Dr. Richard G. Howe, SES Provost and classical theism expert, joins the discussion on the decline of traditional views of God. They explore the implications of this shift on theology and morality. With insights on slippery slopes in philosophy, Howe critiques modern evangelicalism's tendency to oversimplify God's nature. The conversation also touches on the interplay between divine simplicity and contemporary beliefs, emphasizing the need for robust theological understanding amidst changing cultural narratives.
The gradual abandonment of classical theism risks undermining essential Christian beliefs regarding God's nature and attributes.
Contemporary shifts in theological perspectives reflect a trend towards skepticism around traditional concepts like omniscience and omnipresence, raising concerns.
Understanding the link between hermeneutics and God's nature is essential to avoid misinterpretations and safeguard foundational beliefs in Christianity.
Deep dives
The Decline of Classical Theism
The discussion centers on the gradual abandonment of classical theism, which is the theological view emphasizing God's attributes defined through historical Western philosophical thought. This shift signifies a departure from long-established concepts about God’s nature, leading to concerns over an unrecognized erosion of fundamental Christian beliefs. As some contemporary theologians and scholars begin to adopt a modified or diluted view of God, essential attributes like omniscience and omnipresence face scrutiny and skepticism. The implications of this trend raise significant questions about the nature of God and the reliability of theological assertions that have historically defined Christianity.
Understanding the Slippery Slope Fallacy
The slippery slope fallacy illustrates how one erroneous belief can lead to increasingly significant misconceptions about faith and theology. For example, by dismissing philosophical influences in theology, some may naively assert that accepting any philosophical viewpoint will lead to the abandonment of biblical authority altogether. This mirrors broader societal changes, such as no-fault divorce, which have led to significant shifts in the understanding of marriage rights and familial structures. Recognizing legitimate slippery slopes alongside fallacies is crucial to maintaining sound theology and protecting traditional beliefs from radical reinterpretation.
The Unique Role of Classical Theism Today
At Southern Evangelical Seminary (SES), a commitment to classical theism is set apart as increasingly rare in contemporary evangelical institutions. The preservation and defense of classical attributes of God are deemed critical as they represent historical tenets of Christian faith. Many modern believers, however, may not fully comprehend the implications of dismissing these attributes and may only realize this erosion once foundational beliefs are questioned. Thus, SES endeavors to instill appreciation and understanding of classical theism to prevent any further decline in theological standards.
Historical Perspectives on God's Attributes
Historical figures such as Augustine and Aquinas laid the groundwork for understanding the nature and attributes of God throughout the centuries, affirming concepts like aseity and simplicity as foundational truths. Their teachings provided a consistent framework for defining God that shaped Christian thinking and practice. The contemporary abandonment of these attributes signals a troubling trend away from well-established theological principles, risking a disconnect between historical Christianity and current beliefs. This divergence calls for awareness among modern Christians, encouraging them to reconsider their understanding of God against the rich backdrop of theological history.
Implications of Poor Hermeneutics
The discussion emphasizes the vital link between hermeneutics—how Scripture is interpreted—and the understanding of God’s nature, underscoring that an inaccurate approach leads to flawed conclusions. Issues such as interpreting God’s emotional responses within Scripture can manifest in misunderstandings of His omniscience and immutability. The challenge lies in equipping believers with the skills to interpret biblical texts accurately, ensuring they do not fall prey to interpretive errors that could redefine their perception of God. A solid grasp of sound philosophy and hermeneutics is crucial for grasping the essence of theological beliefs and avoiding the pitfalls of contemporary thought.
We've discussed some of the classical attributes of God and how we, as limited human beings, can talk meaningfully about the unlimited God. But in modern times, this classical view of God has slowly been abandoned. Why is "God fading away" in this sense, and what implications are at stake with the abandonment of classical theism? Dr. Richard G. Howe, SES Provost, will join us to discuss this important topic.
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