Definition
Open Theism is the belief that while God created the world as an all-knowing entity, He granted humanity free will so genuine that even He doesn’t fully predict our future choices. In simpler terms, it’s like God is watching the greatest improv show of all time, and we’re unscripted!
Meaning
Open Theism deals with human free will and the quirks of a future not set in stone. Proponents argue that for free will to be truly liberating, even God shouldn’t have a spoiler alert for our life decisions.
Synonyms
- Openness Theology
- The Open View
Antonyms
- Determinism
- Classical Theism
Key Takeaways
- Free Will: For it to be real, even an omniscient God wouldn’t know our every move.
- Divine Relationship: God’s knowledge folds around our choices without diminishment of human freedom.
Importance
This debate isn’t just philosophical navel-gazing; it shapes beliefs about morality, divine justice, and how prayers might work. Open Theism suggests a dynamic, responsive relationship with God rather than one set in stone.
Types of Views 📜
- Classical Theism: God knows everything, including human choices. Humans are free, but God has already seen the movie of life a thousand times.
- Open Theism: God knows all possibilities but remains open to any choice within human freedom. He’s watching the show unfold and hasn’t read the last page of the script.
Real-World Examples 🌍
- When Lucy prays for help choosing a career, she’d believe God genuinely doesn’t know which path she’ll take until she sets foot on it.
- When Jake breaks his diet, he humorously figures even God was holding His breath, hoping Jake would resist the chocolate cake.
Quotes
- 📜 “The future is like an open book - it’s up to us to fill in the pages!” - Theological Mimi
Suggested Literature 📚
- “The Openness of God” by Clark Pinnock
- “God of the Possible” by Gregory Boyd
Related Terms
- Foreknowledge: Knowledge of an event before it occurs.
- Predestination: Divine foreordaining of all that will happen.
- Free Will: The ability to choose freely without external compulsion.
Comparison to Related Terms 📊
| Terms | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Determinism | Certainty about future, divine plan clarity. | Restricts genuinely free choice, challenging moral responsibility. |
| Open Theism | Genuine free will, dynamic divine-human relationship. | Complicated theological implications regarding prophecy and divine nature. |
Fun Proverbs and Quotations
- 🗯️ “If God wanted prophets, He’d watch Netflix!” - Open Theist comedian
Movies and Books 🎥
- “Bruce Almighty”: Imagine divine powers and still dealing with free will!
- “The Adjustment Bureau”: Wrestling with predestined paths and personal choices.
Quizzes
May the theologies of the cosmos keep you curious and inspired! 🚀
Theo Logian
October 21, 2023
