tegism

Tegism is a philosophical concept that refers to the belief that God is the ultimate cause of all actions, both good and evil. This belief is often associated with theological determinism, which posits that all events, including human choices, are predetermined by divine will. Proponents of tegism argue that because God is omniscient and omnipotent, He must be aware of and in control of all that transpires in the universe. Therefore, any action, regardless of its moral valence, ultimately originates from God.

This perspective often raises questions about human free will and moral responsibility. If God is the cause of all actions, including evil acts, then it can be argued that humans are not truly responsible for their choices. However, many theologians and philosophers who hold tegist views also maintain that humans are still morally accountable. They might explain this by distinguishing between God as the ultimate cause and humans as secondary agents who, through their choices, participate in the unfolding of God's plan. Different theological traditions have developed various ways to reconcile these seemingly conflicting ideas, often through complex theological arguments and interpretations of scripture. The concept of tegism remains a subject of ongoing debate and theological inquiry.