Feinberg has assessed the openness theology which is different
from the orthodox theology. The classical theology states that
God is unchangeable. He is omnipotent and omnipresent which
implies that he knows everything and he is present everywhere.
He has complete knowledge pertaining to the future, including
the actions that are carried out by mankind. Thus there is
nothing else that God has to learn. On the other hand, the
openness theology emphasised on the love that God has for his
creation. According to the openness theology, God is completely
loving due to which he is not harsh towards his creation[1].
Feinberg believes that as per the openness theology, the
Almighty is completely different from how he is portrayed in the
classical theology. The only similarity between these theologies
is that they both consider God to be the supreme power.
Two fundamental concepts are associated with the openness theology.
The first concept is that love is the most vital quality that humans
attribute to God. The second concept is that love is not restricted to
simply care and commitment. Love is also about being sensitive as well as
responsive in nature. The openness theologians state that God is aware of
all the truths that need to be known by him. The followers of the theology
reject any attempt to synthesize the divine foreknowledge as well as
libertarian free will and the claims that God is not aware of the future.
The three theological reasons for agreement or disagreement
with Feinberg have been presented below:
God is the world’s absolute sovereign monarch –He has complete
control over everything that is done by man. He is absolute in whatever
he does.
God has knowledge about the future –According to Feinberg the
ignorance of the future of God is not a limitation as no one knows the
future. But the writer has ignored the fact that God himself has predicted
the future as well as the signs relating to the end time (Matt. 24).
Someone who is ignorant of the future cannot make predictions about the
future and highlight exact signs of end time.
The love that God has for mankind never changes –According to the
Openness theology, the Almighty changes his position towards mankind.
This change is based on what is done by mankind in the future. This claim
seems to be inaccurate as the character of God is consistent and
constant. God would not love human beings less or more on the basis of
what the creation does for him in the future. The Scripture states that
even when man committed sins, Jesus Christ sacrificed his life for him.
Thus the love of God is not based on good deeds or the future conduct[2].
Wells does not agree with the views of Feinberg. According to
Wells, God is much more than the God of love as he is also the
God of judgement. Even though he gives human free will, he also
judges the actions of man. Feinberg claims that God is unaware
of the future but Wells does not support the idea. 6
Bibliography
Nicholls, Jason A. "Openness and inerrancy: Can they be
compatible?."6Journal of the evangelical theological society645, no. 4
(2002): 629.
Pinnock, Clark H.6Most Moved Mover: A Theology of God's Openness. Wipf
and Stock Publishers, 2019.
6
[1]6Pinnock, Clark H.6Most Moved Mover: A Theology of God's Openness.
Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2019.
6
[2]6Nicholls, Jason A. "Openness and inerrancy: Can they be
compatible?."6Journal of the evangelical theological society645, no. 4
(2002): 629.
