Necessity, Contingency and the Freedom of God
In: Journal of Reformed TheologySearch for other papers by Paul Helm in
Current site
Google Scholar
In this paper I attempt to argue that Antonie Vos’ claims respecting the relations between Calvin and Reformed Orthodoxy regarding the doctrine of God are exaggerated, with no convincing support. I argue, from the writings of Calvin, that he is not a necessitarian, but holds that God wills freely, choosing between alternatives in one eternal act. Furthermore, I have argued, on conceptual grounds, that in any case the doctrine of synchronic contingency applied to the life a timelessly eternal God does not deliver an intelligible account of divine freedom.
Purchase
Buy instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
Institutional Login
Log in with Open Athens, Shibboleth, or your institutional credentials
Personal login
Log in with your brill.com account
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 617 | 130 | 19 |
| Full Text Views | 214 | 7 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 91 | 16 | 0 |
Necessity, Contingency and the Freedom of God
In: Journal of Reformed TheologySearch for other papers by Paul Helm in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
In this paper I attempt to argue that Antonie Vos’ claims respecting the relations between Calvin and Reformed Orthodoxy regarding the doctrine of God are exaggerated, with no convincing support. I argue, from the writings of Calvin, that he is not a necessitarian, but holds that God wills freely, choosing between alternatives in one eternal act. Furthermore, I have argued, on conceptual grounds, that in any case the doctrine of synchronic contingency applied to the life a timelessly eternal God does not deliver an intelligible account of divine freedom.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 617 | 130 | 19 |
| Full Text Views | 214 | 7 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 91 | 16 | 0 |
