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 #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. # # # # #
# # # # # # 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
% % % % % % %World#(2019).
