Open Theism And The Undermining Of Biblical Christianity

Open theism is a theological movement that posits God's lack of knowledge regarding future events and emphasizes the free will of individuals. This concept has gained traction in recent years, attracting both supporters and critics within the Christian community. While proponents argue that open theism offers a fresh perspective on divine-human interaction, others contend that it undermines the fundamental tenets of biblical Christianity.

The Foundations of Open Theism

Open theism challenges the traditional understanding of God's omniscience, suggesting that while He knows all actualities in the present, the future remains open and unknown to Him. According to open theists, human free will plays a significant role in shaping the course of events, creating a dynamic relationship between God and humanity.

Proponents of open theism often draw upon passages from the Bible to support their claims. They argue that biblical narratives, such as God's testing of Abraham in Genesis or God changing His mind based on human actions, demonstrate that God interacts with humans in a manner that suggests limited foreknowledge.

Beyond the Bounds: Open Theism and the Undermining of Biblical Christianity

by John Piper(Kindle Edition)

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The Implications of Open Theism

Open theism's departure from the traditional view of God's foreknowledge raises several theological concerns. Critics argue that this perspective diminishes God's sovereignty by placing limits on His knowledge and authority. If God is not fully aware of every aspect of the future, can He truly be in control?

Moreover, open theism raises questions about the reliability and trustworthiness of God's promises. If God doesn't possess complete knowledge of future events, can His promises be certain? Critics argue that this undermines the very foundation of biblical Christianity – faith in a God who is all-knowing and trustworthy.

The Compatibility of Open Theism and Christianity

Open theism faces criticism within the Christian community due to its perceived inconsistency with core biblical teachings. Traditional Christian theology emphasizes God's omniscience, His eternality, and the divine authorship of human salvation. Open theism, on the other hand, questions the certainty of the future and the reliability of God's plans.

Furthermore, open theism's emphasis on human free will raises concerns about the nature of God's providence. If the future is truly open and unpredictable, how can God work all things together for good? This challenge to God's sovereignty poses significant theological hurdles that many find difficult to reconcile with biblical teachings.

The Importance of the Open Theism Debate

Despite the concerns raised by critics, the open theism debate has sparked important conversations within the Christian community. It has prompted believers to re-evaluate their understanding of God's relationship with creation and the extent of human free will. The disagreement among theologians has encouraged critical thinking and a deeper exploration of scriptural texts.

While the open theism movement has gained some traction, it remains a disputed theological position. The compatibility of open theism and biblical Christianity continues to be a subject of ongoing discussion and debate. As believers seek to understand and navigate these theological nuances, it is vital to approach the debate with humility, prayerfulness, and a willingness to engage in thoughtful dialogue.

Open theism challenges the traditional understanding of God's foreknowledge and highlights human free will as a driving force in divine-human interaction. However, this perspective faces significant criticism for potentially undermining the core tenets of biblical Christianity, including God's sovereignty and reliability. The open theism debate calls believers to engage in thoughtful reflection and exploration of scripture, allowing for a greater understanding of God's nature and His relationship with humanity.

Beyond the Bounds: Open Theism and the Undermining of Biblical Christianity

by John Piper(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3329 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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"Everyone who believes in God at all believes that He knows what you and I are going to do tomorrow."
–C. S. Lewis

This understanding of God's foreknowledge has united the church for twenty centuries. But advocates of "open theism" are presenting a different vision of God and a different view of the future.

The rise of open theism within evangelicalism has raised a host of questions. Was classical theism decisively tainted by Greek philosophy? How should we understand passages that tell us that God repents? Are essentials of biblical Christianity–like the inerrancy of Scripture, the trustworthiness of God, and the Gospel of Christ–at stake in this debate? Where, when, and why should we draw new boundaries–and is open theism beyond them? Beyond the Bounds brings together a respected team of scholars to examine the latest literature, address these questions, and give guidance to the church in this time of controversy.

Contributors include:

• John Piper
• Wayne Grudem
• Michael S. Horton
• Bruce A. Ware
• Mark R. Talbot
• A. B. Caneday
• Stephen J. Wellum
• Justin Taylor
• Paul Kjoss Helseth
• Chad Brand
• William C. Davis
• Russell Fuller

"We have prepared this book to address the issue of boundaries and, we pray, bring some remedy to the present and impending pain of embracing open theism as a legitimate Christian vision of God. . . . As a pastor, who longs to be biblical and God-centered and Christ-exalting and eternally helpful to my people, I see open theism as theologically ruinous, dishonoring to God, belittling to Christ, and pastorally hurtful. My prayer is that Christian leaders will come to see it this way, and thus love the church by counting open theism beyond the bounds of orthodox Christian teaching."
–From the Foreword by John Piper