Monday, September 19, 2011
Group 4(17)
Our group's discussion today focused on the Renaissance and Reformation. Many questions were raised as to Lutheran and Calvinist beliefs. We questioned the difference between protestant beliefs back at the reformation and now. Also we discussed the contradictions with the Catholic Church and their "Christian" beliefs. During our group discussion we came up with two questions from the text. What century did the Renaissance spread across Europe? What are the dangers of a god who elects his beings of salvation through arbitrary means? Both of these questions play important roles in discerning and realizing the impact of the Renaissance and Reformations.
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The multitude of conflict that predestination spurs as a result of shunning some of the most devout Christians from heaven's gate lead some to create a completely opposing view of God's plan. Arminianism arose to counter the Calvinist view and clung to the ultimate freewill of man in receiving God's salvation. Modern theologians, however, seem to straddle the line between these two opposing views. Accordingly, God is viewed as an author, who ultimately does know the destiny of his characters (us) that being that they will execute freewill to reach eternal glory....or not.
ReplyDeleteA common modernist view can be found here:
http://www.peterkreeft.com/topics-more/freewill-predestination.htm
On a different note, I like to maintain an understanding of science's relation to religion. I find it interesting that during the renaissance period there was such a scientific boom despite there being an accompanying expansion of religion amongst the Churches. Previously, the Catholic church stifled any contrary ideas that might potentially undermine the Church and Pope. It seems, though, that the Renaissance brought a diversity and tolerance in religion, creating competing sects that were less resistant to scientific development and were more keen on focusing on their on recruitment.
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ReplyDeleteMy opinion from the group's discussion question is that of course there would be some resentment when it comes to God's arbitrary means and consequently, that resentment would be within individuals.
ReplyDeleteIt always ingress me how much power the Catholic church had at that moment in time. What really interested me was the fact that some people believe that God has already chosen on who gets to go to the promise land. I feel like their is a danger that if God actually did choose that many people will turn to chaos and lose self control over the fact that nothing they can do will get them to heaven.
ReplyDelete