finite God
Quick Summary
The concept of a "finite God" is a theological idea that emerges from the struggle to reconcile the existence of evil with the nature of a benevolent deity. This perspective suggests a God who is limited in power, though not in goodness, and is actively working to overcome evil in the world.1
This idea offers an alternative to traditional theism, which posits an unlimited, supreme being. Proponents of a finite God argue that evil can be accounted for by the limits of God's power, rather than by God's will or nature. This view often inspires an activist approach, encouraging humanity to cooperate with God in the battle against evil.1
However, this concept faces challenges. Critics question whether it's appropriate to worship a limited being and whether relying on a finite God to explain the unknown is simply filling gaps in human understanding. Prominent thinkers associated with this idea include William James and, in the tradition of process philosophy, Charles Hartshorne. The problem of evil itself questions how an omnipotent, perfectly good God can coexist with evil.12
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Christianity20th-century discussionsThe concept of a finite deity developing through time was also proposed (e.g., by Charles Hartshorne) to meet objections to some of these concepts: If God is immutable, how can God be aware of successive events in time? If God has absolute self-existence, how can God respond with sympathy…
Read MoreThe concept of a finite deity developing through time was also proposed (e.g., by Charles Hartshorne) to meet objections to some of these concepts: If God is immutable, how can God be aware of successive events in time? If God has absolute self-existence, how can God respond with sympathy…
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theismThe idea of a finite God…of the idea of a finite God were, at the turn of the 20th century, the American pragmatist William James and some of his disciples, notably Ralph Barton Perry. Thus, it is not surprising that a closely similar notion that arose in the mid-20th century found its main inspiration and…
Read More…of the idea of a finite God were, at the turn of the 20th century, the American pragmatist William James and some of his disciples, notably Ralph Barton Perry. Thus, it is not surprising that a closely similar notion that arose in the mid-20th century found its main inspiration and…
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