/lit/ - Literature

>>19347272
>I do not see this sort of Christological navel-gazing as having much practical value.
Then you believe in a different God. Is belief in the incarnation of the Word not necessary for salvation? If I believe Christ has merely a phantom body, and only appeared to suffer, is it "Christological navel-gazing" to say that I have no salvation? Or that Christ was just in good relations and union of will with the Father after His baptism, but was not God Himself. Nobody in the early church taught these questions were meaningless, how do you claim to know better? It doesn't seem like you care about the truth.
>he chose to actuate this future as an act of his own will
God knows our actions, but does not create them. There is still the created subject acting and really choosing things, not God who chooses for us. Otherwise you have to conclude absurdities like God choosing to sin. God also chooses to enact different things with His will, His providence (creative control over the world in history) is distinct from Him creating the world. Otherwise creation itself is eternally predetermined and was not a free act.

>>18882760
God has perfect divine knowledge, so He knows all of your choices and the circumstances of your birth, but it is you who make the choice to seek Him. He does not create your choices, there is no predetermination in this sense. See pic related.
>couldn't know
No. God tells us that anyone who truly wishes to find Him will find Him. Wisdom is seen as the pre-incarnate Christ in the Orthodox understanding.

“I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;
I possess knowledge and discretion.
To fear the LORD is to hate evil;
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech.
Counsel and sound judgment are mine;
I have insight, I have power.
By me kings reign
and rulers issue decrees that are just;
by me princes govern,
and nobles—all who rule on earth.
I love those who love me,
and those who seek me find me."
- Proverbs 8