In chapter
XVI of the Institutes Calvin writes about God’s providence, where God provides overseeing
care of all of creation directing nature to unfold in accordance with God’s
plan and guiding humanity especially to live in it and for it. He writes, “God the ruler and governor of all
things, who in accordance with his wisdom has from the farthest limit of
eternity decreed what he was going to do, and now by his might carries out what
he has decreed. From this…. the plans
and intentions of men, are so governed by his providence that they are borne by
it straight to their appointed end. “
(Calvin, Institutes Chapter XVI, 8, p. 207). In crafting this
argument, Calvin subdivides the chapter into sections which not only define his
overriding principle but counter the objections by philosophers and an ancient
reliance of fortune First, he discusses
the relationship between Creation and providence claiming that God not only
made the world but continues to provide for it, sustain it and guide it. While a fleeting knowledge of God might lead
to an understanding of a God who created the heavens, it is through faith that
we recognize God’s constant care of the universe. (Calvin, 197) It is God’s “special
care” for creation. Second, he teaches
dispels the belief in fortune and chance.
He recognizes that humans have
believed in fortune in “all ages,”
but that such an incongruous with not only providence but creation
itself for to do so is to “defraud God of
his glory.” (Calvin, 200) He does recognize, however,
that we do not know God’s “special plan” and may therefore assume events
may seem random, but even in this, God had authority. (Calvin, 209) Finally, he shows that despite the apparent
randomness of the world, the providence of God is revealed in scripture.
2. Reflection on why
that portion is important and relevant.
In the overall scheme of theology, understanding God’s role
in creating and purpose for the universe is central to how we live. If we believe that all of life is left to
fortune, would we not become obsessed with superstition and be paranoid about
every event? We would not live freely in
God’s love but remain fearful. If we
believe that God merely created the word and left it to run, would we feel
abandoned? Is it not God’s love for ours
for God, our faith, that holds us up that directs us to love and kindness for
others? So, when we understand and have
faith that God has not only created us but continues to guide our world, we can
live in God’s love.
3.
Lane: Does God’s
providence leave any room for chance or uncertainty?
No. According to
Calvin, there is NO room for chance.
However, because we are unaware of God’s larger plan, we are unable to
understand events which might seem like chance.
It is important for us to know in our hears that God is carefully guiding the events in the
world.
4.
One question you have about the material
How do we as pastors make sense of genocide or
suicide bombings in accord with God’s providence? How can we say, “oh that was part of God’s
greater plan?” How do we deal with it from
the pulpit?
Great question, Christy. I am reminded of Rabbi Kushner’s book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People. Kushner contends that God is sitting and crying with those who are suffering. The level of evil you mentioned in your post: genocide and suicide bombings seems to be too horrific for words. They are definitely too horrific for Christian platitudes. I am comforted to know that Calvin says, just because God is brilliant in knowing how to use evil for good, it does not exonerate the evil ones. They are still held accountable to the laws of the land and they should be punished. (p. 217) I would tend to tread lightly on the providence of God in the wake of a disaster, especially from the pulpit. I would lean into the presence of God in the goodness of people who are helping and caring for those who hurt. I would also want to reinforce that God does not cause evil things to happen. God “sustains, nourishes, and cares for, everything he has made, even to the least sparrow [cf. Matt. 10:29].” (p. 198)
ReplyDeleteGreat question, Christy. I am reminded of Rabbi Kushner’s book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People. Kushner contends that God is sitting and crying with those who are suffering. The level of evil you mentioned in your post: genocide and suicide bombings seems to be too horrific for words. They are definitely too horrific for Christian platitudes. I am comforted to know that Calvin says, just because God is brilliant in knowing how to use evil for good, it does not exonerate the evil ones. They are still held accountable to the laws of the land and they should be punished. (p. 217) I would tend to tread lightly on the providence of God in the wake of a disaster, especially from the pulpit. I would lean into the presence of God in the goodness of people who are helping and caring for those who hurt. I would also want to reinforce that God does not cause evil things to happen. God “sustains, nourishes, and cares for, everything he has made, even to the least sparrow [cf. Matt. 10:29].” (p. 198)
ReplyDeleteChristy, thank you for your thorough summary of this portion of the 'Institutes' and for your great question. I'm reminded of the great Fred Rogers, who quoting his mother said, "look for the helpers." In the wake of the Paris attacks last year, a newscaster put this another way: "look for the people running into the disaster." That's where God is.
ReplyDeleteHi Christy, Thank you for this thorough summary! I agree with those other people who have commented. It is better for us to lean into the mercy and grace, the sustaining love of God during times of disaster. Also helping others to see that Christ can sympathize with us in our weaknesses. Also to remind others and yourself that even our Lord knew that it was okay to question. This was especially true for Christ in Gethsemane. Another bothersome question... what do you do when someone says "Well I guess that is God's will. - whenever something good happens? or whenever something aweful happens?
ReplyDeleteMy comment would be to reiterate the words of Fred Rogers, "Look for the helpers"... How to better answer this question or predicament, I know not. Being approached with this and similar examples by folks, has given me pause. Is God in control? And if so, where is God in the events of a Helicopter crash and fire... where there is no apparent 'evil act'.. Where is God in the illnesses placed upon children? What are we (am I) missing, and how do I theologically as well as pastorally weave an answer/a meaning to these things for people-for myself? My only hope is in the 'comfort' which is stated in the Heidelberg Catechism:[my comfort is]"that in my severest tribulations I may be assured that Christ my Lord has redeemed me from hellish anxieties and torment by the unspeakable anguish, pain, and terror which he suffered in his soul both on the cross and before" ... What I hear is that in our anguish, suffering and the terror which is brought upon an individual by 'circumstance, natural disaster, violence or evil', Jesus walks along side us undergirding us, as the Divine of Him carries us through, and inspires others to care for, step in for, and/or help!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Laurie. I don't think the perpetrators of genocide, ethnic cleansing or, on an individual basis, murder can be excused because they are somehow acting in alignment with God's plan. I think it is also God's plan that such behavior is dealt with by society (even individual crimes). As Thomas Hobbes wrote, some few centuries ago, life before governments was "nasty, brutish, and short" (or words to that effect). The whole idea of government the "leviathan", which has swallowed us all, is that we give up our right to the use of force to society so that it will justly (hopefully) deal with these problems. I am probably stretching Christ's statement in Mark 12:17 a bit when he says "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesars" to mean not only money, but the power the state wields to protect individuals and society in general. Meanwhile, we, as individuals, must turn the other cheek to each other.
ReplyDeleteI suppose none of that explains why God would allow injustice in the world, and indeed that is a harder question. I have heard some say that this could be explained by free will. That individuals can be terrible is an expression of this. Yet, I think this is not an argument that could be effectively wielded by a Calvinist, seeing how we ascribe so fully to God's providence. Not sure I can adequately spell out an answer that would pass theological muster. My own belief is that it falls in the physical realm and we as Christians should be more interested in the spiritual realm where all things ultimately happen for the good. Not so comforting in the here and now, I suppose.
When you say their is no room for chance, that's the essence of the beauty of Calvin's theology. Our salvation is from God completely efficacious. That's our assurance of pardon. It is from God, by God, through God. Not of our own doing.
ReplyDeleteTough question. One I think we wrestle with every day. In the last chapter, Calvin talked a lot about angels and demons, but lets us know that they can do nothing apart from God's will. Here he is reiterating the power of God, and letting us know that God is active in everything. So while we are caught up in the suffering that is the outcome of the intentional act, God is with us, insuring that the outcome of the act will eventually lead to good.
ReplyDeleteYou asked a really tough question Christy. Looking through the lenses of an old soldier, I can tell you without hesitation that God has been with me through some very tough situations. I would also like to echo what the others have said already said that evildoers are not excused. It may be more important to know that evil exists and that we focus our attention on the results of evil (the folks heading into harm’s way to do good). I have some really strong bonds with others as a result of some of the situations, actions, and experiences in the military (words like friendship and brotherhood fall very short of the bonds that some of us share).
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for your responses. I am humbled by your kind replies Helping others cope in the midst of such evil is something I really need to work on. About 2 1/2 years ago, one of my confirmation kids committed suicide. I was "the adult" to help but truly felt inept at helping the kids cope at that time. I wanted the "pastor" to come in and take over from my ineptness. I am learning, perhaps slowly, how to respond as a pastor and you have all provided very good insight. Thanks
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