Ep. 217 - Does God Intend that SIN Occur? Wouldn't That Make Him Culpable? w/Dr. Daniel J. Hill
Jan 28, 2023
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Dr. Daniel J. Hill, a senior lecturer at the University of Liverpool and co-author of "Does God Intend That Sin Occur?", joins the discussion on the philosophical implications of sin and divine intention. They dive into whether God’s knowledge of sin makes Him culpable and examine the distinctions between acts of commission and omission. The conversation unveils complex theological ideas about God's foreknowledge and intention, with engaging examples like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and tackles the challenges of moral accountability in the context of divine sovereignty.
The podcast debates whether God actively intends for sin to occur, raising critical theological questions on divine intention and human morality.
Differentiating between God's intention and mere foresight is essential, underscoring that divine intention does not imply God's desire for sin.
The Tyndale Fellowship is highlighted as a significant platform for evangelical scholarship, promoting deep discussions on theology and philosophy of religion.
Scriptural examples, particularly the story of Pharaoh, are examined to illustrate how God's actions relate to the occurrence of sin.
Deep dives
Exploring Divine Intentions
The discussion revolves around whether God intends sin to occur. Sin is defined broadly to encompass sinful actions, including mental sins and sins of omission. The speakers clarify that their inquiry focuses on the theological implications of divine intention regarding human sinfulness. This premise sets the stage for a deeper examination of the philosophical and biblical foundations that inform the argument.
Understanding the Concept of Sin
In this context, sin is understood as any morally wrong action that individuals commit, emphasizing that it is not limited to offenses against God alone. The definition aims to include a wide array of behaviors and actions, helping to demonstrate that the discussion of intent also encompasses a variety of moral failings, thereby ensuring a comprehensive approach. The speakers stress that acknowledging different aspects of sin is crucial for understanding the broader implications of whether or not God intends for it to occur. This nuanced perspective helps frame the philosophical inquiry into divine intention.
The Nature of Divine Intention
The concept of intention is dissected, distinguishing between God's intention and human will. A crucial distinction is made between what God actively intends versus what He merely foresees; this delineation plays a key role in the philosophical argument being constructed. The speakers clarify that God's intention does not equate to a desire for sin, reinforcing the idea that God is incapable of sin. Thus, exploring the meaning of divine intention contributes significantly to the thesis regarding the relationship between God's will and human action.
The Tyndale Fellowship's Role
The Tyndale Fellowship serves as a platform for evangelical scholars to engage profoundly in discussions on theology and philosophy of religion. It is noted that the fellowship provides an important space for presenting various academic papers, discussions, and scholarly insights. With a focus on fostering deep philosophical inquiry within a Christian context, this organization plays a crucial role in shaping contemporary theological thought. The speakers emphasize its significance, heralding it as a valuable asset for those interested in the intersection of faith and academic scholarship.
Pharaoh as a Case Study
The biblical narrative of Pharaoh is examined to illustrate divine hardening and its implications. Here, God hardens Pharaoh’s heart to ensure he refuses to let the Israelites go, making Pharaoh’s stubbornness a focal point in discussing divine intention. The purpose of this hardening is highlighted as a means for God to display His power and capacity for righteous judgment as He ultimately enacts punishment upon Pharaoh. This example is pivotal, as it directly ties God's actions to the occurrence of sin, prompting deeper theological implications about His intentions.
Biblical Texts Supporting the Argument
Key biblical texts such as Exodus 4:21 and Romans 9 are scrutinized to solidify the argument that God intends sin to occur. The citation of Romans highlights God's desire to showcase His power through vessels of wrath, suggesting that the existence of sin is intrinsically tied to His ultimate intentions. The speakers argue that these texts illustrate a continuity in God's intent across both Old and New Testaments. Thus, these passages serve as theological anchors to the stance that divine intentions regarding sin are both clear and purposeful.
Navigating Counterarguments
The speakers address potential counterarguments posed by both philosophical and theological opponents, including interpretations from Francis Cam's views on intention. It is noted that critics may argue against the notion that God intends the means to achieve His goals, suggesting instead that he only foresees outcomes without intending wrongdoing. Nonetheless, the speakers maintain that the theological implications of biblical texts disallow such interpretations, reinforcing their argument with direct references to scripture. This careful consideration of counterarguments strengthens their overall case.
In this episode of the Parker's Pensées Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Daniel J. Hill to discuss his coauthored book, Does God Intend that Sin Occur.
Grab the open source book here: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-06570-5
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