Who is/was the Greatest Reformer of the Christian Faith?

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

Did she just call you a Deist, Pelathais? ROFL.

Many people who say they are Theists talk and act like Deists.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

Are you a Deist, Pelathais? Did God get the ball started and then take his hands off it and let come what may? Or is He intimately involved in the direction of events of the world we live in?

Nah 1:3 The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

In the first paragragh you give me something of a false dilemma. So, let me restate your question:

Either pelathais is a deist or he believes that an angry and easily irritated God kills small children. Which of these best describes me?

As I said in the post, I don't think I can adequately explain this issue within the small confines of this little box into which I am typing. Unlike some who would misquote Nahum, I do not attribute the wrath of a storm to the "wrath of God." I have seen the devastation of storms (both natural and political) and I am persuaded that the morality of God is at a higher plane than that of an oversized and ill mannered King Kong-like beast.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

Many people who say they are Theists talk and act like Deists.

Deism is a subset of theism.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by pelathais

In the first paragragh you give me something of a false dilemma. So, let me restate your question:

Either pelathais is a deist or he believes that an angry and easily irritated God kills small children. Which of these best describes me?

As I said in the post, I don't think I can adequately explain this issue within the small confines of this little box into which I am typing. Unlike some who would misquote Nahum, I do not attribute the wrath of a storm to the "wrath of God." I have seen the devastation of storms (both natural and political) and I am persuaded that the morality of God is at a higher plane than that of an oversized and ill mannered King Kong-like beast.

I was responding to the part I highlighted in your post....."it just happens" as though perhaps God is on a vacation and doesn't know/doesn't care and isn't really the ruler of the nations (setting some up, putting some down). I took you to be saying storms just happen and God has nothing to do with them, likewise evil happens and God is not involved whatsoever or perhaps He turns a blind eye.

I believe God sends rain on the just and the unjust and sometimes sends famine on the unjust, or pestilence, or sword, as chastisement. I believe it because I find it in the Bible. I agree that God is on a higher moral plane than we are and is not an ill tempered beast. He is just and holy.

I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. Isa 45:19

I quoted Nahum verbatim. I did not misquote him. If you're saying my understanding of that verse is incorrect, please tell me why you think that.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by pelathais

Deism is a subset of theism.

Though both believe in God as creator...that is pretty much where it ends.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

I was responding to the part I highlighted in your post....."it just happens" as though perhaps God is on a vacation and doesn't know/doesn't care and isn't really the ruler of the nations (setting some up, putting some down). I took you to be saying storms just happen and God has nothing to do with them, likewise evil happens and God is not involved whatsoever or perhaps He turns a blind eye.

I believe God sends rain on the just and the unjust and sometimes sends famine on the unjust, or pestilence, or sword, as chastisement. I believe it because I find it in the Bible. I agree that God is on a higher moral plane than we are and is not an ill tempered beast. He is just and holy.

I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. Isa 45:19

I quoted Nahum verbatim. I did not misquote him. If you're saying my understanding of that verse is incorrect, please tell me why you think that.

Maybe we should move to another thread. PP wanted a vote on "best Reformer" and not a debate on theodicy. It's my fault to straying.

[SDG]

Originally Posted by pelathais

Maybe we should move to another thread. PP wanted a vote on "best Reformer" and not a debate on theodicy. It's my fault to straying.

I say you start the new thread ... I smell a smack down coming.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

I say you start the new thread ... I smell a smack down coming.

Involving "one of the biggest tragedies in our movement?"

[SDG]

Originally Posted by pelathais

Involving "one of the biggest tragedies in our movement?"

It was not a reference to you, goofball ... you know that ...

Teachers and other professionals are continously learning ... We have professional development throughout the year .... on many occassions ...

Ministers would benefit immensely from continuous education .... many have to float on their own ... the fellowship needs to focus a whole lot more on this ... it's more than having a recommended reading list. But that's a different thread.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

I say you start the new thread ... I smell a smack down coming.