Analyze Feinberg's Assessment of Openness Theology:
In the assessment of John Feinberg, openness theology is a newer theological
belief system that is in errears to the orthodox theology that has been taught
since the early days of the Christian Church. In fact, the more orthodox
teachings of the church can be traced all the way back to faith leaders such
as Aselm and St. Thomas Aquinas.1 In the context of traditional orthodox, God
is described as being immutable as well as unchangeable. This is to say that
there is no ability nor wherewithal for God to change as it is not within his
character.2 According to Feinberg, God is a God that is omnipotent meaning
that all knowledge that could ever be possessed is already in possession, and
this includes future decisions.3 Scripture indicates that Jesus himself is the
truth, and in him there is no falsehood, and God possesses all the knowledge
from the beginning of time through the span of eternity4; however, openness
theology teaches that God is a God that is deeply in love with his creation and
through that feeling of unconditional love, there can be no correction or
punitive measures taken in order to call his creation back from sin.5 According
to Feinberg, this is contradictory of both scripture and in error as it pertains to
traditional theology. While it is similar in core beliefs, there are notable
differences f between the two that leave the ordinary believer with more
questions than answers as it pertains to their theological outlook. According to
Feinberg, God chooses to refrain from exercising his power in order to
encourage human free will.6
In this theological belief system, we tend to attribute love as the all important
attribute about God, which is in error as love and justice are both equally
important to a sovereign creator. We also tend to attribute love alone to God
rather than his commitment to his creation.7 It is in this theology that followers
reject the fact that God is all knowing while holding that God cannot know the
future8, which is in error according to scripture and traditional theology.
Discuss at least 3 theological reasons for agreement or disagreement with
Feinberg. These reasons should not be given as mere personal preferences,
but should instead reflect solid biblical/theological data that support the
position:
1. God himself is the sovereign ruler over all the world.9 God, as our creator
and sustainer, is in complete control and authority over everything that we do.
Often times, humans believe that knowledge of God can be gained through our
own abilities and understandings, failing to realize that it is only through the
divine call of God that we are able lot know him.10 Whereas openness theology
teaches that God cannot know the future, God absolutely knows the future and
is directing each and every step that his creation makes.
2. God is divinely aware of the future. In Feinberg's analysis, he states that
"God's ignorance of the future is no limitation, for noone can know the future."11
For the sake of a good example, take a look at eschatology. Through prophets
and through writers, God has given a clear indication of what's to come in the
end times. If God was not omnipotent and all-knowing of future events, current
events would mean nothing in the grand scheme of eschatological prophecy
because we wouldn't have prophecy to point to.
3. The Love of God is all-sufficient and constant. There is never a time in
which the love of God changes. Openness theology teaches that based upon
future actions, this will indicate the love that God has towards his children.
This is in error in accordance with the scriptures. Why? The characteristics and
attributes of God never changes. The same love that pursued David pursues
us. There is not shadow of change from God himself. There is never a time
that God will love us any more or any less based upon what we will do for
him. Paul, in Romans 5:8 states that " while we were still sinners, Christ died
for us." God's love is not based upon our goodness of our character or the
level of our sin. God's love is constant and always in total pursuit.
Does Wells and Feinberg agree? Explain why or why not.
As one seeks to find common ground, they will quickly arrive at the response
that there is no agreement between Wells and Feinberg on this issue. Why?
Wells holds to the more traditional orthodox theology that holds that God is
not only a God of love, but he is also a God of Justice. According to wells, it
is generally through the lens of personal preference and wanting a loving God
rather than a judgmental savior.11 Feinberg asserts that God doesn't know the
future, so he confronts our action in the future, whereas wells points to the
fact that that God is constantly conforming believers in to his image on a day
to day basis and that our decisions in the future are not lost on God. He
knows and he is utilizing his Holy Spirit to steer us away from danger.12 Lastly,
Feinberg is of the mindset that God is limited and cannot be ever-present;
Wells however, states that God is not limited by space or time. He is
unlimited, and is constantly surrounding those whom he loves.14 Whereas there
can be some commonality found within the theologies mentioned, there is
more questions left with openness theology than answers provided from the
study of the Theology. This writer tends to subscribe more to Wells point of
view than Feinberg's and believes that God is a God of love, as well as a God
of Justice while being ever present and all knowing of past and future events.
[1] John S. Feinberg. No One Like Him: The Doctrine of God (2019), p. 62. [2]
Ibid., 64.
[3] Ibid., 69.
[4] Ibid., 69.
[5] Ibid., 69.
[6] Ibid., 70.
[7] Rissler, James. Open Theology. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Oglethorpe University. U. S. A. 2020. https://iep.utm.edu/o-theism/
[8] ] John S. Feinberg. No One Like Him: The Doctrine of God (2019), p. 72.
[9] John S. Feinberg. No One Like Him: The Doctrine of God (2019), p. 66.
[10] David F Wells. God in the Whirlwind: How the Holy-love of God Reorients
Our World (2019). P. 34.
[11] John S. Feinberg. No One Like Him: The Doctrine of God (2019), p. 68.
[12] David F Wells. God in the Whirlwind: How the Holy-love of God Reorients
Our World (2019), p. 66. [15] Ibid., 24.
[13] Ibid., 32.
[14] Ibid, 32
Bibliography
Feinberg, John S., No One Like Him: The Doctrine of God (2019)
Rissler, James. Open Theology. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. f f f f f f f f
f f f f f f f f f f f
f f f f f f f f f Oglethorpe University. U. S. A. 2020. https://iep.utm.edu/o-theism/
Wells, David F., God in the Whirlwind: How the Holy-love of God Reorients Our
f f f f f f f f f World (2019).
