Chaldeans

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Wales Bangor MPhil 2003

Note, the work below was from my MPhil research. I became more knowledgeable in regard to compatibilism completing the PhD and better understood philosophically concepts in regard to God determining and causing.

One can notice on the blog version I have some post PhD revisions in red placed in my MPhil. 

A friend asked by email if in my problem of evil research I had done any work on the Chaldeans and Habakkuk 1.

Habakkuk 1:6

New American Standard Bible (NASB) 6 “For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, That [a]fierce and impetuous people Who march [b]throughout the earth To [c]seize dwelling places which are not theirs.

Footnotes: Habakkuk 1:6 Lit bitter Habakkuk 1:6 Lit the breadth of Habakkuk 1:6 Lit take possession of New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

MPhil work in regard to Chaldeans and Job

‘Calvin also discussed in The Institutes the case of the Chaldeans attacking Job, that God, Satanic beings and human beings can all participate in the same evil acts: How can we attribute the same work to God, to Satan, and to man, without either excusing Satan by the interference of God, or making God the author of the crime? This is easily done, if we look first to the end, and then to the mode of acting. The Lord designs to exercise the patience of his servant by adversity; Satan’s plan is to drive him to despair; while the Chaldeans are bent on making unlawful gain by plunder. Such diversity of purpose makes a wide distinction in the act. . . . We thus see that there is no inconsistency in attributing the same act to God, to Satan, and to man, while, from the difference in the end and mode of action, the spotless righteousness of God shines forth at the same time that the iniquity of Satan and of man is manifested in all its deformity. Calvin, (1539)(1998) Book II, Chapter 4, Section 2.

My idea is that the term allowing evil is too weak with regard to God’s ultimate sovereignty in his creation. God wills evil for the greater good and, as Calvin noted, God’s motive is perfectly good, not sinful and contradictory to his nature, while his fallen creation can still choose to disobey him freely. Their nature is fallen and they cannot do good work without the help of God. Left to their own means, their evil nature leads to evil actions. Blocher stated: "One may as well take one’s position from the stern candour of Scripture: if evil occurs under the rule of God, then his will is involved." Blocher (1994: 95-96).

BLOCHER, HENRI. (1994) Evil and the Cross, Translated by David G. Preston, Leicester, InterVarsity Press.

CALVIN, JOHN (1539)(1998) The Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book II, Grand Rapids, Wheaton College. http://www.smartlink.net/~douglas/calvin/

CALVIN, JOHN (1543)(1996) The Bondage and Liberation of the Will, Translated by G.I. Davies, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.

Another lovely photo of Bulgarian Princess Jr. after church, as per request of Bulgarian Princess Sr. Speaking of which, in the parking lot, Sr. once again being a lovely Eastern European diva shared yet another story in front of husband Deaaan of how some 'older guy' Dean's and my age wanted to dance with her the other night. He also complemented her on her lovely black boots (which can be used for booting as well as walking, I suppose). She of course stated she was married etc.. but her Slavic charms are of course far too great for many, many mortal Canadian men. Dean figures she gathered attention because she was younger and I very much agree but always think the 'Eastern European diva' factor has to be factored in, that being Canadian so called 'older guy' thinks he hears Eastern European accent and sees younger woman and reasons I have a valid philosophical, romantic opportunity here.;)