tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23905894.post5254325878340236123..comments2023-06-29T10:25:58.391-05:00Comments on Musings on Christ: Theological Inferences: Be Careful When Reaching Beyond the BibleMalcolm Yarnellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05527418213499559637noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23905894.post-2449587914469532932014-08-28T10:59:02.762-05:002014-08-28T10:59:02.762-05:00The previous comment under "anonymous" c...The previous comment under "anonymous" concerning "free will" is from A. W. A. Mays, PastorA. W. Maysnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23905894.post-72485250475284762932014-08-28T10:57:14.094-05:002014-08-28T10:57:14.094-05:00Thanks for the article. I have preached "free...Thanks for the article. I have preached "free will" as taught by the Bible scenario of God's command to Adam giving the option to eat or not to eat.<br /><br />You help me with making a difference between "inferences" and "Scriptural claims."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23905894.post-28267392136309420252012-06-07T00:53:48.583-05:002012-06-07T00:53:48.583-05:00I rarely use the words "free will" eithe...I rarely use the words "free will" either. But I generally affirm the idea, depending on what is meant by it from the person using it.<br /><br />I do believe determinism of any kind to be wanting (there is a difference between God's determination and divine determinism), and compatiblism ought to be left to pseudo-moralizing atheists who misunderstand logic and reality rather than certain Calvinists (they really should drop the idea).<br /><br />Based on Scripture and experience existing in God's universe, the most I can infer is that I deliberate often and am volitional. I see no reason to believe my choices are predetermined, but see every reason to believe God predetermined my options and that He knows all outcomes (Proverbs 16:9 comes to mind off the top of my head). <br /><br />Most of this conversation here is more the task of philosophy than theology, but I find these inferences theologically useful.<br /><br />But "free will" is language I don't personally use, but can usually affirm when other people use it, depending on what they mean.<br /><br />What rings true most for me is the notion that we shouldn't be expected to affirm theological inferences. I tend to agree, but that actually gets muddy with Oneness Pentecostals, because arguments for the Trinity from texts like John 1, John 17, Phil. 2, etc. are slam dunk in Greek, but can be fuddled in English by opponents of the doctrine. But generally, this is spot on.<br /><br />Systematic theology is vitally important, but the systems that are best are generally the ones that say the least (with the least amount of inferences). After all, the Scripture WAS the theological explanation for the original audiences, not the theology derived from the Scriptures.Johnathan Pritchettnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23905894.post-88023452307313247392012-06-06T22:22:14.926-05:002012-06-06T22:22:14.926-05:00That is one of my greatest goals, Mrs. Peterson: t...That is one of my greatest goals, Mrs. Peterson: to serve our churches.Malcolm Yarnellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05527418213499559637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23905894.post-74440141364567705372012-06-06T22:21:04.809-05:002012-06-06T22:21:04.809-05:00Thank you, sir.Thank you, sir.Malcolm Yarnellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05527418213499559637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23905894.post-49019181965298167132012-06-06T22:20:36.821-05:002012-06-06T22:20:36.821-05:00The Judge is wise.The Judge is wise.Malcolm Yarnellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05527418213499559637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23905894.post-15421100876733457962012-06-06T20:50:19.358-05:002012-06-06T20:50:19.358-05:00"An interpretation of Scripture is a derivati..."An interpretation of Scripture is a derivative issue and not a primary one. Interpretation is not a hill on which to die." Judge Pressler, touching on these very issues, on page 158 in "A Hill on which to Die."Pastor David Pitmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11741132805455407625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23905894.post-16307498138812434742012-06-06T19:41:30.571-05:002012-06-06T19:41:30.571-05:00You wrote, "In spite of the necessity of syst...You wrote, "In spite of the necessity of systematic theology with its structure of inferences and claims, it would be beneficial if we remembered that the human theological inference and the biblical theological claim are not of the same status." <br /><br />Excellent Baptist statement! And we need it!David Millshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06183326918041411702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23905894.post-47559453920435821852012-06-06T15:41:11.360-05:002012-06-06T15:41:11.360-05:00I do not know if it satisfies your colleague, but ...I do not know if it satisfies your colleague, but it has certainly helped put a lot of things in perspective for this lay person in Oklahoma. Thank you, Dr. Yarnell. selahVhariette petersenhttp://selahvtoday.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23905894.post-18665785408088728372012-06-06T14:03:30.350-05:002012-06-06T14:03:30.350-05:00By the way, one of my colleagues in systematic the...By the way, one of my colleagues in systematic theology informed me and our PhD seminar that I should write on the issue of theological inferences during the last semester. I felt a burden from the Lord that this should be done, too, but could not imagine when I would have the time or opportunity. I hope this precious man is pleased with the result and that the burden has been carried as far as the Lord wishes.Malcolm Yarnellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05527418213499559637noreply@blogger.com