Freedom beyond Forgiveness

Download or read book Freedom beyond Forgiveness written by Thomas M. Bolin and published by A&C Black. This book was released on 1997-01-01 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Bolin analyses biblical and extra-biblical traditions and motifs in the book of Jonah, and argues that the book's portrayal of the relationship between God and humanity, much like those of Job and Ecclesiastes, emphasizes an absolute divine sovereignty beyond human notions of mercy, justice, or forgiveness. God is understood as free to forgive, yet he still punishes, and is unfettered by the constraints imposed by attributes of benevolence. The only proper human response to God is fear at his power and acknowledgment of him as the source of welfare and woe.