IV The idea of God

adopt an »agent-structure« perspective in a completely different way. I only give indications of such an approach. The main point in the whole of my argument is that the interpretation of Christianity can give a partial explanation of his political activity. However, primary emphasis is put on a general understanding.

The aim of this thesis has been determined in such a way that the idea of God is considered to correspond primarily with the view of man. In other words, the view of man implies a certain idea of God. On this basis, the contents of this section are divided into four parts.

1 God as presence. The existence of a creator is the most self-evident thing possible for LP: how otherwise explain the existence of this world? The argument from design is important for his view. The theme of »presence«, which is obviously related to experiences of nature, is made apparent by presenting some of the experiences that LP mentioned. Additionally, an experience at Betel seminary in 1905 is included. The purpose here is to show how nature-symbols are used to interpret »the encounter with Jesus«. In an analytic summary, a series of similarities with the view of nature in the 1890’s is brought out. Further, it can be noted that there is a number of common features in the ideas of nature, the home, femininity and local and regional patriotism. God can be found both in nature and man.

2 »Power belongs to the Lord« A central question in this work has been that of God’s power and sovereignty. What effects does voluntarism have on the idea of God? Man surrenders his right to determine his own life and as a result God acquires power over man, which also means that man receives the necessary strength to be able to do what the Lord commands. Ideas connected with the concept of power are: authority, Lordship and influence.

3 »God needs instruments« The theology of power implies the need of instruments. This view of the relationship between God and man clearly runs the risk of falling into a far-reaching instrumentalisation. Just as all artisans, God becomes dependent on his tools. In this connection, the following aspects of the idea of God are discussed: 3.1. The dependent God. 3.2. The activating God. 3.3. The effective God. 3.4. In what sense is God free?

4 »To punish evil is to be good« It is essential to LP’s view of man that he is seen as a being open to eternity, and thereby he wants to safeguard the idea of judgment. One can therefore ask whether judgment becomes a more important aspect of the idea of God than love. In the history of theology, LP represents a conception diametrically opposed to Marcion’s. If the latter believed that love had nothing to do with judgment, for LP these things are identical. To punish evil is to be good. In this section, the idea of punishment is in the first place considered in a general way. Then the expression »God bares his heart on Golgotha« is analysed. Thirdly, an attempt is made to appreciate what LP means when he claims that hell can be considered an act of divine mercy. The conclusion is reached that God’s love is hardly a paradoxical and unexpected reality, but rather one which is adjusted to an ordered world with justice as the comprehensive structure.

5 The triune God Several of these concepts have gone beyond what can be comprehended in a view which is strictly monotheistic. In fact, LP confesses his belief in the triune God. Research has given some very general points of view on Trinitarian theology within Pentecostalism, but these are hardly relevant to the picture which appears in LP’s writings. In relationship to the result of previous research into the idea of God in Pentecostalism, it must be said that the role that the first article of the creed plays in LP’s writings is peculiarly his own. His theology is in my view strengthened as a result of the kenotic Christology de-