Date
8-2021
Department
Rawlings School of Divinity
Degree
Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics (MA)
Chair
Edward Martin
Keywords
Problem of Evil, Free-will, Compatibilism
Disciplines
Christianity
Recommended Citation
Holmes, John Wesley, "Is God Responsible for Sin?" (2021). Masters Theses. 766.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/766
Abstract
Does sin actually exist without the presence of divine commands? Without a rule can there be a violation? If sin results from violating a divine command, then the assignment of responsibility must fall on the one issuing the commands. However, if God is responsible for sin, then the core of Christianity must be questioned. This thesis confronts the accusation that God is responsible for sin by establishing commands that are foreknown to be violated. This paper will demonstrate that God is not responsible for sin and show humanity to be accountable for individual choices. Demonstrating human responsibility for sin will be achieved through the analysis of three related subtopics. First, the foundations of sin and morality will be examined. Second, the examination of the problems and purposes of divine commands given to humanity will illuminate the intention of God’s commands. Lastly, the consideration of the interaction between the human will and divine omniscience will reveal that humanity remains responsible for sin.
