A brief historical introduction places the view in its historical context. This is followed by a section discussing some philosophical assumptions and implications of open theism, and the essay concludes with various theological topics. We discuss both the differences between open theism and other theological positions, and some matters of disagreement among open theists.
Tom Oord’s reply to my journal article (which criticized his understanding of theodicy and miracles) contains a number of helpful clarifications which help me understand his position better. Yet, I believe he misunderstands some things as well. In what follows I shall briefly address some of the topics raised in his reply that I hope […]
Problems with Oord’s theodicy and miracles. John Sanders. Professor of Religious Studies, Hendrix College. Draft version, not for citation or quotation. Published version: “Why Oord’s Essential Kenosis Model Fails to Solve the Problem of Evil While Retaining Miracles.” Wesleyan Journal of Theology (fall, 2016): 174-187 Abstract: From the notion that love is incompatible with control […]
Interview with Chris Fisher
From Homebrewed Christianity
Here is a fun example of how different languages can think about the same topic differently. Think for a moment about how English speakers understand the future in relation to our bodies. A parent may say to a child that “You have your entire future in front of you” and a commencement speaker tells the […]
Words are prompts or triggers for our minds to construct meaning. If someone says they are going to a wedding our minds furnish the event of a wedding lots of information about the rituals and dress of those involved. The same words may sometimes prompt different meanings depending upon the culture. For instance, take the […]
Words are prompts or triggers for our minds to construct meaning. If someone says they are going to a wedding our minds furnish the event of a wedding with lots of information about the rituals and dress of those involved. The same words may sometimes prompt different meanings depending upon the culture. For instance, take […]
It is common to believe that God “transcends” the sorts of limitations that we creatures have. We tend to think of God as above or beyond the created realm. The words “above” and “beyond” are common human spatial terms and are used to “elevate” the divine majesty. Some theologians use above and beyond to argue […]
The Bible contains over fifty different metaphors for understanding who God is and our relationship to God. Some of these are: husband, woman, shepherd, potter, bear, eagle, and rock. The metaphors structure how humans construe the types of relations and expected behaviors we have with God. For instance, thinking of God as a father involves […]
Embracing ProdigalsJanuary 6, 2022 - 8:04 pm
Theology in the FleshMay 20, 2016 - 1:29 am
The God Who Risks: A Theology of Divine ProvidenceMarch 14, 2016 - 7:35 pm
No Other Name: An Investigation into the Destiny of the UnevangelizedMarch 13, 2016 - 7:29 pm
What About Those Who Have Never Heard?March 12, 2016 - 5:25 pm