PhD: Twitter quote 19

PhD: Twitter quote 19

Photo of Anglesey Church Wales, Pixabay-dpexcel 

PhD version

Wilhelm Grab (2005) explains that practical theology involves reflecting on the rules of Christian leadership and considers theories of Christianity in modern society and interacts with other theological disciplines. Grab (2005: 181-196).

GRAB, WILHELM (2005) ‘Practical Theology as Theology of Religion. Schleiermacher’s Understanding of Practical Theology as a Discipline’, in International Journal of Practical Theology, Volume 9, Number 2, December, Berlin, Walter D. Gruyter. 

2010 Theodicy and Practical Theology: PhD thesis, the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter

Twitter version

Wilhelm Grab explains that practical theology involves reflecting on the rules of Christian leadership and considers theories of Christianity in modern society and interacts with other theological disciplines. 

The Orthodox Study Bible: Belief

The Orthodox Study Bible: Belief

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

I continue from my Reformed Christian tradition to use this fine academic source for review... 

Glossary: Reverend John W. Morris, Ph.D.

Belief

'The acceptance of the truths of the gospel. More than mental assent, belief as used in the NT includes trusting in God from the heart.' (794). Further, the entry states that this belief results from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10: 17) and as well the gift of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2: 8). (794).

The text opines that a belief in Jesus Christ without a faith in action is quote 'hollow and void of the righteousness necessary in salvation.' (794).

New Testament Greek

Romans 10:17 New King James Version (The version used by the Orthodoxy text) 

17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 

Bible Hub: Romans 10: 17 Image one

Greek New Testament: Romans 10: 17 Image two

Hearing is the first instance ἀκοῆς is the sense of hearing and is noun, genitive, feminine, singular. In the second instance, ἀκοῇ is defined the same, but is noun, normative, feminine, singular. The genitive ἀκοῆς is possessive. As in one has heard. The nominative ἀκοῇ is the subject, as in those reading Romans, hearing the word of God. The faith comes by hearing, and what is heard is the word of God.

Regeneration

On this website, my Reformed perspective has biblically provided the theology of regeneration in salvation. This is God the Holy Spirit, regenerating the chosen that have heard the gospel and been enlightened, by God, to believe in and embrace the atoning and resurrection work of Jesus Christ for him/her.

Saturday, October 20, 2012: Regeneration: Reformed Views And Others (PhD Edit)

Edited

John Murray (1937-1966)(1977) explains that the Holy Spirit ‘summons men into union and fellowship with his Son so that, united to him in whom all spiritual blessings are treasured, they come to possess Christ and all that belongs to him in his capacity as Saviour and Redeemer.’ Murray (1937-1966)(1977: 167). Regeneration (Murray (1937-1966)(1977: 171) takes place which is a powerful change in the human being via the Holy Spirit (Murray (1937-1966)(1977: 171). This transforms one corrupt and in sin in opposition to God (Murray (1937-1966)(1977: 168-169). to one pleasing to God and trusting in God. 

Soren Kierkegaard states that ‘sin is man’s destruction.’ Kierkegaard (1847-1848)(1955)(1966: 108). Regeneration is a new ‘vital principle, a new habit, the law of God, and a divine nature’ are framed in a human heart. Murray (1937-1966)(1977: 172).

Herman Bavinck (1918)(2006) equates the term regeneration with rebirth. In John 3, Jesus does not literally speak of one being born a second time, but literally insists one be born from above. Bavinck (1918)(2006: 46). (See also Titus 3). Regeneration consists of a person being converted from a life of giving in to temptation to one living in relationship with God. Erickson (1994: 600). It is the communication of divine life to a soul. Thiessen (1956: 367). 

Although this does not make a person divine, but rather one guided by God. At the instance of regeneration the Holy Spirit begins a new inclination within the fallen human will (Shedd (1874-1890)(1980: 136 Volume 2). The human being is given a divine inclination, not of self, as it is contrary to the his or her fallen inclination, by the Holy Spirit. Shedd (1874-1890)(1980: 136 Volume 2). 

Packer views regeneration as the new birth and an inner re-creating of the fallen human nature through and by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Packer (1996: 924). I would not use the term re-create, but instead view regeneration as a process by which God begins to transform an individual to be Christ-like, as in ultimately being a sinless human being. This culminates in the resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15. Within Reformed theology, regeneration is viewed as an initial one time act of the Holy Spirit in a person (Murray (1937-1966)(1977: 172) (Erickson (1994: 249); and a person is therefore understood to be converted and therefore able to freely believe. (Murray (1937-1966)(1977: 172). 

My view is that it is indeed God’s choice alone to regenerate and therefore he alone is active in regeneration, (Murray (1937-1966)(1977: 172). I agree with Murray on this point. but simultaneously as a person is regenerated they believe in Christ. Therefore although I view God as the initiator of regeneration I reason that logically, in order to avoid any suggestion of force or coercion, as God regenerates the saved person, he or she simultaneously believes.

Compatibilism allows for limited but significant human freedom. I call this limited free will, not to be confused with incompatibilism and libertarian free will (see website archives). Kierkegaard suggests that Christianity is a religion of freedom and Christians are convinced to voluntarily give up all contrary to Christ. Kierkegaard (1847-1848)(1955)(1966: 186). The term convinced is a good one and I reason this is a work of the Holy Spirit. There is ‘no compulsion of the will in regeneration.’ states Shedd. Shedd (1874-1890)(1980: 136-137 Volume 2). 

Calvin reasons that a person is not forced or coerced to believe in the gospel. Calvin (1543)(1996: 68). I would view conversion as taking place simultaneously with regeneration in a person, although again I state that God alone via the Holy Spirit causes the regeneration process. Murray (1937-1966)(1977: 172).. 

Righteousness for salvation

The Orthodox understanding does differ from the Protestant view (348). I have reviewed this in articles, admittedly non-exhaustively. Edited from previous entries.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018: The Orthodox Study Bible: Ephesians 2: 8-10 

The Orthodox Study Bible (440) (Again paraphrased within the British academic system) Notes: Ephesians 2: 8-10 By the unity of grace, faith, and works persons are brought into the Kingdom of God. (440-442). These are not equal, for grace is uncreated and infinite. (442). Human faith is limited and can grow, (442). Good works flow out of a true, authentic, faith. Works do not earn a person this great treasure (442). 

I read this as stating that good works cannot earn a person justification and that good works cannot earn a person salvation. Salvation is a gift and those who receive it shall do good in Jesus Christ and the triune God. (442). Direct quote: 'We are not saved by good works, but for good works.' (442). 

Tuesday, December 18, 2018: The Orthodox Study Bible: Justification, very brief and non-exhaustive

By their own definition... Orthodoxy here (801 and image), denies works righteousness for salvation. But my theological reasoning, by adding the concept of cooperation (to cooperate) by His grace, it denies justification by grace through faith alone. (As in 348).

This theology, from my Reformed perspective also places too much reliance on libertarian free will, as I view regeneration as taking place from God and embraced by the chosen person. A significantly free response within moral responsibility in faith is not forced or coerced, but it is also not done in libertarian free will. Those whom God chooses, will freely believe (Ephesians 1-2, Romans 8-9), they will not reject salvation as God has regenerated and simultaneously converted the person (s) that believes by grace through faith. 

Wednesday, April 17, 2019: The Orthodox Study Bible: Holy 

Within a Reformed perspective and evangelical view (and biblical Protestantism) the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ in justification (Romans, Galatians) is applied immediately upon salvation: 2 Corinthians 5:21 New American Standard Bible 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 

In contrast, orthodoxy views justification as 'the act whereby God forgives the sins of the believer and begins to transform him or her into a righteous person.' (801). It is noted that justification cannot be earned by works of righteousness (801). This is a gift of God (801). 

This transformative aspect of atonement within my Reformed theology, at least, is viewed as sanctification in holiness. 

Romans 6:22 New King James Version as example:

22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit [a] to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.. Footnotes [a] Romans 6:22 unto sanctification 

The resurrection for those in Jesus Christ to eventually, physically culminate the applied atoning and sanctification work in believers (1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonians 4, Revelation 20-22).

BAVINCK, HERMAN (1918)(2006) Reformed Dogmatics Volume 2: God and Creation, John Bolt (gen.ed.), Translated by John Vriend, Baker Academic, Grand Rapids. 

BAVINCK, HERMAN (1918)(2006) Reformed Dogmatics Volume 3: Sin and Salvation in Christ, John Bolt (gen.ed.), Translated by John Vriend, Baker Academic, Grand Rapids.

CALVIN, JOHN (1539)(1998) The Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book II, Translated by Henry Beveridge, Grand Rapids, The Christian Classic Ethereal Library, Wheaton College. 

CALVIN, JOHN (1539)(1998) The Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book IV, Translated by Henry Beveridge, Grand Rapids, The Christian Classic Ethereal Library, Wheaton College. 

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

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

KIERKEGAARD, SOREN (1847-1848)(1955)(1966) On Authority and Revelation, Translated by Walter Lowrie, New York, Harper and Row, Publishers, Incorporated. 

KIERKEGAARD, SOREN (1848-1849)(1961) Christian Discourses & The Lilies of the Field and The Birds of the Air & Three Discourses at The Communion on Fridays, Translated by Walter Lowrie, New York, Oxford University Press. 

MURRAY, JOHN (1937-1966)(1977) Collected Writings of John Murray, Vol. 2: Select Lectures in Systematic Theology, Edinburgh, The Banner of Truth Trust.

PACKER, J.I. (1996) ‘Regeneration’ in Walter A. Elwell (ed.), Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Books. 

SHEDD, WILLIAM G.T. (1874-1890)(1980) Dogmatic Theology, Volume 1, Nashville, Thomas Nelson Publishers.

SHEDD, WILLIAM G.T. (1874-1890)(1980) Dogmatic Theology, Volume 2, Nashville, Thomas Nelson Publishers. 

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

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

PhD: Twitter quote 18

PhD: Twitter quote 18

PhD version

Marcel Sarot (1997) comments that many feminist theologians see theodicy as dominated by white males, and these feminists reject notions of God’s omniscience, omnipotence, and perfect goodness. Sarot (1997: 29). 

GEBARA, IVONE (2002) Out of the Depths, Translated by Ann Patrick Ware, Minneapolis, Fortress Press.

SAROT, MARCEL (1997) ‘Evil, Tragedy and Feminist Theology: New Impulses for Theodicy’, in Theology Digest, Volume 44, Number 1, Spring, pp. 29-33. St. Louis, Missouri, Theology Digest.

2010 Theodicy and Practical Theology: PhD thesis, the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter

Friday, October 01, 2010: Feminism Theodicy? (PhD edit) 

Monday, April 03, 2017: Feminism & The Problem of Evil, Revisited

Twitter version

Marcel Sarot comments that many feminist theologians see theodicy as dominated by white males, and  reject notions of God’s omniscience, omnipotence, and perfect goodness.

Pixabay photo of Conway, Castle, Wales

PhD: Twitter quote 17

PhD: Twitter quote 17

Photo: Mountains, Wales, Pixabay

PhD version

The Eighteenth century was when Leibniz’ book Theodicy was published as was previously noted, and this era of history was when much of the modern debate concerning the problem of evil and theodicy began.

LEIBNIZ, G.W. (1710)(1998) Theodicy, Translated by E.M. Huggard Chicago, Open Court Classics.

Thursday, May 23, 2013: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (PhD Edit)

2010 Theodicy and Practical Theology: PhD thesis, the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter

Twitter version 

The Eighteenth century was when Leibniz’ book Theodicy was published and this era of history was when much of the modern debate concerning the problem of evil and theodicy began.

PhD: Twitter quote 16

PhD: Twitter quote 16

Photo: Cardiff, Wales, Pixabay

PhD version

Theistic and Christian theodicy are therefore largely a response to initial Seventeenth, and primarily Eighteenth century and forward, secular criticisms of the theology and philosophy of God within religion and Christianity. Hille (2004: 22). 

HILLE, ROLF (2004) ‘A Biblical-Theological Response to the Problem of Theodicy in the Context of the Modern Criticism of Religion’, in Evangelical Review of Theology, Volume 28, Number 1, pp. 21-37. Carlisle, UK, Evangelical Review of Theology.

2010 Theodicy and Practical Theology: PhD thesis, the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter 

Twitter version 

Theistic and Christian theodicy are therefore largely a response to initial Seventeenth, and primarily Eighteenth century and forward, secular criticisms of the theology and philosophy of God within religion and Christianity.

Zoom: The BC election did not go the way most of us wanted, so I ended up talking theology for a change

Zoom: The BC election did not go the way most of us wanted, so I ended up talking theology for a change

October 25, 2020: 

From what I could tell with our Zoom group members that live in British Columbia, only Miss CIA voted for the victorious New Democratic Party. So, that killed much of the political talk, although we did discuss the last US Presidential debate somewhat and then I gave Michael a short lecture on compatibilism (see website archives if interested), but he has Reformed leanings anyway.

Notice, in the first photo which I took, how the three of us on the right appear to be from the 1920's or like. Appropriate for my theology lecture?

Earlier one of us gave a nice little talk on 'phantom dating'. Not to be confused with Master Arne's dating tips with those overseas, online, potential brides.

For some reason, phantom dating and Master Arne's dating tips yield pretty much the same results...

Second photo is from Mr. Arne Novik

The next Zoom meeting is the Friday, not Saturday

Russ Murray is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Russ Murray's Personal Meeting Room Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/6209164709?pwd=S1FsWWVMSHFTTVh3OWlRalgxT2g1Zz09 Meeting ID: 620 916 4709 Passcode: 0jTaJp

PhD: Twitter quote 15

PhD: Twitter quote 15

Photo by my friend Ernest Hepnar

2010 Theodicy and Practical Theology: PhD thesis, the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter 

PhD version

However, I can agree with Durston that even if there is no such thing as gratuitous evil, which is my position, large amounts of evil that appear gratuitous will exist. Durston (2000: 79). This would be evil that I would consider unexplainable, humanly speaking, but would not be gratuitous from God’s perspective. 

DURSTON, KIRK (2000) ‘The Consequential Complexity of History and Gratuitous Evil’, in Religious Studies, Volume 36, pp. 65-80. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.

Twitter version

Gratuitous evil would be unexplainable, humanly speaking, but would not be gratuitous from God’s perspective. 

Twitter version II 

Within my Reformed theology and connected theistic, philosophy of religion, gratuitous evil would be unexplainable, humanly speaking, but would not be gratuitous from God’s perspective.

PhD: Twitter quote 14

PhD: Twitter quote 14

Photo from Wales, on Pixabay

Twitter quote

God could have made significantly free human beings, or human like beings who would have been perfectly morally good & would not commit wrong actions. To not create such beings is not a sign of a lack of power, or moral failure. 

PhD quote

I reason that God could have, if he wished, made significantly free human beings, or human like beings who would have been perfectly morally good and would not commit wrong actions. God’s choice not to create such beings, in my mind is not a sign of a lack of power, or moral failure, but rather the use of his own perfect and significantly free will for good purposes. 

Archive search for compatibilism 

Archive search for soft determinism

2010 Theodicy and Practical Theology: PhD thesis, the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter

Thursday Bullets: A need for deeper reason

Thursday Bullets: A need for deeper reason

Photo from Sandy, Utah May 2018

• Theologically, a biblical Christian's highest authority is God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit revealing self through the Hebrew Bible and in particular, the New Testament. (Matthew 28 as example, but in reality there is the entire New Testament text).

• To be understood reasonably well, this authority and any biblical worldview attached needs to be accepted in scriptural context with reasonably, rational, correct theology. 

• I am not completely opposed to political correctness (PC) where it matches a reasonable, highly rational, biblical worldview. However, where political correctness differs from a biblical worldview, as described, the Christian is morally and ethically obligated to follow God through scriptural revelation.

• Rulers and government should be obeyed. Law and order should be maintained (Examples: Romans 13, 1 Peter 2 as secular authorities as well).

• Titus 3: 1 English Standard Version (ESV):  3 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work...

• Romans 12: 18 English Standard Version (ESV): If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

• Biblical Christians are to love God firstly and foremost, but secondly also one's neighbour (Matthew 23, Mark 12, Luke 10).

• Biblical Christians are to one another in the Church (John 13, 15, 1 John as examples).

• In a democracy, religious and philosophical organizations in regards to membership should have the reasonable right to discriminate based on worldview. For examples: I am not a Latter-day Saint/Mormon in worldview and should not be offered membership within that Church. I am not Islamic, in worldview and should not be offered membership within any mosque.

• In the same way, within a democracy, a biblical Christian church and/or organization should have the right to limit membership to those that follow a biblical Christian worldview, which includes morality and ethics.

• Those with differing, less traditionally orthodox, for example progressive views, have the right within a democracy to have their own type of church.

• Within a biblical church, I for example, will still face reasonable discrimination within as a member. I am not offered work as an overseer or elder (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1). But in my case not by moral and ethical grounds, rather my ontological attributes favour academic, theological and philosophical work and less church work that is service orientated.

• I am also not invited onto a cooking or baking team...

• Discriminating against me for overseer or elder position, does not necessarily mean a church is against me, 'anti' me, or hates me.

• Discriminating against (Discrimination against) me by an organization with a different worldview which prohibits me from membership does not necessarily mean a group is against me, 'anti' me or hates me.

• Philosophically in practical terms, often when critics of biblical Christian positions state a church or biblical Christian organization is 'anti' this or hates this, in many cases it is not true. Yes there are some radical groups of all sorts likely to be violently 'anti' something and to contain hatred, including those claiming Christianity. 

• This dismissive terminology is often used to eliminate any debate on the issue or issues by portraying the opposition as unreasonable by societal standards and so ridiculous the positions held to are not even worthy of debate.

• In many cases, not all, the critic has dismissed religious studies and philosophy of religion as relevant academic disciplines and would be unable to reasonably defend the critiques against an educated opponent.

PhD: Twitter quote 13

PhD: Twitter quote 13

Photo is from Wales on Pixabay 

2010 Theodicy and Practical Theology: PhD thesis, the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter

Twitter version

Welty rejects Plantinga’s idea that God cannot create a world containing moral good and no moral evil. Welty raises the objection that God brought Christ into the world as a sinless human being. 

PhD version

Welty rejects Plantinga’s idea that God cannot create a world containing moral good and no moral evil,1 and raises the objection that God brought Christ into the world as a sinless human being. 2

1 Plantinga (1977)(2002: 30). Welty (1999: 1). 

2 Welty (1999: 1).  

(Page 7)

PLANTINGA, ALVIN C. (1977)(2002) God, Freedom, and Evil, Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

PLANTINGA, ALVIN C. (1982) The Nature of Necessity, Oxford, Clarendon Press. 

PLANTINGA, ALVIN C. (2000) Warranted Christian Belief, Oxford, Oxford University Press. 

WELTY, GREG (1999) ‘The Problem of Evil’, in Greg Welty PhD, Fort Worth, Texas. Philosophy Department, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. http://www.ccir.ed.ac.uk/~jad/welty/probevil.htm

PhD Twitter quote 12

PhD: Twitter quote 12

Photo from the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) 2018

2010 Theodicy and Practical Theology: PhD thesis, the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter 

Twitter version 

Feinberg (1994), opines, those that have suffered must often wonder why there is so much pain if a loving God exists that has the power to remedy evil.

PhD version

For Reformed theologian John S. Feinberg (1994), perhaps anyone that has suffered affliction or has friends or family that have suffered, must wonder why there is so much pain if a loving God exists that has the power to remedy evil.

FEINBERG, JOHN.S. (1986) Predestination and Free Will, in David Basinger and Randall Basinger (eds.), Downers Grove, Illinois, InterVarsity Press.

FEINBERG, JOHN.S. (1994) The Many Faces of Evil, Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House. 

FEINBERG, JOHN.S. (2001) No One Like Him, John S. Feinberg (gen.ed.), Wheaton, Illinois, Crossway Books.

My Zoom meetings are rated 'G' compared to this...

New Yorker writer Jeffrey Toobin suspended after allegedly masturbating on work Zoom call: Report National Post Staff Publishing date-Oct 19, 2020 

Quote: 

The call was an election simulation...

The Orthodox Study Bible: Eschatology

The Orthodox Study Bible: Eschatology

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

Preface

I continue from my Reformed Christian tradition to use this fine academic source for review...

(This October 19, 2020 article has been reworked for an entry on academia.edu, June 24, 2023)

Eschatology

Glossary: Reverend John W. Morris, Ph.D.

'The study of the last days'. (797). Greek: eschaton (797).

Cited: 

Bible Hub

ἔσχατον (root word)

The Orthodoxy text explains that according to the Scriptures (New Testament, in particular, my add), Jesus Christ will return with the Second Coming/Advent. (797). Christ will at the end of time (this realm, my add)  judge the living and the dead, destroy the power of evil and fully reveal the everlasting Kingdom. (797).

The text notes Matthew 25 and Revelation 20-21 for examples of New Testament eschatology. (797).

Eschatology is derived from the Greek word eschaton, meaning last, it refers to the ultimate culmination of history where Jesus Christ returns to earth and fully establishes his rule and Kingdom. Grenz, Guretzki, and Nordling (1999: 46). Eschatology is the theology that seeks to fully understand the direction and purpose of history and progressing events. Grenz, Guretzki, and Nordling (1999: 46).  

Henry C. Thiessen writes that eschatology includes the concepts of the second coming of Christ, the resurrection, judgments, the millennium, and the final state. Thiessen (1956: 440). 

The Orthodoxy bible defines the Second Coming, where it is explained that at the end of the ages, Jesus Christ will return and judge the living and the dead. (807). Following the judgement a new heaven and new earth will 'take the place of the old earth' (807). 

But how literal is the concept of new heaven and new earth?

---

εὑρεθήσεται V κατακαήσεται

Reworked from my previous website work...

Referencing 

A Study of 2 Peter 3:10-13 -- By: R. Larry Overstreet 

Direct quotations in italics

It appears the present online version has been edited from the one I referenced in 2020.

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

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 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.” (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

End citations

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

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.

However, David F. Payne in his 2 Peter commentary opines that everything on the earth will be 'laid bare'. He reasons that (κατακαήσεται) is quite possibly more correct within the original text and that the interpretation of the Greek word as 'laid bare' is more accurate than stating everything will be 'burned up'. (1569). This interpretation could lead to the theology of eschatological restoration as opposed to eschatological recreation, and would be in theological agreement with the use of the term εὑρεθήσεται from older manuscripts at 2 Peter 3: 10. Image: Payne page 1569.

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

COURSON, JON (2005) Application Commentary, Thomas Nelson, Nashville.

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

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

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

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.

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. 

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

WENHAM, J.W. (1991) The Elements of New Testament Greek, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.  

Zoom: October 17, 2020/Sesame Street & one of these things is not like the other things

Photo one: Happy Birthday, Miss CIA...

Photo two: Arne Novik photo. Arne rehashed his Norwegian, military and electronics careers. Quite an intelligent man besides being a comic genius; alas a comic genius with few filters.

We had a good time of prayer and had an opportunity to ask for insights from others in regards to life issues, if one wished to share.

Photo three: Earlier in the evening at the Estate of Cousin Buff.

The non-star of the show asks a question after the two hour mark

The non-star of the show asks a question after the two hour mark

Last evening

You may need to watch this on You Tube.

JCZ: Russ’ question is around 2:02:34.

Dr. and Pastor Kyle is obviously a fine scholar and is a friend of mine from Northview Community Church. He asked me before the recording started to quote 'Not make him look bad'. So, based on the night's events, I asked him a fair question which I thought he would be able to answer and also simultaneously would make us both look educated. He did well, and told me after it was his most difficult question.

I am not an expert on eschatology, but it does overlap with my expertise (by God's grace) with theodicy, free will, determinism and the nature of God.

The photo is the new 'Kingpin' chair. I found out I am better off with metal legs. This leather chair squeaks in a similar way to Arne's old black leather jacket in secondary school, every time he moved. 

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A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, Translated by Eric H. Wahlstrom, Chicago, The University of Chicago Press.

BAUER, W. (1979) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, Translated by Eric H. Wahlstrom, Chicago, The University of Chicago Press. 

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

BRUCE, F.F. (1986) ‘Revelation’, in F.F. Bruce (gen.ed.), The International Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Marshall Pickering/ Zondervan.

COUSINS, PETER E (1986) 'First and Second Thessalonians' in F.F. Bruce (ed.), The International Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.

HUBBARD, DAVID A.(1996) ‘Antichrist’, in Walter A. Elwell (ed.), Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Books. 

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.

STRONG, J. (1986) Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Pickering, Ontario, Welch Publishing Company.

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

PhD: Twitter quote 11

PhD: Twitter quote 11

Photo is aerial view of Lampeter, Wales

2010 Theodicy and Practical Theology: PhD thesis, the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter 

Kirk Durston (2000) explains gratuitous evil is commonly understood as evil that God could have prevented without forfeiting a greater good, or permitting a worse evil. Durston (2000: 67). 

DURSTON, KIRK (2000) ‘The Consequential Complexity of History and Gratuitous Evil’, in Religious Studies, Volume 36, pp. 65-80. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.

Archived related article

Wednesday, November 12, 2008: Gratuitous evil revisited

PhD: Twitter quote 10

PhD: Twitter quote 10

Photo is of campuses of the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David from the UWTSD

2010 Theodicy and Practical Theology: PhD thesis, the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter 

R.K. McGregor Wright states that God cannot violate his own attributes and could not, for example, make a stone too heavy for the almighty to lift. Wright (1996: 278).

WRIGHT, R.K.McGREGOR (1996) No Place for Sovereignty, Downers Grove, Illinois, InterVarsity Press.

PhD: Twitter quote 9

PhD: Twitter quote 9

Photo: Lampeter, Wales: West Wales Holiday Cottages

Twitter version

Rebard (1996) states that the logical problem of evil exists as God is omnibenevolent and omnipotent. If God cannot end evil, he is not omnipotent, and if he can prevent evil and does not, he is not omnibenevolent or all loving.

Edited PhD version quote

Philosopher Theodore P. Rebard (1996) states that the logical problem of evil exists since God is omnibenevolent and omnipotent, Rebard (1996: 1). He writes critics can view the logical problem as meaning that if God cannot end evil, he is not omnipotent, and if he can prevent evil and does not, he is not omnibenevolent or all loving. Rebard (1996: 1). 

Greek philosopher Epicurus was known to have made a similar statement. Epicurus (341-270 B.C.)(1949: 80). Rebard concludes that God either does not exist or is misunderstood. Rebard (1996: 1).

EPICURUS (341-270 B.C.)(1949) in Overcoming Evil from the German translation, Von der Ueberwindung der Furcht, Zurich, Von der Ueberwindung der Furcht. 

REBARD, THEODORE P. (1996) ‘The Problem of Evil Revisited’, in Catholic.net, North Haven, Connecticut, Christian Philosophy, Catholic. net. http://www.catholic.net/RCC/Periodicals/Faith/1112-96/philos1.html

And forgive us our debt?

 

And forgive us our debt?

Thank you for this video to Mr. Arne Kaare Novik.

Personally, having overcome, by God's guidance and human financial assistance, student loans; I very much live a life of limited debt. 

I sought some reasonable Proverbs on the subject of debt, somewhat connected to the video. I found one verse that may suffice.

King James Version (KJV)

Proverbs 22:7

7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

To quote one commentary based on this verse:

'If you're constantly borrowing, you'll always be in a subevent position and therefore prone to bitterness.' (Courson: 248).

And another states that it is the job of good government to make sure that rule does not lead to oppression, nor cruel slavery. (Martin: 680).

COURSON, JON (2005) Application Commentary, Thomas Nelson, Nashville.

MARTIN, CHARLES G (1986) 'Proverbs' in The International Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.

 

Photo: Courtesy J.C. Zombie: Las Vegas

Zoom: The World of Domes-Norway, Florida, Alberta and British Columbia

Zoom: The World of Domes-Norway, Florida, Alberta and British Columbia

Arne Novik photo

Another very good Zoom meeting represented by fine folks from Norway, Florida, Alberta and British Columbia. 

A commenter noted that Arne may want to make an amendment to his master class, dating tactics and NOT inform potential overseas brides, that once his still 'alive and kickin' Mother dies, he will be available to share his multi-million dollar, Norwegian estate.

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Most Saturday evenings 21: 30 PDT which is Vancouver time 

Russ Murray is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Russ Murray's Personal Meeting Room Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/6209164709?pwd=S1FsWWVMSHFTTVh3OWlRalgxT2g1Zz09 Meeting ID: 620 916 4709 Passcode: 0jTaJp

CNN: Microsoft released its rebooted Flight Simulator program in August 2020

Friday Bullets: Thanksgiving Weekend

Friday Bullets: Thanksgiving Weekend

• I viewed this quote on LinkedIn and commented 'Good philosophy'. 

• Good philosophy in a human to human context which is the context of LinkedIn.

• Theologically and within my theistic, philosophy of religion, as the infinite, God causes all things, humanity actually at best is only semi-anonymous as secondarily agents and secondary causes to events primarily caused by God. 

• Self-governance, as in the ability to only follow one' s own human rule, not fully the case as God simultaneously wills all human desire, will, thought and action.

• Some things likely occur where there is no secondary cause, and in those cases there is no moral accountability for secondary agents. 

• If that were even possible as the secondary causes were significantly rational entities. For example, if a tree causes something as a secondary cause there is no moral accountability. 

• A person with significant mental limitations, permanent or temporary, may also be beyond moral accountability. Or perhaps, may have limited accountability.

• Ultimate judgement of human beings is up to God, post-mortem (Hebrew 9: 27, 2 Corinthians 5: 10 for those in Jesus Christ, Revelation 20-22). 

• God causes all things whether in a perfect will context or permissible will context.

PhD Full Version PDF 

MPhil Link

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• I am still chipping away at my condominium renovations, with flooring and some furniture and appliances being completed when my now late Mother, was initially institutionalized. 

• My new bed arrived today, which is a Bloom Air Mattress. Awesome upgrade. Especially for someone still improving from sleep apnea and scaling down in size for several years.

• 'Chucknesszombie' will be visiting tomorrow (October 10) night for my parental thanksgiving dinner. But Zoom is still on @ 21: 30 PDT.

• I wonder if any nice person will ever 'crash' the event? New people are welcome, just not people that 'hate my guts', therefore the invite.

Russ Murray is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. 

Topic: Russ Murray's Personal Meeting Room 

Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/6209164709?pwd=S1FsWWVMSHFTTVh3OWlRalgxT2g1Zz09 

Meeting ID: 620 916 4709 Passcode: 0jTaJp 

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CALVIN, JOHN (1539)(1998) The Institutes of the Christian Religion, Translated by Henry Beveridge, Grand Rapids, The Christian Classic Ethereal Library, Wheaton College. 

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

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

FEINBERG. JOHN S. (1986) Predestination and Free Will, David Basinger and Randall Basinger (eds.), Downers Grove, Illinois, InterVarsity Press. 

FEINBERG, JOHN S. (1994) The Many Faces of Evil, Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House.

PLANTINGA, ALVIN C. (1977)(2002) God, Freedom, and Evil, Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. 

PLANTINGA, ALVIN C. (1982) The Nature of Necessity, Oxford, Clarendon Press.

PhD: Twitter quote 8

PhD: Twitter quote 8 

Photo: University of Wales, Trinity Saints David, Carmarthen (campus)

I was at the Lampeter campus.

Philosopher of Religion, John Hick (1970) writes that the fact of evil is the most serious objection against the Christian belief in a God of love, and is probably the most difficult objection to write about. Hick (1970: xi). It can be disastrous to say too little or too much. Hick (1970: xi). 

Twitter version 

John Hick writes that the fact of evil is the most serious objection against the Christian belief in a God of love, and is probably the most difficult objection to write about. It can be disastrous to say too little or too much.

HICK, JOHN (1970) Evil and The God of Love, London, The Fontana Library. 

HICK, JOHN (1978) ‘Present and Future Life’, Harvard Theological Review, Volume 71, Number 1-2, January-April, Harvard University.

HICK, JOHN (1981) Encountering Evil, Stephen T. Davis (ed.), Atlanta, John Knox Press.

HICK, JOHN (1993) ‘Afterword’ in GEIVETT, R. DOUGLAS (1993) Evil and the Evidence for God, Philadelphia, Temple University Press. 

HICK, JOHN (1993) The Metaphor of God Incarnate, Louisville, Kentucky, John Know Press.

HICK, JOHN (1994) Death and Eternal Life, Louisville, Kentucky, John Knox Press. 

HICK, JOHN (1999) ‘Life after Death’, in Alan Richardson and John Bowden (eds.), A New Dictionary of Christian Theology, Kent, SCM Press. 

PhD Full Version PDF 

2010 Theodicy and Practical Theology: PhD thesis, the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter

PhD: Twitter quote 7

PhD: Twitter quote 7

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646-1716) in Theodicy (1710)(1998: 61) reasons God always chooses what is best, freely within his nature and is vindicated within his creation, even though it contains evil.

2010 Theodicy and Practical Theology: PhD thesis, the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter

The Orthodox Study Bible: Briefly on Acts 1 & the Ascension

The Orthodox Study Bible: Briefly on Acts 1 & the Ascension

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

Acts 1: The post-resurrection ascension of Jesus Christ

The New King James Version (NKJV) which this Orthodox Study Bible uses:

9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

Within the Orthodox Study Bible, notes, the text explains that Peter and the disciples were witnesses to the ascension of Jesus Christ. (272). 'Christ's Ascension is His enthronement in the fullness of divine authority and glory.' (272). Importantly, the text explains that  believers are not to stand idly by, gazing up into heaven (v.11). (272).

John Calvin from his Acts commentary writes that 'The ascension is one of the chief tenets of our faith...' (18). Now importantly for my practical theology and philosophy, quote: 'If he had vanished secretly, the disciples might have been in doubt to what happened. (18). Calvin explains that there was no doubt that Jesus Christ had gone. (18). God-incarnate, the God-man as resurrected, disappeared into the heavenly realm and the men in white verified this in verse 11.

Practical theology & philosophy

Over the years, I have heard/read the concept that the resurrected Jesus Christ was departing by the clouds and this might mean that based on the New Testament rendering, and modern scientific understanding; Jesus Christ had to travel into the atmosphere, through space and then perhaps to the ends of the universe to reach heaven.

But in verse 11, the two men, that are reasonably perhaps, angelic beings in human form, appeared at the time of the ascension. To me this implies, theologically and philosophically that the men in white did not make a long trek in the physical universe to suddenly appear. In the same way, Jesus Christ did not make a long trek in the physical universe to get back to heaven.

Pastor Courson writes that some have suggested that the two men in white were Moses and Elijah which would correspond to their appearance at the transfiguration. (611). (Mathew 17, Mark 9, Luke 9, my add).

Rather in the case of the ascension, the resurrected Jesus Christ went from the physical universe to the non-physical heavenly realm, while the men in white, appeared from the non-physical heavenly realm to the physical realm of the biblical world. In agreement with John Calvin, the viewed ascension served as evidence that Jesus Christ had returned to heaven in a far more obvious way to the disciples than by simply disappearing.

CALVIN, JOHN (1552)(1995) Acts, Translated by Watermark, Nottingham, Crossway Books.

COURSON, JON (2005) Application Commentary, Thomas Nelson, Nashville

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

Zoom: October 3 2020: Arne does more before 9 am...

Zoom meeting: October 3 2020: Arne does more before 9 am...

Photo courtesy Mr. Arne K. Novik of Norway. 

Quote:

Twitter U.S. Army @USArmy · Nov 14, 2013 "In the Army, we do more before 9AM than most people do all day." 

Oh yea!! It was past 6 am in Norway and Arne, the Deputy Dawg was already up for our Zoom meeting.

Subjects

With three separate meetings we had people from British Columbia, Alberta, Florida and Norway. The last meeting being with just two of us way late as someone did a number on his/her vehicle and was late. No, it was not Arne...

In the first two meetings, we, through mutual effort, limited political talk this time. I do not choose topics, but a couple of people requested less political talk, while at the same time a couple of people did not want to risk offending others through political talk.

Of course, I could also offend people through my religion and philosophy talk, so we could be in trouble, regardless.

Plus with Arne's often brilliant jokes (The Norwegian Benny Hill), he is the loose cannon on ship. In fact, the canon has most certainly gone overboard a few times.

Personally, I would like to have more European football talk...

However, we attempt to love neighbour as self  (Mathew 22, Mark 12, Luke 10), and in the case of this group, the Lord, first and foremost.

I try to pray for everyone at least once, and if it did not happen, I pray for a person after.

We discussed travel and life plans.

Russ Murray is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

21:30 PDT Vancouver time, most Saturday evenings

Topic: Russ Murray's Personal Meeting Room Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/6209164709?pwd=S1FsWWVMSHFTTVh3OWlRalgxT2g1Zz09 Meeting ID: 620 916 4709 Passcode: 0jTaJp

But I have sources not heroes

Photo One: CNN and Microsoft Flight Simulator

Photo Two: Facebook

But I have sources not heroes

Opinion

Obviously, such a story does not look good for one facing claims of sexual misconduct.

A reason I state things such as I have sources not heroes is because the universal sinful nature of humanity (Romans 1-3, Romans 6, 1 Corinthians 6 as examples) means everyone and every ministry is tainted.

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 not eternal, as it is with a beginning and no ending, God alone is eternal) 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. This as persons in the atoning work of Jesus Christ are already legally justified in the righteous of Jesus Christ (Romans and Galatians) and in the process of sanctification/holiness in the present realm.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 English Standard Version/ESV

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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).  

The concept of 'heroes' to me seems often particularly American, but it is used by the Canadian media as well. I suppose if a Christian would have a hero is should be Jesus Christ as in being Christ-like.

Romans 12:2 English Standard Version/ESV

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

But, I prefer instead to see Christ as God the Son, my Lord. Our Lord, for those that believe (Acts 2: 21, Romans 10: 13).

Superheroes are fine, I suppose, they are fictional, but having heroes in ministry is often placing too much value in the life and teachings of one person and/or organization. Instead, I have a healthy skepticism in regards to everyone's life and ministry, including my own, and consider entities as potential sources of information and/or truth.

Practically

Far too many, within the Christian Church, in my humble opinion, place well-known and/or famous Christian teachers on a pedestal. 

CALVIN, JOHN (1509-1564), The Institutes of the Christian Religion (1536), Beveridge, Henry (Translator), R Public Domain.

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

DANIEL SILLIMAN: SEPTEMBER 29, 2020 09:15 AM-Christianity Today

PhD: Twitter quote 6

PhD: Twitter quote 6

Photo 1: Lampeter, Wales, The Guardian 

Photo 2: The University of Wales, Trinity Saint David  

Ernest Valea (2007), a scholar on comparative religions, admits that although God is considered good within Biblical Christianity, it can be clearly seen in the world that evil exists in an awful measure. 

VALEA, ERNEST (2007) ‘Evil in Christianity’, in Many paths to one goal? Timosoara, Romania, Comparative Religion.com.

Comparative Religion.com

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2010 Theodicy and Practical Theology: PhD thesis, the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter