Theodicy Soteriology, Hermeneutics

SOTERIOLOGY : M. M. NINAN
elementary particles that constitute the rocket. We do not bother about the particles; we plan
for the system and give them the force and the guidance on an on going control process that
it can strike the target without fail. If we want to understand the motion of water through a
pipeline we may analyze it in terms of the motion of each molecule. But this will be
impractical. Instead, we can analyze it in term of pressure head, velocity, and turbulence and
eddies. These are collective properties of the fluid. They will then yield coherent and
measurable results. The motion of individual molecules may be random within the kinetic
theory in any system, yet we can still control it.
This model is complicated by the introduction of persons. Persons are defined only in terms
of free will and not otherwise. Free will implies choice. Thus there is a conflict in terminology
when we speak of predestination of individuals. As some honest Calvinist will admit, man has
no freewill. He is controlled by his nature, which in the fallen nature is to do only sin. Even
when saved man is no more free. He can only do good. This is nothing more than the
application of Dialectical materialism, which according to Karl Marx leads to Historical
Materialism. Individuals are created by the society in which he lives. Historical Materialism
however is dialectical in nature allowing for deviations within the society allowing for
cooperating with the direction of movement of history or opposing it with all sorts of subtle
shades and variations. Even a bourgoise like Engels could be a leader for Proletariat
because of that. A rigid Mecahnistic Materialism would not allow for it.
Thus history should be interpreted actually in terms of the interaction between free agents -
Persons which all coexist with the intent and permission of God. God created man in his own
image. Men are all children of God as we are reminded Luke's genealogy of Jesus. God
created man as persons with free will, they remained people in spite of the fall. It is this
interaction between man and man along with man and God that forms the history. Though
good and evil are defined absolutely in terms of God's character in relations to the trinity
(within themselves) the existence of good and evil in creation is the result of the interaction of
man and creation. That is exactly why history is unpredictable. The direction of movement of
history is determined by the forces within - including personalities and powers. God do not
predestine it, but directs it. This is where the part of Christians comes in. That is what the
sermon on the mount is all about.
Application of this into the historical process gives some insight. Though there is absolute
freedom of will in the context of the situation for every person with infinite variations of choice,
history can be directed by God to achieve his desired end without infringement of this
freedom. God may introduce elements into history to change the course when necessary.
This is achieved by the signs and wonders he performed in the sight of people, the giving of
the law, the prophets and finally the sending of his own son. In this age God does this
through the Church. That is the purpose of the Church.
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