Divine apathy, in Christian theology, refers to the belief that God is impassible, meaning He is not subject to suffering, pain, or the influence of human emotions and passions.[1] This concept is rooted in the idea that God, as a perfect being, is beyond the reach of earthly experiences and emotional changes that characterize human life. It derives from classical theism, which portrays God as immutable, eternal, and transcendent.[2] It is distinguished from apatheia in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, which refers to a state of being free from passions and desires, a concept more focused on human spiritual development.[3]
- ^ Sarot, Marcel (January 2001). "Does God Suffer?: A Critical Discussion of Thomas G. Weinandy's Does God Suffer?". Ars Disputandi. 1 (1): 53–61. doi:10.1080/15665399.2001.10819711. ISSN 1566-5399.
- ^ Root, Terry (2016-04-26). "Apathy or Passion? The New Testament View of God the Father at the Cross". Evangelical Quarterly. 88 (1): 3–21. doi:10.1163/27725472-08801001. ISSN 0014-3367.
- ^ Fagerberg, David W. (2013). On liturgical asceticism. Washington, D.C: Catholic Univ. of America Press. ISBN 978-0-8132-2117-5.