Exploring Mormon Thought 004-The Attributes of God Ch 2 - Apostasy and Concepts of Perfection (Part 1)
Apr 24, 2017
Delve into the fascinating intersection of Greek philosophy and Christian theology. Discover how Plato's ideas shaped early Christian notions of God's attributes. The discussion reveals the complexities of absolutist thought and the rise of figures like Augustine and Aquinas. Explore divine perfection, God's immutability, and the challenges they present to free will. Learn about apostasy's reinterpretation and the cultural barriers separating believers from spiritual experiences. This dialogue uncovers the rich philosophical foundations underpinning modern theological debates.
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Aquinas' Cosmological Argument
- Aquinas' cosmological argument posits an unmoved mover, uncaused cause, and uncreated being as the source of all causation.
- This being, which he identifies as God, is pure actuality without potentiality.
Apostasy as Shift to Impersonal God
- The apostasy involved interpreting God through impersonal, absolute concepts rather than the Hebrew personalistic experience.
- The clerical class preserved and promoted philosophical views of God that diverged from scriptural teachings.
Understanding Divine Simplicity
- Divine simplicity means God has no parts and all his attributes are identical, ensuring God cannot change or fall apart.
- This concept is challenging to reconcile with Christian doctrines like free will and the Trinity.
