Does God control

[Josiah]

In Calvinism, the concept of God's sovereignty is central. It is believed that God controls everything that happens in the universe, including individual lives. This view is often associated with the doctrine of predestination, where God has predetermined all events, including the salvation or damnation of individuals.

Lutherans see predestination (we prefer to call the doctrine "Election") as applying to soteriology (especially initial justification), not EVERYTHING. We don't equate it exactly with the Greek philosophy of fate.

It's important to note that not all Christians or theological perspectives share this view, and interpretations of God's sovereignty can vary among different denominations and theological traditions.

Well... maybe not all faith communities see God's sovereignty as mandating the Greek philosophy of fate. God IS sovereignty (are there Christians who deny that?) but does that MANDATE that God decided that I'd eat oatmeal this morning and I had nothing to do with that choice? That God is responsible for that, not me? IF I ate a Hostess Twinkee for breakfast, that would be God's responsibility and decision? Not all Christians would agree with THAT. Does "sovereign" mean we are thoughtless puppets of pure fate dangling lifelessly from strings? Not all Christians think so.


- Josiah



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[Tulipbee]

Lutherans see predestination (we prefer to call the doctrine "Election") as applying to soteriology (especially initial justification), not EVERYTHING. We don't equate it exactly with the Greek philosophy of fate.





Well... maybe not all faith communities see God's sovereignty as mandating the Greek philosophy of fate. God IS sovereignty (are there Christians who deny that?) but does that MANDATE that God decided that I'd eat oatmeal this morning and I had nothing to do with that choice? That God is responsible for that, not me? IF I ate a Hostess Twinkee for breakfast, that would be God's responsibility and decision? Not all Christians would agree with THAT. Does "sovereign" mean we are thoughtless puppets of pure fate dangling lifelessly from strings? Not all Christians think so.


- Josiah



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Ah, Josiah, the theologian with a side of Lutheran wit, it's like we're sipping coffee and pondering the cosmic breakfast choices – oatmeal by divine decree or a Hostess Twinkie with heavenly approval.

Now, in the Calvinistic soiree, the concept of God's sovereignty takes center stage, orchestrating the universe like a cosmic symphony. Predestination is like the lead violin, playing the tune of salvation or, well, a divine dietary plan.

But hold the theological presses! Lutherans, or should I say, the culinary connoisseurs of Election, see predestination applying to soteriology, not the breakfast menu. It's like saying, "God, you handle my soul's salvation, but let me decide on the oatmeal or Twinkie drama."

And you bring up a good point – God's sovereignty doesn't mean we're thoughtless puppets dangling from fate's strings. It's not like God decided on the oatmeal and Hostess Twinkie showdown. After all, who wants a puppet show at breakfast?

So, Josiah, whether it's a divine breakfast or a theological buffet, let's keep savoring the flavors of divine sovereignty without turning breakfast into a puppetry performance!

 

[Josiah]

And you bring up a good point – God's sovereignty doesn't mean we're thoughtless puppets dangling from fate's strings. It's not like God decided on the oatmeal and Hostess Twinkie showdown. After all, who wants a puppet show at breakfast?

... and THAT's the issue of this thread. It's not limited to initial justification, the question is whether God controls everything, whether it's all a matter of fate. Some of us have argued no; you SEEMED to be arguing for yes.



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[Tulipbee]

... and THAT's the issue of this thread. It's not limited to initial justification, the question is whether God controls everything, whether it's all a matter of fate. Some of us have argued no; you SEEMED to be arguing for yes.



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Ah, Josiah, the cosmic quandary of divine control, a dance between free will and sovereignty. It's like deciding between oatmeal and Twinkies – a breakfast dilemma of cosmic proportions. Picture God as the ultimate chef, orchestrating the grand buffet of existence.

Now, the cosmic comedy unfolds. Does God pull all the strings, turning us into puppets in a divine puppet show? Or do we get to dance with our own free will, like celestial ballerinas pirouetting through the cosmic ballet?

In this theological tango, you've raised the curtain on the real issue – the cosmic conundrum of fate versus choice. It's not just about the initial justification menu; it's the ongoing feast of life where God's sovereignty and our free will engage in a divine dance-off. Let the cosmic comedy continue, and may the breakfast choices be ever in our flavor!

 

[BruceLeiter]

Does God control everything that happens in my life?

God made you and all other humans fully dependent on him as his creatures BUT ALSO relatively independent from him as a human. That means that God has a plan for your life but also that you are fully responsible for all that you think and do in your life. You are not a robot, and God is your Father if you trust in Jesus. He calls you to obey his Word, but he gives you the responsibility to make choices for his honor.