One on One with Dr. Mike Stallard

What is open theism?
Open theism is the view that God does not know the future until the future becomes today. The name is meant to convey the idea that God is open to the possibilities of the future and that God changes in His being and mind.

Who are the major proponents of this view?
The major proponents of the view are Clark Pinnock, John Sanders, and Gregory Boyd.

How does that differ from traditional theology?
In traditional theology, God knows the future. In my opinion, what they are trying to do is have a “I feel your pain” kind of God. They want a more human God. Classical theism says that God can understand our pain even while maintaining His sovereignty. Their concern that God doesn't feel our pain is misplaced. The incarnation proves He deeply cares for us even under the traditional view.

What are the implications of this theological view?
First, it is totally incompatible with dispensationalism. If God can change His mind, that means He can change His mind about promises He made to Israel and the promises He made to the Church. We can never be sure about our future hope. Second, they are selective in their use of the Bible. They will argue that questions spoken by God about the future imply that He does not know future outcomes. The problem is that God asks rhetorical questions that have meaning in the present such as God's question to Adam, “Where are you?” Finally, open theism is not compatible with inerrancy. If God can change his mind, then passages that record prophecies are not correct, meaning that the Word of God is not inerrant. The view is not evangelical. Some of their concerns are right. They are concerned about the problem of evil. They want to believe that God is powerful enough to act but doesn't always know enough to act, so their solution to the problem is wrong.

How does it affect a Christian's life day to day?
I think it would change the level of confidence a believer has in God's Word. I don't want a God that's like me. I want a God that's bigger than me. It could change your prayer life if you don't know if God knows enough to answer your prayer.

How prevalent or widespread is this view?
This view is widespread. It's not a majority view within evangelical circles; however, there are members of the Evangelical Theological Society who hold this view. A large minority of the members of ETS could not agree to a statement affirming that God is omniscient or all-knowing.

What are some resources you would recommend to someone interested in this topic?
Some of the main books perpetuating the open theism view are The God Who Risks by John Sanders, Openness of God by Clark Pinnock and others, Most Moved Mover by Clark Pinnock, and The God of the Possible by Gregory Boyd. Books written in response to open theists include: Creating God in the Image of Man? by Norman Geisler, No Other God by John Frame, and God's Lesser Glory by Bruce Ware.

Mike Stallard (Ph.D.) is Professor of Systematic Theology and Director of Ph.D. program at Baptist Bible Seminary. He is an experienced pastor who has pastored various church plants and churches. Contact Dr. Stallard at mstallard@bbc.edu.