Beyond the Bounds Open Theism and the Undermining of Biblical Christianity

9781581344622

1581344627

"Everyone who believes in God at all believes that He knows whatyou and I are going to do tomorrow." -C. S. Lewis This understanding of God's foreknowledge has united the churchfor twenty centuries. But advocates of "open theism" are presentinga different vision of God and a different view of the future. The rise of open theism within evangelicalism has raised a hostof questions. Was classical theism decisively tainted by Greekphilosophy? How should we understand passages that tell us that Godrepents? Are essentials of biblical Christianity-like theinerrancy of Scripture, the trustworthiness of God, and the Gospelof Christ-at stake in this debate? Where, when, and whyshould we draw new boundaries-and is open theism beyond them?Beyond the Bounds brings together a respected team of scholars toexamine the latest literature, address these questions, and giveguidance 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 boundariesand, we pray, bring some remedy to the present and impending painof embracing open theism as a legitimate Christian vision of God. .. . As a pastor, who longs to be biblical and God-centered andChrist-exalting and eternally helpful to my people, I see opentheism as theologically ruinous, dishonoring to God, belittling toChrist, and pastorally hurtful. My prayer is that Christian leaderswill come to see it this way, and thus love the church by countingopen theism beyond the bounds of orthodox Christian teaching." -From the Foreword by John Piper