Fate and free will : a defense of theological determinism / Heath White.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

White, Heath, 1972- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Free will and determinism--Religious aspects--Christianity.

Free will and determinism.

Providence and government of God--Christianity.

Providence and government of God.

Physical Description:

vii, 396 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Notre Dame, Indiana : University of Notre Dame Press, [2020]

Summary:

"In Fate and Free Will, Heath White explores and defends a traditional view of God's relationship to creation that has in recent years fallen out of favor. White argues that theological determinism-the idea that God is directly responsible for every detail of history and existence-is relevant to concepts such as human responsibility, freedom, and justice; the meaning of life; and theodicy. Defending theological determinism from the perspective of traditional orthodox Christianity, White clarifies this view, positions it within scripture, and argues positively for it through considerations about divine attributes and via the idea of an ex nihilo creation. White addresses objections to theological determinism by presenting nuanced and insightful counterarguments. He asserts that theological determinism does not undermine practices of criminal punishment, destroy human responsibility, render life meaningless, or hinder freedom. While the book does not attempt to answer every dilemma concerning evil or hell, it effectively grapples with them. To make his case for theological determinism, White relies on theories of free will, moral responsibility, and a meaningful life. He uses clear commonsense language and vivid illustrations to bring to light the conditions of meaning and purpose in our lives and the metaphysics of God's relationship to the world. This original book will appeal to the philosophical community as well as students and scholars of theology"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Divine action

Why believe theological determinism?

Does theological determinism undermine human justice?

Responsibility

Does theological determinism undermine responsibility?

Theological determinism and the meaning of life

Theological determinism and freedom

Problem of evil I: its mere existence

problem of evil II: beyond mere existence

Problem of hell

Last word.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 375-387) and indexes.

Other Format:

Online version: White, Heath, 1972- Fate and free will

ISBN:

9780268106294

0268106290

OCLC:

1090748387

Publisher Number:

99983452374