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| Open Theism Discussion Board > Public Forums > General Chat > An OVT Systematic Theology | Forum Quick Jump
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|  The Remonstrant Registered Member
 Date Joined Feb 2007 Total Posts : 2 | Posted 2/4/2007 5:04 AM (GMT -6) |   | I think that the major open view theists (eg, Pinnock, Sanders, Rice, Boyd) should write a book or establish some sort of systematic theology, or a kind of confession, however loosely, in order to establish a consenus of what OVTs actually believe. Of course no one can doubt that all OVTs believe in divine nescience and class election only, but what of their soteriology?
Seeing as open theists are neo-Arminians, one would think most adhere to an enabling, prevenient grace and so on. What do they think of the doctrine of orginal sin? How about the doctrine of hell? Pinnock and Sanders both are conditionalists. Are most OVTs conditionalists? What are their views on creationism? Do any ascribe to the six consecutive twenty-four hour day theory, and that the earth is only six thousand years old? Is there a particular theory of atonement that OVTs ascribe to? Is Christus Victor it? Do they believe in a substitutionary atonement?
The OVTs need to send their message out more clearly as to what OVT is, not so much what it is not, by getting bogged down defending themselves against false accusations posed to them by a number of men from the "Reformed" camp. 'The Openness of God' title was very good; however, I think that it is past time for a sequel, and this one on more than divine nescience. I really would like to see OVTs coming out with NT commentaries (esp. on Romans) and systematic theologies. IVP will publish their works. Why does it seem as though their work is faltering while the neo-Calvinists are plugging out book after book, systematic theology after systematic theology, commentary after commentary? Sanders is coming out with a revised edition of 'The God Who Risks'. That's good, but I am really hoping to see more work from the neo-Arminians. | | Back to Top | | |
   |  The Remonstrant Registered Member
 Date Joined Feb 2007 Total Posts : 2 | Posted 2/5/2007 10:46 AM (GMT -6) |   | Here is a link from IVP on Sanders' new book:
http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=2837
On IVP's page, they say the title is expected out June 2007, but Amazon has it up for pre-order sometime in February. I don't know for certain when it will be out. Very interested, though. | | Back to Top | | |
 |  Daniel D. Farmer Registered Member
 Date Joined Nov 2006 Total Posts : 4 | Posted 2/6/2007 5:16 PM (GMT -6) |   | Glad to hear Sanders is revising his 'God who Risks'. Personally though, I feel it would be best if OV folks left their open theism where it started: as a framework for understanding divine nescience. Surely, it extends beyond the question of God's knowledge because it implies LFW and synergism, but there are so many ways that can be worked out, I wonder if a coherent OVT worldview is even possible.
As far as soteriology and the question of hell are concerned, I would be most delighted if OVTers would take their hints from NT Wright, Andrew Perriman (www.opensourcetheology.net) and company. An eschatology which understands the nature of Jewish apocalyptic literature and prophecy will necessarily better our understanding of judgment talk in the NT. Once talk of judgment is properly contextualized, 'hell' falls into the background. I am more and more convinced that the Bible says relatively little about people's 'eternal destinations', and much more about our mission as the people of God (in our 'post-eschatological' situation) than anything else (cf. Perriman's book 'The Coming of the Son of Man' and anything by Wright). Although we owe it to ourselves to show (from Scripture and philosophy) that hell as eternal conscious torment is below God (as revealed in Jesus) and below God's justice.
Really at heart, I'm crossing my fingers for a convergence between emerging church theology and open theism.
But time will tell.
Cheers,
-Daniel- | | Back to Top | | |
 |  Starkman Registered Member

Date Joined Oct 2001 Total Posts : 1747 | Posted 2/6/2007 6:34 PM (GMT -6) |   | Personally, my starting point for and understanding of, and an adherence of, Open Theism is none other than reality; something that demonstrates an open future. I don't start with God's nescience, and I don't need any tie between Open Theism and LFW in order to have a starting point. Reality works just fine for me in proving that part of the future must be open. Reality, thus, leads me to consider LFW as I possess it, but I don't start with LFW.
Starkman My teacher used to say that whenever he read Scripture, he would always ask the question, "What does this have to say about the character of God?" Working off his thinking, as I read Scripture, I have come to ask, "What does this have to say about the heart and passion of God's desire for relationship with us? | | Back to Top | | |
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