In recent years, new theologies have risen to answer the questions concerning the existence of God and evil. Openness, Love, and Essential Kenosis theologies offer an explanation for evil; however, there are several issues within these theologies which cause concern. Their answer redefines omniscience, teaches that God cannot be a sufficient cause, and stresses the proper way to understand God is only through love. These views have direct implications on the inspiration of Scripture and God’s self-revelations. Although there are other issues of concern, this paper will focus on these areas stated in the thesis. The questions concerning the existence of God and evil are important and in one’s spiritual formation, a person should develop a theology with reasonable answers; however, not at the cost of God’s majesty.
The first area of concern with Openness theology is God’s omniscience and foreknowledge. Openness theology teaches that God does …show more content…
Notice the diversity in the Biblical witness to God. Moses wrote that He is, “a consuming fire and a jealous God” (Deut. 4:24). Perhaps this is a reference to His Love; however, does it sound like love was the emphasis when Moses wrote that God would drive out the other nations before the Israelites (Deut. 9:5)? God commands that if anyone is working on the Sabbath, he should be put to death (Ex. 35:2). He sent an evil spirit to torment Saul (1 Sam. 16:14), and He sent a lying spirit to lead Ahab to his death (2 Ch. 18:21). God rained down fire on Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:24). He killed Nadab and Abihu for disobedience (Lev. 10:2). He burned up two-hundred and fifty men for rebellion (Num. 16:35) and He sent down fire to burn people up at Elijah’s requests (2 Ki. 1). Perhaps, these passages are the biblical witness that God is also a holy God and will show Himself to be holy (Is. 5:16). It could also be that God shows Himself to be a God beyond His people’s
The first area of concern with Openness theology is God’s omniscience and foreknowledge. Openness theology teaches that God does …show more content…
Notice the diversity in the Biblical witness to God. Moses wrote that He is, “a consuming fire and a jealous God” (Deut. 4:24). Perhaps this is a reference to His Love; however, does it sound like love was the emphasis when Moses wrote that God would drive out the other nations before the Israelites (Deut. 9:5)? God commands that if anyone is working on the Sabbath, he should be put to death (Ex. 35:2). He sent an evil spirit to torment Saul (1 Sam. 16:14), and He sent a lying spirit to lead Ahab to his death (2 Ch. 18:21). God rained down fire on Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:24). He killed Nadab and Abihu for disobedience (Lev. 10:2). He burned up two-hundred and fifty men for rebellion (Num. 16:35) and He sent down fire to burn people up at Elijah’s requests (2 Ki. 1). Perhaps, these passages are the biblical witness that God is also a holy God and will show Himself to be holy (Is. 5:16). It could also be that God shows Himself to be a God beyond His people’s