Open Theism

Definition and Meaning

Open theism (also called openness theology) holds that the future, insofar as it depends on the free decisions of creatures, is not yet determined. Accordingly, God does not foreknow that future as settled fact. Proponents maintain that this view does not deny the omniscience of God (His knowledge of all things). Rather, they argue, to know a future that does not yet exist as a range of possibilities is itself perfect knowledge. They also hold that God enters into genuinely reciprocal relationships with human beings and at times changes His plans in response to prayer and to human actions.

This view is also distinct from process theology. Process theology holds that God's power is inherently limited. Open theism, by contrast, affirms creation out of nothing and the omnipotence of God, explaining that God has freely chosen to grant freedom to His creatures.

Biblical and Historical Background

Proponents read the following passages as straightforward descriptions of a genuine relationship:

• God repented (Genesis 6:6)
• "Now I know" (Genesis 22:12)
• God relented from what He had intended (Exodus 32:14; Jonah 3:10; Jeremiah 18:7-10)

Opponents cite Isaiah 46:9-10, Psalm 139:16, and Acts 2:23. They regard the passages above as language accommodated to human understanding (anthropomorphic expressions).

The view gained wide attention through The Openness of God (1994), coauthored by Clark Pinnock, Richard Rice, John Sanders, William Hasker, and David Basinger. Controversy subsequently arose within American evangelicalism. In 2001 the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) adopted a resolution affirming that God knows all things, including the future decisions of free agents. The Southern Baptist Convention's Baptist Faith and Message 2000 states the same position explicitly.

Reception in the Korean Church

In the Korean church, open theism is discussed mainly in seminaries and theological literature. It is often introduced in connection with efforts to address the problem of suffering and evil and the meaning of prayer. It is rarely taught at the congregational level. There is no widely known instance of a major Korean denomination issuing an official resolution on this view.

The focus of criticism varies by denominational tradition.

• The Reformed tradition, including Presbyterians: The Westminster Confession of Faith confesses that God's knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent of the creature. On this basis, this tradition regards open theism as incompatible with the sovereignty of God.
• The Wesleyan tradition, including Methodists and Holiness churches: Like Arminianism, this tradition emphasizes free will. It nevertheless holds that God knows the future in advance (foreknowledge) and that this foreknowledge does not coerce human freedom. For this reason, this tradition also distances itself from open theism.

Proponents argue that open theism enables believers to understand God as a God of personal relationship.