>The problem with #4, and I will admit#4 is certainly a live option,
>is that (1) it says God is too feeble to do any better with the
>ancients and (2) we are getting, as a race, more mature. I have
>difficulty with both these points. Particularly (2). <
Perhaps #4 should be modified a bit:
4a. God, in His reaching to the ancient Hebrews where they were,
limited Himself to a progressive revelation of His will rather than
giving a full and final revelation all at once.
Objection 1 is thus answered; it is not because He was too feeble but
because He chose self-limitation. Note especially what Jesus said
about the divorce regulations.
On the other hand, objection 1 does apply to the claim that God
failed to reveal better teaching to them and they made things up or
misunderstood. If you think God should have done better with the
ancients, then He should not have let them think their mistakes were
really His word.
Objection 2 is also answered, in that it is the possession of more
revelation, rather than inherent progres in humanity, that makes us
potentially more mature.
Dr. David Campbell
Old Seashells
University of Alabama
Biodiversity & Systematics
Dept. Biological Sciences
Box 870345
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 USA
bivalve@mail.davidson.alumlink.com
That is Uncle Joe, taken in the masonic regalia of a Grand Exalted
Periwinkle of the Mystic Order of Whelks-P.G. Wodehouse, Romance at
Droitgate Spa
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