CONTRA FATUM

"When we speak of God's wrath, we do not hold that it is an emotional reaction on His part, but something which He uses in order to correct by stern methods those who have committed many terrible sins. That the so-called wrath of God and what is called His anger has a corrective purpose, and that this is the doctrine of the Bible, is clear from the words of Psalm vi: 'Lord, do not rebuke me in thine anger, nor correct me in thy wrath' [...]" (Con. Cel. IV,72) "[...]God's wrath is not an emotional reaction, but that each man brings this on himself by his sins[...]" (Con. Cel. IV,72)

”He is in no respect whatever the 'cause of evil. For all things are arranged with a view to the salvation of the universe by the Lord of the universe, both generally and particularly. It is then the function of the righteousness of salvation to improve everything as far as practicable. For even minor matters are arranged with a view to the salvation of that which is better, and for an abode suitable for people’s character. Now everything that is virtuous changes for the better; having as the proper cause of change the free choice of knowledge, which the soul has in its own power. But necessary corrections, through the goodness of the great overseeing Judge, both by the attendant angels, and by various acts of anticipative judgment, and by the perfect judgment, compel egregious sinners to repent.” (Str. VII 12.2-5) "κακίας δ' αὖ πάντῃ πάντως ἀναίτιος. πρὸς γὰρ τὴν τοῦ ὅλου σωτηρίαν τῷ τῶν ὅλων κυρίῳ πάντα ἐστὶ διατεταγμένα καὶ καθόλου 7.2.12.3 καὶ ἐπὶ μέρους. ἔργον οὖν τῆς...