Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

162 | Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

2. God is distinct from his creation in the sense of its GROUND. 3. Unlike deism, God is its SUSTAINING CAUSE (both transcendently and imminently). 4. Difficulties: what is precisely the relationship between the divine and human action in creation IV. Materialism “The doctrine that whatever exists is either physical matter, or depends upon physical matter.” A. A philosophical position with definite ontological explanations (the denial of the existence of minds or spirits) B. Research program and methodology with no such implications C. Opposed by mind-body dualism D. What of humanity as part of the creation, and life after death? V. Deism “Belief in a remote creator, uninvolved in the world whose mechanism he devised” A. Stands for the abolition of dogma founded on alleged revelation B. Promotes a natural religion with blessings bestowed on all by a beneficent God C. Religion of moral law: “rationalists with a heart hunger for religion” D. Non-christocentric worship of God E. Ecclesiastical power as a hindrance of free thinking people F. Fall and redemption is dismissed, its literary form regarded as crude, corrupt, and flawed VI. Determinism A. Scientific determinism – the form of every physical event is determined uniquely by the conjunction of events preceding it; discovering the interdependence and expressing it in laws.