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Evangelicals have bitterly debated open theism for nearly a decade. Here Christopher Hall, professor of biblical and theological studies at Eastern University, and John Sanders, professor of religion and theology at Huntington College, model how Christians who disagree about theology can learn from each other.
Hall and open-theism advocate Sanders tease out the issues through an exchange of 37 e-mails (the first nine appeared in CHRISTIANITY TODAY in May and June 2001). They debate a host of related issues, including prayer, the impassibility of God, and the problem of evil.
“Those who think they can merely cite a few biblical texts to settle this debate will learn that it is not so simple—for either side,” write the authors. Each is quick to critique the other’s arguments, and the conversation often heats up. Still, while striving for integrity in their theology, the authors’ affection for each other shines through.
Christians on both sides of the openness debate, or those wanting to investigate it for the first time, will find this a balanced and stimulating resource.
Copyright © 2003 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.
Related Elsewhere
Does God Have a Future? is available from Christianbook.com and other retailers.
In 2001, Christianity Todaypublished the first two parts of this debate between Hall and Sanders.
A ready-to-download Bible Study on this issue is available at ChristianBibleStudies.com.
More on the openness debate:
Scholars Vote: God Knows Future | But supporters of open theism say they’ll stay in the Evangelical Theological Society despite resolution. (Jan. 02, 2002)
Did Open Debate Help The Openness Debate? | It’s been centuries since Luther nailed his theses to a church door, but the Internet is reintroducing theological debate to the public square. (Feb. 16, 2001)
Closing the Door on Open Theists? | ETS to examine whether Clark Pinnock and John Sanders can remain members. (Dec. 23, 2002)
Foreknowledge Debate Clouded by “Political Agenda” | Evangelical Theologians differ over excluding Open Theists. (Nov. 19, 2001)
Evangelical Theological Society Moves Against Open Theists | Membership of Pinnock and Sanders challenged by due process (Nov. 22, 2002)
