COVID-19

Cited

'Firstly, COVID-19 and influenza viruses have a similar disease presentation. That is, they both cause respiratory disease, which presents as a wide range of illness from asymptomatic or mild through to severe disease and death.

Secondly, both viruses are transmitted by contact, droplets and fomites. As a result, the same public health measures, such as hand hygiene and good respiratory etiquette (coughing into your elbow or into a tissue and immediately disposing of the tissue), are important actions all can take to prevent infection.' (End citation)

Differences between influenza and COVID-19

'The speed of transmission is an important point of difference between the two viruses. Influenza has a shorter median incubation period (the time from infection to appearance of symptoms) and a shorter serial interval (the time between successive cases) than COVID-19 virus. The serial interval for COVID-19 virus is estimated to be 5-6 days, while for influenza virus, the serial interval is 3 days. This means that influenza can spread faster than COVID-19.'

'Further, transmission in the first 3-5 days of illness, or potentially pre-symptomatic transmission –transmission of the virus before the appearance of symptoms – is a major driver of transmission for influenza. In contrast, while we are learning that there are people who can shed COVID-19 virus 24-48 hours prior to symptom onset, at present, this does not appear to be a major driver of transmission.'

'The reproductive number – the number of secondary infections generated from one infected individual – is understood to be between 2 and 2.5 for COVID-19 virus, higher than for influenza. However, estimates for both COVID-19 and influenza viruses are very context and time-specific, making direct comparisons more difficult.' (End citation)

'While the range of symptoms for the two viruses is similar, the fraction with severe disease appears to be different. For COVID-19, data to date suggest that 80% of infections are mild or asymptomatic, 15% are severe infection, requiring oxygen and 5% are critical infections, requiring ventilation. These fractions of severe and critical infection would be higher than what is observed for influenza infection.' (End citation)

'Mortality for COVID-19 appears higher than for influenza, especially seasonal influenza. While the true mortality of COVID-19 will take some time to fully understand, the data we have so far indicate that the crude mortality ratio (the number of reported deaths divided by the reported cases) is between 3-4%, the infection mortality rate (the number of reported deaths divided by the number of infections) will be lower. For seasonal influenza, mortality is usually well below 0.1%. However, mortality is to a large extent determined by access to and quality of health care.' (End citation)

Some keys in my opinion...

'These fractions of severe and critical infection would be higher than what is observed for influenza infection.'

'Mortality for COVID-19 appears higher than for influenza, especially seasonal influenza.'

'While the true mortality of COVID-19 will take some time to fully understand, the data we have so far indicate that the crude mortality ratio (the number of reported deaths divided by the reported cases) is between 3-4%, the infection mortality rate (the number of reported deaths divided by the number of infections) will be lower. For seasonal influenza, mortality is usually well below 0.1%.'

It seems to me that this short article is scientifically and medically documented, with some data.

Key differences, between COVID-19 and influenza, are some of the major reasons why western governments and many governments throughout the world are taking significantly stronger measures than typically taken in regards to viruses, with the COVID-19 pandemic. This in contrast to typical measures taken in regards to influenza.

Even if one allows for the possible truth of unlikely political (One world government) and even spiritual (The rise of Antichrist), conspiracy theories, in regards to more control of the public by governments at this time and related; the measures by western governments (I am not providing an opinion on all the measures taken by non-western governments) in regards to social distancing and ending the pandemic are at least, in general, practically and philosophically reasonable.

Absolute Zero

Facebook has in error blocked my second Blogger website, Satire Und Theology from posting entries on my Facebook business page, Russell Norman Murray, PhD. Facebook falsely claims I violated community standards with a recent entry where Kenneth Copeland is on a YouTube video stating...

Quote: The Devil's tryin' to give me the flu

Further, the Blogger entry and the associated Facebook entry contained the following comments from me:

Presumptive theology in regards to God, Satanic beings and humanity, and making money in the process.
---

Obviously, my entry was not supporting Kenneth Copeland's claim.

I will double post my Satire Und Theology entries (here) until Facebook fixes this mistake on their part, in order for my work to appear on my Facebook business page. I have reported this Facebook error to Facebook thrice now. I have not yet received any reply.

The Orthodox Study Bible: Cosmos

The Orthodox Study Bible, New Testament and Psalms, (1993) Saint Athanasius Orthodox Academy, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.

From this Bible's Glossary and Reverend John W. Morris, Ph.D.

Cosmos

Cited

'The universe, or "world," created by God from nothing. It is controlled by God; He is the life of the world. Sin has corrupted the entire cosmos, and the rule of evil will not be abolished until the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The universe will finally be redeemed by Christ when He comes again to transform the cosmos into a new heaven and new earth.' (796).

Related:

Cosmology

Whale writes that cosmology is looking at the cosmos and visible universe from a theistic perspective denying that it is self-explanatory. Whale (1958: 22). Pojman mentions that theistic versions of cosmology deduce something outside of the universe is required to explain its existence. Pojman (1996: 37). Paul Edwards (1973) explains cosmology reasons that all things come into being through other things (Edwards (1973: 377-378)) and since a causal series of events cannot go back in infinity, there must be a first cause. Edwards (1973: 377-378)

In regards to the new heaven and new earth from the Orthodoxy text...

At the end of 2 Peter 3: 10 there are variant endings from extant Greek manuscripts.

Archives

Monday, October 21, 2019: 2 Peter 3: 10 (Non-exhaustive)

Galaxie: Larry Overstreet

A Study of 2 Peter 3:10-13 -- By: R. Larry Overstreet: Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra Volume: BSAC 137:548 (Oct 1980) Article: A Study of 2 Peter 3:10-13 Author: R. Larry Overstreet BSac 137:548 (Oct 80) p. 354 A Study of 2 Peter 3:10-13 R. Larry Overstreet [R. Larry Overstreet, Professor of Homiletics, Grace Theological Seminary, Winona Lake, Indiana]

Cited

At the conclusion of 2 Peter 3:10 the United Bible Societies’ Greek text gives the word εὑρεθήσεται, a future passive indicative of the verb εὑρίσκω, meaning, in general terms, “to find.” The verb has various shades of meaning, such as, “to find after seeking,” “to find without seeking,” or “to obtain.”2 However, for the present discussion the meaning “to find” is sufficient. The word in the text would thus be translated “shall be found.”

Although some dissenting opinion can be found, most modern textual critics would regard this reading as having the strongest manuscript support. Metzger comments that this reading is the “oldest reading, and the one which best explains the origin of the others that have been preserved….”3 BSac 137:548 (Oct 80) p. 355 

Several variant readings must be noticed and examined before a conclusion can be drawn regarding the text. One of these is a major variation involving the substitution of another word with a complete change of thought while the others are minor variations in comparison with the first. 

The Variant Readings The major variation is the substitution of κατακαήσεται for εὑρεθήσεται. The translation would then read, “the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up,” as κατακαίω means “to burn up.”4...
---

εὑρεθήσεται: To find, to obtain, shall be found, is according to Metzger, the oldest reading.

κατακαήσεται: To burn up, is a variant, newer, reading.

Marshall presents εὑρεθήσεται in the Interlinear KJV-NIV, and defines it as 'will be destroyed'. (703). In the text, the King James version documents 'shall be burned up', while the NIV states 'will be laid bare'.

The Greek New Testament also provides εὑρεθήσεται.

The Orthodox Study Bible uses 'will be burned up', from its 2 Peter 3 text. (566)

2 Peter 3:10

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and [a]its works will be [b]burned up. Footnotes: a 2 Peter 3:10 Lit the works in it b 2 Peter 3:10 Two early mss read discovered

There is a theological, cosmological debate on whether or not, biblically, the universe and earth will be destroyed, but restored, or will it be destroyed and then created new, out of nothing (ex nihilo). The use of εὑρεθήσεται may better support interpretations of restoration. While κατακαήσεται may lead to interpretations of a completely new creation.

While I tentatively favour, due to the textual evidence and my restoration theology for humanity and its realm, εὑρεθήσεται and a restoration view of the universe, as opposed to ex nihilo, and a second creation; scientifically, according to the Oxford Dictionary of Science, the universe will eventually have a heat death. (386). When entropy is maximized and 'all large-scale samples of matter are at a uniform temperature.' (386).

From the Oxford Dictionary of Science:

Entropy

Symbol (S) a measure of the unavailability of a system's energy to do work; in a closed system an increase in entropy is accomplished by a decrease in energy available. When a system undergoes change the entropy (S) changes by the amount equal the energy (Q) transferred to the system by heat divided by the thermodynamic temperature (T) at which this occurs. However, all real processes are to a certain extent irreversible changes and in any closed system, an irreversible change is accompanied by an increase in entropy. (292). In a wider sense entropy is interpreted as a measure of disorder, the higher the entropy, the greater the disorder and it states see the Boltzmann Formula. This is the second law of thermodynamics and involves the heat death of the universe. (292).
---

A Study of 2 Peter 3:10-13 -- By: R. Larry Overstreet: Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra Volume: BSAC 137:548 (Oct 1980) Article: A Study of 2 Peter 3:10-13 Author: R. Larry Overstreet BSac 137:548 (Oct 80) p. 354 A Study of 2 Peter 3:10-13 R. Larry Overstreet [R. Larry Overstreet, Professor of Homiletics, Grace Theological Seminary, Winona Lake, Indiana]

EDWARDS, PAUL AND ARTHUR PAP (1973)(eds.), A Modern Introduction To Philosophy, New York, The Free Press.

MARSHALL, ALFRED (1975)(1996) The Interlinear KJV-NIV, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.

Oxford Dictionary of Science, (2010), Sixth Edition, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

PAYNE DAVID F.(1986) ‘2 Peter’, in F.F. Bruce, (ed.), The International Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Marshall Pickering/Zondervan. POJMAN, LOUIS P. (1996) Philosophy: The Quest for Truth, New York, Wadsworth Publishing Company.

THE GREEK NEW TESTAMENT (1993) Stuttgart, United Bible Societies.

THE ORTHODOX STUDY BIBLE, NEW TESTAMENT AND PSLAMS (1993) Saint Athanasius Orthodox Academy, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee. WHALE, J.S. (1958) Christian Doctrine, Glasgow, Fontana Books.

San Giovanni Battista/Church of San Giovanni Battista

Flickr: A fascinating modern church, with creative architecture which is made from local marble and granite. Wikipedia. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic at present, many of us are at home all day, or close to it. But, this creative church influences me more to visit Switzerland one day. Theologically, I am not concerned with being a member of an esthetically beautiful church. I think a church building should look clean, professional, and relevant. There is no need for it to be creative architecturally, but this is a rare modern church, as opposed to an older church from a different architectural era, where I think it would be fascinating to see an event, if even just for the building.

Built-in 1996, Mario Botta. Free Stone by William Hall. PHAIDON

San Giovanni Battista, Mango, Switzerland: Official website

Wikipedia. 

Revel Wallpapers

X versus Y

Facebook

I am approaching this entry philosophically, as opposed to politically. I am Canadian, anyway. I am a theologian and philosopher of religion and do not pretend to be otherwise.

This in regards to COVID-19, as I sit here, healthy, but in isolation.

In the United States, President Trump wants the US economy 'opened up' by Easter.

Every scientific and medical expert I have viewed on CNN, FOX, CBC, Global, CTV, either does not agree or at least takes a more cautious approach in regards to date setting.

I also am viewing some of the data on statistical websites.

The approach from President Trump and some conservatives is to emphasize the economy, business, promotion and the need to avoid an economic recession or even depression (X) over scientific and medical data and concerns of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic (Y).

There is definitely a philosophical tension present, but at this point, I side more with the scientific and medical data and concerns with the spread of COVID-19 pandemic (Y). I do, however, reason that (X) is also very important, as an economic depression, especially, is very problematic.

This is also an example of emphasizing one type of intelligence and knowledge over another; economic (X) versus scientific (Y), for example, and vice-versa.

Many people favour types of intelligence and knowledge over other types and this is key in held to worldviews and opinions.

World Meters: World Coronavirus Cases

Please see both world and country cases on the website.

Cited from

About

Worldometer is run by an international team of developers, researchers, and volunteers with the goal of making world statistics available in a thought-provoking and time relevant format to a wide audience around the world. 

Worldometer is owned by Dadax, an independent company. We have no political, governmental, or corporate affiliation. 

Trusted Authority 

Worldometer was voted as one of the best free reference websites by the American Library Association (ALA), the oldest and largest library association in the world. 

We have licensed our counters at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), to BBC News, and to the U2 concert, among others. 

Worldometer is cited as a source in over 10,000 published books, in more than 6,000 professional journal articles, and in over 1000 Wikipedia pages.
---

Facebook has in error blocked my second Blogger website, Satire Und Theology from posting entries on my Facebook business page, Russell Norman Murray, PhD. Facebook falsely claims I violated community standards with a recent entry where Kenneth Copeland is on a YouTube video stating...

Quote: The Devil's tryin' to give me the flu

Further, the Blogger entry and the associated Facebook entry contained the following comments from me:

Presumptive theology in regards to God, Satanic beings and humanity, and making money in the process.
---

Obviously, my entry was not supporting Kenneth Copeland's claim.

I will double post my Satire Und Theology entries (here) until Facebook fixes this mistake on their part, in order for my work to appear on my Facebook business page. I have reported this Facebook error to Facebook thrice now. I have not yet received any reply.

Being innovative?

Vernazza, Italy: Travel and Leisure, Facebook.

Besides praying for others, I am praying for innovative ideas in regards to the new realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, and for divine direction in regards to new realities that will likely occur post-pandemic.
---

Facebook has in error blocked my second Blogger website, Satire Und Theology from posting entries on my Facebook business page, Russell Norman Murray, PhD. Facebook falsely claims I violated community standards with a recent entry where Kenneth Copeland is on a YouTube video stating...

Quote: The Devil's tryin' to give me the flu

Further, the Blogger entry and the associated Facebook entry contained the following comments from me:

Presumptive theology in regards to God, Satanic beings and humanity, and making money in the process.
---

Obviously, my entry was not supporting Kenneth Copeland's claim.

I will double post my Satire Und Theology entries until Facebook fixes this mistake on their part, in order for my work to appear on my Facebook business page. I have reported this Facebook error to Facebook twice now. I have not yet received any reply.

Hoarding & Total Depravity

Maple Ridge and the Fraser River

March 21, 2020

John Calvin explains in the Bondage and Liberation of the Will that purity is spoiled by a tiny blemish and implies that sin is included in every good work (in this present realm). Calvin (1543)(1996: 27).

For me, the recent and present local hoarding at many major grocery stores, and other stores with basic supplies, throughout Maple Ridge and elsewhere on the planet related to the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrates the theological concepts of human total depravity and taint in very practical terms.

This hoarding shows the depraved, tainted, nature of certain persons. While acknowledging that hoarding often flows from love and concern for self and family; this hoarding demonstrates human selfishness and a lack of love for fellow residents and citizens and a lack of concern for the material needs of others.

This type of hoarding, at least, is a sign of total depravity, but as not all people hoard. It is not a universal sin.

Is hoarding something always a sin? Is hoarding cats a sin? Well, I will opine that the human hoarding taking place in stores is significantly tainted by sin.

But universal sin does theologically exist according to the New Testament:

Romans, for example, presents that all human beings are sinful and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3: 23) and this leads to death in the temporal realm, but there is eternal (technically everlasting) life available through Jesus Christ (Romans 6: 23). In other words, human beings, in spirit and body, can be eventually, post-mortem, purged of total depravity and taint through resurrection (1 Corinthians 15, Revelation 20-22) by having the atoning and resurrection work of Jesus Christ, God the Son, applied to them.

MPhil 2003

2003 The Problem of Evil: Anglican and Baptist Perspectives: MPhil thesis, Bangor University

Edited from my MPhil thesis

Total Depravity

I would think since humanity is totally depraved that no true human, perfect good is possible. If true goodness is found in perfection, as is God, then we cannot obtain that good.

Even as Christians that attempt to perform the will of God with the help of the Holy Spirit, would there not be just a little taint of sin in all our actions? It is my view that human good is likely an absence of a complete maximization of our total depravity. I, for example, may appear to be humanly good compared to a serial murderer; however, that is because the murderer has been found out as someone who has committed heinous crimes.

C.C. Ryrie

The concept of total depravity does not mean (1) that depraved people cannot or do not perform actions that are good in either man’s or God’s sight. But no such action can gain favor with God for salvation. Neither does it mean (2) that fallen man has no conscience which judges between good and evil for him. But that conscience has been effected by the fall so that it cannot be a safe and reliable guide. Neither does it mean (3) that people indulge in every form of sin or in any sin to the greatest extent possible. Positively total depravity means that the corruption has extended to all aspects of man’s nature, to his being: and total depravity means that because of that corruption there is nothing man can do to merit saving favour with God. Ryrie (1996: 312).

I appreciate Ryrie's reasonable theology and explanation. I opine that God can see human good, but that it is not perfect human good.

CALVIN, JOHN (1543)(1996) The Bondage and Liberation of the Will, Translated by G.I. Davies, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.

RYRIE, C.C. (1996) Total Depravity, in Walter A. Elwell (ed.), Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Books.

The Orthodox Study Bible: Kenosis

The Orthodox Study Bible, New Testament and Psalms, (1993) Saint Athanasius Orthodox Academy, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.

From this Bible's Glossary and Reverend John W. Morris, Ph.D.

Kenosis

This term literally means 'emptying'. (801). This is associated with concepts of humility or humiliation. (801). God the Word (801), humbled himself through his death on the cross for the world and its salvation. (801).

The incarnation occurred with 'no change in His divinity'. (801).

Agreed.

God the Son, humbled himself within the eternal plans of the triune God through his incarnation, suffering, death, atoning and resurrection work for those that believe in him within humanity, through regeneration (Titus 3, John 3).

My British theses subjects included centrally the problem of evil, problems of evil and theodicy. I reason that it could be perceived that there is often a matter of fact biblical and theological aspect to evil (s) and suffering within God's creation. From my Reformed theology and philosophy of religion, God is the first cause of all things, even suffering and evil, but with perfect and holy motives. Yet, especially with personal human sufferings, in all this God often seems distant, as if God wills them directly or indirectly in uncaring fashion.

The divine kenosis demonstrates through documented scriptural, religious history the personal care of God for humanity. God humbled himself as God incarnate and emptied himself of divine rights. This was done without ceasing to be infinite God (which would be logically impossible, in my theology), or altering divine nature (which would also be logically impossible, in my theology).

Archives

The subject of Kenosis was also discussed on this website almost 12 years ago:

Monday, September 01, 2008: Kairos and Kenosis

Edited with new links

Kenosis is Greek for 'self-emptying'. Browning (1997: 215).

George Newlands mentions that Paul uses this concept in Philippians 2:7, as Christ emptied himself regarding the incarnation. Kenotic love is in God's being, expressed through the divine self-giving of Christ, as God's love overcomes evil through the death and resurrection of Christ. Newlands (1999: 316).

S.M. Smith notes that Kenotic theology focuses on the person of Christ in terms of some form of self-limitation by the preexistent Son in his becoming human. Smith (1996: 601). It theoretically looks at the incarnation in history.

Thiessen writes that Kenotic theologians have incorrectly concluded that Christ emptied himself of his divine attributes, and instead surrendered the independent use of some of his attributes. Thiessen (1956: 295-296). Thiessen sees Christ as using these powers as the Father granted them. He gave up glory and became a servant. Thieseen (1956: 296). Christ gave up glory as a servant, but could not, and did not give up being God.

Erickson suggests that it was equality with God and not the form of God that Christ gave up. He still shared the same nature as the Father but subordinated himself to the Father in the incarnation. These limitations were in no way due to a loss of divine attributes, but due to the addition of human ones. Erickson (1994: 735). Christ was fully human. Christ subjected self to God the Father. Christ was fully God. God the Son's (divine) attributes cannot change.

Bible Hub

Bible Hub

Philippians 2: 7.

From: Greek ἐκένωσεν (emptied): κενόω (Original word, to empty)

The verb to empty out, drain

ἐκένωσεν (emptied)

Parsing 3rd Person Aorist Indicative Active Singular

BROWNING, W.R.F. (1997) Oxford Dictionary of the Bible, Oxford, Oxford University Press. 

ERICKSON, MILLARD (1994) Christian Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House. 

NEWLANDS, GEORGE (1999) ‘Kenosis’, in Alan Richardson and John Bowden (eds.), New Dictionary of Christian Theology, Kent, SCM Press Ltd.

SMITH, S.M. (1996) ‘Kenosis, Kenotic Theology’, in Walter A. Elwell (ed.), Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Books.

THIESSEN, HENRY C. (1956) Introductory Lectures in Systematic Theology, Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

Today: Recent 'haircuts' for the trees. Not as esthetically pleasing as before.
Ironically, it may be difficult to pay for a haircut locally for weeks or months.

Gold plated, diamond studded tp

So, the grocery store we went to had been toilet paper hoarded, with many bare shelves, overall.  I was informed this was the case with the major local stores. But, I have a 'secret' smaller store source that had the 'gold plated, diamond studded' tp.

Sad when a successful shopping day is purchasing toilet paper...
---

Facebook has in error blocked my second Blogger website, Satire Und Theology from posting entries on my Facebook business page, Russell Norman Murray, PhD. Facebook falsely claims I violated community standards with a recent entry where Kenneth Copeland is on a YouTube video stating...

Quote: The Devil's tryin' to give me the flu

Further, the Blogger entry and the associated Facebook entry contained the following comments from me:

Presumptive theology in regards to God, Satanic beings and humanity, and making money in the process.
---

Obviously, my entry was not supporting Kenneth Copeland's claim.

I will double post my Satire Und Theology entries until Facebook fixes this mistake on their part, in order for my work to appear on my Facebook business page. I have reported this Facebook error to Facebook twice now. I have not yet received any reply.

The Orthodox Study Bible: Filioque

The Orthodox Study Bible, New Testament and Psalms, (1993) Saint Athanasius Orthodox Academy, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.

My review of this fine academic text continues:

Within this Bible there is a Glossary from Reverend John W. Morris, Ph.D.

Filioque

Is a Latin word meaning 'and the Son.' (798). Western churches added this word to the Nicene Creed (325 AD, my add) several centuries after it was originally written. (798).

This "filioque clause" is judged by the Orthodox Church as error because it is contrary to what Jesus taught (John 15: 26); thus, it confuses correct belief concerning the Holy Trinity. The addition of the filioque in the West was a major factor contributing to the Great Schism in A.D. 1054.

The 1054 schism was between the Western Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
---

Edited from a previous website entry...

Wednesday, October 24, 2018 Filioque

Nicene Creed section 

And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father [and the Son]; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets; and we believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church; we acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins;and we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

In traditional and ancient Western Theology, Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions, the Holy Spirit is understood as proceeding from both the Father and the Son.

Proceeding from: FILIOQUE-Pronounced FILLY O QUE or QAY (LATIN)

G.W. Bromiley states that the term ‘and from the Son' was not in the original 325 Nicene Creed or 381 Constantinople Creeds and was likely added to the Third Council of Toledo of 589. It was officially endorsed in 1017. Bromiley (1996: 415).

In agreement with the Orthodox Study Bible, the filioque clause was indeed added at a later date.

The filioque clause, in the minds of some historical commentators, in part, led to a split between the Western and Eastern Churches with the Eastern Churches rejecting it. Split in 1054.

Both God the Father and God the Son sent the Holy Spirit in John 15: 26.

John 15:26 New American Standard Bible (NASB) 26 “When the [a]Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me,... Footnotes: John 15:26 Gr Paracletos, one called alongside to help; or Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor 

In my mind, the filioque clause is supported by John 15: 26.

Greek New Testament

Stephens 1550 Textus Receptus

otan de elqh o paraklhtoV on egw pemyw umin para tou patroV

(When but (But when) comes the helper (paracletos) whom I will send to you from the Father)

Bible Hub

Hort and Westcot

otan elqh o paraklhtoV on egw pemyw umin para tou patroV 

(When comes the helper (paracletos) whom I will send to you from the Father)

Bromiley further mentions that the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Christ (Son in Galatians) in Romans 8: 9 and Galatians 4: 6 which both support the same idea.

From ‘New Advent and The Catholic Encylopedia’ online edited by Kevin Knight, they call it double procession from the Father whereas typically Eastern/Orthodox churches will hold to views that the Holy Spirit proceeds only from the Father. They express the view that this was as well confirmed at the Third Council of Toledo in 589. Knight (2012). Council of Toledo 589 Spain Councils started at 400 At 589 the King and council supported the Filioque clause.

Personally, I hold to the Protestant position, not primarily because I am Reformed but because of the Biblical text. I do not think this places Orthodox Eastern Christians in the category of cultic (outside of the faith) on this point. But I do I think it is an error.

BOICE, JAMES, MONTGOMERY (1981) Foundations of the Christian Faith, Downers Grove, IVP Press.

BROMILEY, G.W. (1996) ‘Filioque’ in Walter A. Elwell (ed.) Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Books.

ERICKSON, MILLARD (1994) Christian Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.

HANSON, Rev./Dr. B.B.M.J. Mackenzie-Hanson (2005-2006), Arian/Arianism
http://www.arian-catholic.org/arian/arianism.html

KNIGHT, KEVIN (2012) 'Filioque', New York, New Advent.
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06073a.htm

MARSHALL, ALFRED (1975)(1996) The Interlinear KJV-NIV, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.

Puritanism, in brief, is not a denomination

Ernest Hepnar photo

Preface

Puritanism and the Puritans are subjects I have not significantly dealt with within any of my academic work, offline or online. But, Pastor Michael Phillips, that has presented many beneficial sermons online, that I have reviewed, discusses Puritanism and the Puritans often. He is significantly influenced by the movement, it seems.

God-willing, Puritanism, may or may not be a subject I will build research on academically, as I have done with several subjects within Biblical Studies, Theology, Philosophy of Religion, over the years, especially related to theses work, but certainly not just theses work. This approach can be viewed through searches in the archives. This Google/Blogger website format works excellently for building scholarship through various articles over time, gaining increased knowledge through research and writing and by not 'reinventing the wheel', but by editing, revising and building on previous articles.

Unlike most of Pastor Phillips' sermons, even while I searched the two websites that usually offer the text versions, I see none available for this particular sermon. However, the YouTube version is below. Therefore, I will not be directly quoting Pastor Phillips within this article, unlike my other sermon reviews from Pastor Phillips.

Puritanism

Collinson explains puritanism... 'Many distinct and mutually discordant movements reflecting the influence of their personal founders are embraced within historic Puritanism.' (484).

M.A. Noll writes the Puritanism is 'A loosely organized reform movement originating during the English Reformation of the sixteenth century. The name came from efforts to 'purify' the Church of England from who felt that the Reformation had not yet been completed.' (897).  The Puritans also attempted to purify the Church and society. (897).

Further from Noll:

'Convictions. Puritanism generally extended the thought of the English Reformation, with distinctive emphases on four convictions: (1) that personal salvation was entirely from God, (2) that the Bible provided the indispensable guide to life, (3) that the church should reflect the express teaching of Scripture, and (4) that society was one unified whole.' (898).

The Puritans made theological contributions to the 'Reformed idea of salvation'. (898).

In his evaluation, Noll explains that the Puritans, are theologically similar to other separate Christian groups such as the Franciscans, Protestant Reformers, Jesuits and Anabaptists, the early Methodists and Reformed Dutch of the late nineteenth century (900), who forsook the world system for the gospel and God.

These Puritans were stated as 'transfixed by the glories of redemption and who went far in redeeming the world around themselves.' (900). In agreement with these other groups, the Puritans sought first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. (900).

These explanations are in a basic agreement with the sermon as (paraphrased) Phillips teaches that Puritanism is not a denomination, such as Anglican, Presbyterian or Baptist, but is various theological movements that influence followers within various denominations.

It seems to me this would be similar to Evangelism, as a movement and not a denomination, which is within various movements within several denominations.

Those that are Puritans would have some basic similarities such as from Collinson: 'Puritan piety rested upon scripture and was in only a few instances mystical.' (484). Similarly, those within Evangelism have in common the preaching and teaching of the good news. Evangelical, Evangelicalism is derived from evangelion: gospel, good news, states Fackre (191).

This evangelical approach, as opposed to, for example, the church-state model of Christendom in the middle ages which emphasized obedience and allegiance to institutionalized, politicized, Christianity sanctioned by the state (s).

Bible Hub

Cited

Strong's Concordance euaggelion: good news 
Original Word: εὐαγγέλιον, ου, τό 
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: euaggelion Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on) Definition: good news 

As I am theologically Reformed, I agree with Puritanism in that salvation is from God within the Reformed umbrella of understanding.

This is something I particularly studied within my British theses degrees. Salvation being caused by God in regeneration (Titus 3, John) through the atoning and resurrection work of God the Son, Jesus Christ, applied to believers. Believers embrace and accept (philosophically, a secondary cause, of sorts, as opposed to God as the primary cause, as in belief by grace through faith only, to avoid force and coercion) the gospel and salvation, they do not cause belief and salvation to occur in the sense of creation and application. There is no human works righteousness, for salvation, including justification and sanctification, only acceptance of the gospel, through regeneration, outside of divine force and coercion. Rather divine transformation occurs which should lead to a life of Christian living (Ephesians 1-2, James, as examples).

The Scripture, within my Reformed model, is my final authority on religious and spiritual matters and my ultimate life guide. It is not, however, a scientific or medical textbook, for example.

I agree that the Christian Church should primarily be biblical.

Society is not unified. The Kingdom of God is as not yet culminated on the new earth and new heavens and it was presented by Jesus Christ in the gospel in an initial stage only. This realm can be influenced by the gospel through movements such as Puritanism, agreed. However, this realm for which the gospel was presented in, is fallen (Genesis 1-3, Romans) and will not be primarily transformed into the Kingdom of God by the works of any Church movement, but by the recapitulation work of the Lord, himself with his people being in attendance (Revelation 21-22, 2 Peter 3).



COLLINSON, P. (1999) 'Puritanism', in Alan Richardson and John Bowden (eds.), A New Dictionary of Christian Theology, Kent, SCM Press Limited.

NOLL, M.A. (1996) 'Puritanism', in Walter A. Elwell (ed.), Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Books.

FACKRE, GABRIEL (1999) 'Evangelical, Evangelism', in Alan Richardson and John Bowden (eds.), A New Dictionary of Christian Theology, Kent, SCM Press Limited.

Dogma!

Preface

On the weekend, I attended a fine choir performance featuring Mr. Charles Nelson Chuckles at an impressively built Vancouver church. Some adherents within this overall church tradition, not just the particular denomination, emphasize love and respect for others, for which I am in agreement. Some within this tradition also reject the idea of theological Dogma.

Dogma

Blackburn in his philosophy text has two definitions for dogma.

The first is in general, a belief held to with undefended certainty. (109).

The second is within the Christian Church via a belief communicated through divine revelation and explained by the Church. (109).

In an orthodox Christian, biblical theology and worldview, from the first definition, I reject the term 'undefended'. Biblical Christianity properly defended should not exercise excessive use of faith, in other words, it should not be fideistic. It should never favour faith at the expense of reason. The second definition for me is more agreeable.

Pocket Dictionary opines that within Protestant circles dogma is nearly synonymous with doctrine. (40). Both are connected to theological training. (40). In Roman Catholic and Orthodox circles, dogma is considered official doctrine and teaching of each Church. (40).

As there are various Protestant churches, there are various dogmas, from various theologians, whereas within the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches it is firmly set doctrines. (My own ideas concerning comments from page 40). The term dogmatics refers to summarizing and systemizing bible and theology. (40).

I can agree that dogma in a Protestant context often flows more from particular theologians, although still within a historical context; as opposed to Catholicism and Orthodoxy with more set historical, theological, institutionalized systems.

Interestingly, my 'The Orthodox Study Bible: New Testament and Psalms', contains no entry for Dogma. It calls Doctrine, the teaching of the Church. (797).

The British, A New Dictionary of Christian Theology documents, 'dogma' as being Greek for opinion. (162). Dogma was applied, historically, to various historical philosophical movements. (162). The author opines that the New Testament was not originally dogmatic, but that dogma was imposed through Church history and Church Councils, such as the Council of Nicea in 325 and Council of Chaldedron in 451, regarding the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ were done through interpretation. (162).

It is stated: This means that dogmas cannot and should not be treated as ultimate norms. (162).

In regards to primary New Testament doctrines, the New Testament contains certain teaching and theology that is considered primary, revealed, divine doctrine, and even, in a sense, dogma, such as for example, the trinity, the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ and his gospel work, human sin, the fall and corruption of humanity. The Church in Councils, historically, further documented these theologies in agreements, creeds and dogma. It could be stated that the New Testament doctrines became more systemized.

Secondary and tertiary doctrines, such as ones that lead to different churches and denominations can still be could considered dogmas, but here I can agree that many of these should not be considered as ultimate norms; for example, in regards to the musical style of Church worship music.

The Evangelical Dictionary of Theology writes that from the Greek refers to decree, ordinance, decision or command. (327). Early Christian theology as did Greek philosophy, used the term 'dogma' in the sense of 'propositions of faith.' (327). In the Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church had the view of depositum fidei (deposit of faith) (327), where the Church used dogma through papal and Church teaching. (327).

In Protestantism, papal and ecclesiastical dogma has been rejected. The dogmas, doctrines, theology of theologians and teachers should be tested via Scripture, (327) in particular via the New Testament.

The interpretations of dogma within the Protestant tradition do not come with papal and ecclesiastical infallibility. (327). But, I would add that within various forms of biblical Christianity, including Protestant, Reformed and Evangelical (where these are actually biblical), the original New Testament autographs are considered infallible. I hold to divinely inspired, theologically and factually infallible, original documents.

It seems to me within this very non-exhaustive researched article, that doctrine and dogma indeed are not quite synonymous. There are doctrines and there are dogmatic doctrines that can be considered dogma. For a church, often progressive and liberal, to claim that they have no dogma (separating themselves from supposedly offensive biblical Christian faith with dogma) and instead have various doctrines from different perspectives; they risk the danger of overlooking the premise that a theological prohibition against dogma may in itself be considered dogma.

It is reasonably certain that some (not all) within these traditions will hold this belief rejecting dogma...dogmatically.

I am firmly theologically
Reformed. However,
the document that came with my adoption
states that I am paternally
Roman Catholic and maternally
Greek Orthodox (Ethnically Ukrainian).
The text above features useful scholarship.

BLACKBURN, SIMON (1996) Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, Oxford, Oxford University Press. 

GRENZ, STANLEY J., DAVID GURETZKI and CHERITH FEE NORDLING (1999) Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms, Downers Grove, Ill., InterVarsity Press.

O' COLLINS, GERALD (1999) 'Dogma', in Alan Richardson and John Bowden (eds.), A New Dictionary of Christian Theology, Kent, SCM Press Limited.

MC KIM, D.K. (1996) ‘Arianism’ in Walter A. Elwell (ed.), Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Books.

The Orthodox Study Bible, New Testament and Psalms, (1993) Saint Athanasius Orthodox Academy, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.

Laughter

Facebook

BLACKBURN, SIMON (1996) Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

Laughter

I occasionally research through Blackburn's philosophy text for interesting entries: Laughter is an unexpected, academic, philosophy entry.

The entry begins with:

'We laugh at things that are laughable, but also laugh exultantly at a success, or bitterly at a failure, or at the unexpected or even typical.' (212).

A lack of incongruity, as in something not being in harmony, (212), reads true to me as an aspect of some laughter. The incongruent does not fit. It is not compatible, whereas the congruent is the opposite.

Blackburn, page 212.

Blackburn, page 212.

By Robert Provine, Ph.D. Special to msnbc.com: May 27, 1999

In basic agreement with the Blackburn entry:

Cited

Very little is known about the specific brain mechanisms responsible for laughter. But we do know that laughter is triggered by many sensations and thoughts and that it activates many parts of the body.

Cited

Contrary to folk wisdom, most laughter is not about humor; it is about relationships between people. To find out when and why people laugh, I and several undergraduate research assistants went to local malls and city sidewalks and recorded what happened just before people laughed. Over a 10-year period, we studied over 2,000 cases of naturally occurring laughter.

Cited

We found that most laughter does not follow jokes. People laugh after a variety of statements such as “Hey John, where ya been?” “Here comes Mary,” “How did you do on the test?” and “Do you have a rubber band?”. These certainly aren’t jokes. 

We don’t decide to laugh at these moments. Our brain makes the decision for us. These curious “ha ha ha’s” are bits of social glue that bond relationships.

Ask difference

Incongruity (noun) The state of being incongruous, or lacking congruence.

Incongruity (noun) An instance or point of disagreement "dissimilarity|discrepancy|inconsistency" 

Incongruity (noun) A thing that is incongruous.

Incongruency (noun) incongruence.

Wiktionary 

As my second Blogger website is Satire Und Theology, researching and writing it, I view incongruity and incongruency as a source of a significant amount of laughter, humour and satire. Theologically, the incongruent is often a sign of error in thought and action. There is often a lack of harmony and compatibility in reasoning and deeds and this provides fuel for satire. Granted this incongruity and incongruency is only an aspect of laughter and humour; a person might receive laughter from others for wearing the same type of shirt every day and that could be considered congruity and congruency.

Vancouver

God is not dead, and other gods never existed

Introduction

Rush drummer, Neil Peart's death this year is personally sad. I have been a Rush fan since 1989 and viewed Rush live, ten times.

Progarchy January 21, 2018 by Brad Birzer

Cited

Fun Fact: (Neil Peart, my add) The theological default called Pascal’s Wager is a pusillanimous theorem stating that it’s “safer” to believe in God than not, because you have nothing to lose if you’re right, and everything to lose if you’re wrong. All I can say to that is “Man up, Pascal!”[vi]

Cited

Not surprisingly, Nietzsche had written something quite similar about Pascal, calling him the most representative “worm” of Christianity, the worst of Catholicism in Beyond Good and Evil. Pascal possessed, the German philosopher decried, a wounded and monstrous “intellectual consciousness.”[vii] As will be seen later in this work, Nietzsche exerts a serious influence on Peart. As a child, Peart even spray-painted “God is Dead” on his bedroom wall.[viii]

Cited

[vi] Peart, Far and Away, 72.

[vii] Nietzsche, Beyond Good and Evil: Prelude to a Philosophy of the Future (New York: Vintage, 1989), 59. 

[viii] Interview with Neil Peart, Jim Ladd, Deep Tracks (February 3, 2015). Peart explains the story in great detail, including the reactions of his mother and father, in travelogue of West Africa: The Masked Rider (1996; Toronto, ONT: ECW Press, 2004), 102.
---

Secular philosopher and often quoted on this website, Simon Blackburn, explains Pascal's wager is the popular or vulgar view (278) that belief in God is the 'best bet' (278). The assumption is that it is clearly better to believe in God than to not to (279). Blackburn then states that belief means, eternal bliss and unbelief, eternal damnation (279).

A thought I had reading Peart's objection was which God? Who is the God that would be the best bet to believe in? Is revelation required with speculation or just speculation?

Also, Pascal's wager is not a theological default. For example, I was never taught this as default at any college, seminary, university or church I have attended. I have never read it as the theological default in any textbook or heard it as a theological default in any sermon. Sure, some will use it, but it is hardly a default in the theology world or Christian world.

Blackburn  writes that 'Pascal had not considered enough possibilities.' (279).

As Blackburn notes 'it proceeds without reference to the likelihood of truth.' (279).

If Pascal meant the biblical, New Testament, Christian God then his wager needs to work with theological, biblical evidence,  provided, as well as in my opinion, a demonstration that biblical, Christian, theology is true even with reasonable academic critiques from other academic disciplines, such as, as an important example, philosophy of religion.

In other words, reasonable, sound (all premises are true, therefore the conclusion is true), arguments that Christianity is internally (bible, manuscripts, and theology) and externally (philosophy of religion, archaeology, science, etcetera), reasonably consistent and certain.

I do not claim academic perfection, but below using biblical studies, theology and philosophy of religion, I provide evidence in a recent article below:

(Please check my archives for various evidence)

Saturday, May 11, 2019 Claim: The existence of God is not provable or disprovable

A good, British educated, Christian friend of mine once stated that he did not believe in Pascal wager's because it  (paraphrased) was too fear-based. A reasonable point. A reasoned Christian belief is based on the historical (religious history), well-documented, atoning and resurrection work of God the Son, Jesus Christ, applied to chosen believers via regeneration (John3, Titus 3) through grace through faith alone (Ephesians 1-2). The gospel, as it is true, does not violate other academic truths from other academic disciplines, as all truth comes from God. It will violate some academic theories that are not actually factual.

Pascal's wager does not provide reasonable certainty by itself; it requires evidence for Christian faith and philosophy with it.

The New Testament/Hebrew Bible God is not dead, and other gods never existed.

BLACKBURN, SIMON (1996) Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, Oxford, Oxford University Press.