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| Conway Castle, Wales 2001 |
MPhil
2003 The Problem of Evil: Anglican and Baptist Perspectives: MPhil thesis, Bangor University
Statement thirty-nine: This statement stated: Christians are less affected by the problem of evil than non-Christians.
I think this is a tricky statement. I believe, in many ways, Christians are as affected by evil as non-Christian, for example by natural evils. However, on the other hand, a moral life of trusting in God does keep one away from certain evils. Proverbs 9 states that years will be added to a person’s life if they are wise and follow God. This is a general principle and, of course, some wise Christians die young, but I believe that a moral life tends to keep one away from immoral people and lifestyle choices which lead to all kinds of evil. With Anglicans 2% agreed with the statement, with 6% not certain, and 92% disagreed. With the Baptist denomination, 14% agreed, with 8% being not certain, and 78% being in disagreement.
Statement forty: The last statement stated: Eventually the Kingdom of God will be completely free from any evil.
I would contend that Revelation 21-22 describes a Kingdom of God free from evil. I believe that the work of Christ beginning with his death and resurrection will culminate with this Kingdom. With Anglicans, 78% agreed, 14% were not certain, and 8% disagreed. With the Baptists, 94% agreed, with 6% being not certain.
From
2010 Theodicy and Practical Theology: PhD thesis, the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter
I deduce that since Revelation 21:4 describes a new creation free from death and suffering, that whatever the figurative nature of this portion of Revelation (20-22), a finalized state free from human rebellion is going to be established.
January 9 2020
Concerning Revelation 21: 4, where it states that there shall be no more death, and no suffering:
Revelation 21:3-4 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will [a]dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them[b], 4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” Footnotes: Revelation 21:3 Or tabernacle Revelation 21:3 One early ms reads, and be their God
Pastor Courson states in his often cited (and very helpful) commentary used on this website, in regard to the non-believers, (paraphrased) that they will not come to mind (Isaiah 65: 17) in the Kingdom of God. Courson (1789). Isaiah 65: 17 from the New American Standard Bible: "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind.
Courson reasons this means 'we will not have memory of those who aren't there.' Courson (1789).
I do not agree. (Non-exhaustive)
1) The language from Isaiah and Revelation in regards to new heavens (Isaiah), new heaven (Revelation) and new earth is using degrees of literalness. Indeed, there will be a new creation, but not necessarily described in plain literal language. Apocalyptic literature is well-known for the considerable use of less than plan literal language. Quote: 'Interpreters understand these figures with varying degrees of literalness.' Mounce (369).
2) My academic background with four academic degrees and website work informs me to hold to compatibilism. God's sovereignty is compatible with limited human free will, as opposed to incompatibilist, libertarian free will, where there is significantly limited or no compatibility. As with compatibilism there are various forms of incompatibilism.
Resurrected (Revelation 21-22, 1 Corinthians 15), regenerated (John 3 Titus 3) humanity in Jesus Christ will have greater spiritual knowledge and maturity than did fallen humanity.
As opposed to the 'brain wipe', I theologically propose that each believer will have a significant, mature understanding of the location and existence of the unregenerate and accept both God's nature and will and the nature and will of the unregenerate in the matter. In my compatibilistic approach those outside of the Kingdom are without force or coercion, post-mortem, permitted to exist within their sinful human nature and choices and continue to reject God's gospel.
Those in Jesus Christ can remember the previous fallen realm and people within it, but shall not dwell on it.
For me a 'brain wipe' theology works against my Reformed theology and the sanctification work God does in the believer which does assist the Christian to see evil and problems of evil from God's holy perspective. Far superior to the understanding of evil that came to Adam and Eve (and humanity) through the fall. Human goodness in this present realm is tainted and as it is not perfect goodness, it is evil. Largely the cause of many problems of evil.
Mark 10:18
New American Standard Bible (NASB) 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.
Luke 18: 19
New American Standard Bible And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.
In contrast to fallen humanity, regenerated, post-mortem, resurrected believers will understand evil in significant spiritual maturity, and reject it everlastingly.
No need for a 'brain wipe'.
COURSON, JON (2005) Application Commentary, Thomas Nelson, Nashville.
MOUNCE, ROBERT H. (1990) The Book of Revelation, Grand Rapids, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
