God's sovereignty and love balanced; individual agency and choice respected
The Community of Christ interprets Romans 9:18-21 as affirming God's sovereignty while maintaining the importance of human choice and agency. The Community's theology emphasizes God's love and desire for universal salvation, and understands Romans 9 not as teaching that God predestines people to damnation but as addressing specific historical questions.
The Community's approach reflects its progressive theology: while honoring Paul's affirmation of divine power and freedom, the Community maintains that this must be understood in harmony with God's revealed character as loving and merciful. Romans 9 is one passage to be read alongside many others; the full scriptural witness emphasizes divine love, human freedom, and God's ultimate desire to include all in salvation.
Scripture References
- Doctrine and Covenants 35:1
Sources
- Community of Christ Doctrine and Covenants
- Community of Christ theology of God's love