The Cosmic Conflict as an Integrative Motif for Understanding the God–World Relationship: Essay in Honor of Norman R. Gulley

This paper examines the cosmic conflict as an integrative motif for articulating the God-world relationship, with particular focus on the theological contribution of Norman R. Gulley. In general, a historical survey of Christian theology reveals that many proposed integrative centers have been shaped by dominant macro-philosophical and epistemological assumptions, especially those derived from Greek metaphysics and modern immanentism. These frameworks often privilege non-canonical notions of divine timelessness, transcendence, immanence, and immutability, creating tensions with the dynamic and historical character of the biblical narrative. Within Seventh-day Adventist theology, similar methodological challenges are evident, as competing motifs such as the sanctuary, perfectionism, righteousness by faith, and the gospel which offer valuable insights, but remain limited as comprehensive frameworks. This study proposes that the cosmic conflict may provide a helpful integrative motif for understanding the God-world relationship within the biblical canon. It argues that the cosmic conflict motif reshapes the doctrine of God by moving beyond classical metaphysical categories toward a relational and historically engaged understanding of divine being. Furthermore, the study presents that when God is interpreted within the cosmic conflict, his nature can no longer be sufficiently described by philosophical traditional categories such as immutability, transcendentalism, impassibility or timelessness.