initiatorists

Initiatorists are a theoretical group within certain philosophical and theological discussions, particularly those concerning divine action and causality. The term "initiatorist" is not widely recognized or used in mainstream academic discourse, but it can be understood as a label for a perspective that emphasizes the role of a divine entity or first cause in originating or initiating a chain of events. This perspective often contrasts with deterministic or naturalistic views that posit a universe operating solely under natural laws without external or initial divine intervention.

In essence, an initiatorist view suggests that a divine power is responsible for setting the universe in motion or for establishing the fundamental principles that govern its existence. This initiation is seen as a singular act or a foundational influence, after which the universe may proceed according to its own inherent laws. The focus is on the act of beginning rather than continuous intervention, though the two concepts are not always mutually exclusive within theological frameworks.

The concept of initiatorism can be explored in discussions of cosmological arguments for God's existence, where the need for a first cause to explain the existence of the universe is a central theme. It can also be relevant in debates about free will versus determinism, as it may offer a framework where divine initiation allows for a subsequent degree of autonomy or contingency within the created order. However, the specific terminology "initiatorist" remains uncommon, and the ideas it represents are typically discussed using more established philosophical and theological terms.