Gods-Sovereignty-and -Human-Freedom-Lectu Re-Notes.pdf

The course notes cover God's sovereignty and human freedom/responsibility, a difficult and controversial topic. The nature and character of God are the greatest objects of study, and understanding them is crucial for eternal life. The topic is challenging due to God's transcendence and the complexity of biblical data. The medieval church's history of anathematizing and ex-communicating over minute doctrinal disagreements highlights the potential for division and hostility.

The power of presupposition and paradigm is essential in exploring this topic. Presuppositions are basic beliefs that are immune to revision, while paradigms are sets of theories that explain a subject. Everyone has a worldview, which is a network of presuppositions that interrelate and interpret experiences. Thomas Kuhn's book, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, shows that science is not an objective search for truth, but rather operates within chosen paradigms.

The course also provides a historical review, starting with Christ's founding of the church and the challenges it faced. The Reformation, led by Martin Luther and John Calvin, introduced the principles of Scripture alone, salvation by grace alone, and faith alone. Reformed Theology, which includes Calvinism, has been influential in promoting academic excellence and spreading education. The course will explore the relationship between God's sovereignty and human freedom/responsibility, using the terms Calvinism and Reformed Theology interchangeably.