Discuss Theology

The dictionary in my word processor defines deism as “A belief in God based on reason rather than revelation, and involving the view that God has set the universe in motion but does not interfere with how it runs.” I think this is about as simple and clear a definition as is needed.

Many of you know the history of deism, which came out of the enlightenment, or modern era. The idea was also associated with those who cut off the creature/Creator distinction from theology and philosophy. In time nature, as well as man, became autonomous from God, operating by its own laws. This was a radical departure from traditional and biblical theology. In time God was seen as an impersonal being who had no control over His creation. Man’s freewill made it impossible for Him to exercise control and natural law was so fixed, God was no longer allowed to act supernaturally in the realm of nature.

In the end creation was deified and was made autonomous from its creator. The creation has said in effect, “Let us make God in our image, after our likeness”. Nature has become free, autonomous, the arbiter, the savior, definer of all things and sovereign. And we have made god impersonal and weak.

In New Orleans we speak of a natural disaster. But is this right? Are there natural disasters? Is nature and man truly free to act as they please? Is nature able to become personal outside of its creator and can it bring about a single act outside of the will of God? Are they a law unto themselves? Is it, or we, autonomous? I think not!

The true Israel has always known God to be personal and in control of His creation. In short, God is sovereign. We have never believed that a reasonable god would set the universe in motion and not interfere with how it runs. Colossians 1:16-17 speaks of Jesus in these words, “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or Dominions or rulers or authorities – all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together”. This is not an impersonal, or detached, Creator.

New Orleans was not a natural disaster, nor was the destruction of Nineveh or Babel. Try as hard as we might to understand God’s reasons, which I will not attempt, we are left with God’s sovereignty. We may not understand how a loving God could do such a thing, but we can’t go defining God by our standards. Because in the end our attempts will lead us to an attempt to, “Let us make God in our image”.

This should not lead us to being callous toward the people of New Orleans. This should drive us to humbly seek God and get on with the great commission. God is sovereign and is worthy of the praise of His creation. May New Orleans rise out of darkness and into the glorious light of our Savior.