Hello Curt,

In a strict sense, 'determinism' does not imply "that our choices are not real, that the ultimate cause of things is impersonal, and that it confuses the biblical view of God's providence with non-Christian deterministic systems." I think what Grudem is saying is that most people will understand the term in this way, and as such in normal discourse we might want to use a different term.

My personal opinion on the matter is that the term is perfect precisely because of what it evokes in people. God's absolute control over every aspect of the created order is often times blurred. Using such terms as 'determined' and 'absolute' is one way of communicating what we mean when we say God is sovereign. Our choices are not real, if by 'real' we mean that our choices are goverened by a free will in the libertarian sense. Every created thing is completely dependent upon God. God ordains every event - both ends and means. There is not one molecule or thought not goverened absolutely by God. This is the Biblical view of the Creator. To communicate anything less is to not paint an accurate picture. I can appreciate Grudem's concern, but I think it is misplaced.

Sincerely,

Brian

__________________
Brian Bosse
Faith Community Church
Tucson, Arizona
Scientiam Dei