Well here I go again! After numerous attempts to maintain a blog on my Mac I have succumb to setting up a blog on a public site. It seemed blogging on my Mac has a slight flaw, you can only make entires when your on your Mac. For those of us that have to work between two computers (Home is a Mac and work is a PC) it makes it difficult if not almost impossible to maintain a blog. Then compound this with the fact that I travel about 50% of the time, well it just made it impossible to keep my blog up to date. Soo here is my new blog site, so enjoy! BTW - I will still keep my Mac blog, but now I'll use it just for pictures and family stuff.As you can see by the title of my blog I have dedicated this site to express or discuss various theological issues that are on my heart - especially that of Open Theism. Not all discussions will pertain to Open Theism, but it is my hope that this site will encourage folks to think about their own views and opinions regarding God's character and even challenge their theological positions from time to time. I encourage you to comment or respond as often as possible.
So for my first posting I figure I would start things off fairly "light hearted". I've clipped in a cartoon that caught my eye today. I thought this cartoon was very poignant with regards to the matter of seeking the truth. Sadly, many so called "truth seekers" are in fact seeking what this cartoon so wonderfully illustrates - many are seeking agreement. When one is confronted with the truths of God, you will be force to make a decision as to what you will do with it. This reminds me of a verse in John 6:60-64:
Many therefore of his disciples, when the heard this, said, This is a hard saying; who can hear it? 61But Jesus knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at this, said unto them, Doth this cause you to stumble? 62What then if ye should behold the Son of man ascending where he was before? 63It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, are are life. 64But there are some of you that believe not.(NASB)
The disciples had just received a new Word from Jesus (in v41-58). In a nutshell Christ, explained to them that in order for them to "truly live" they must fully "consume Christ". But yet many who heard this truth realized what it would cost them - it would cost them EVERYTHING! As a result, this was way too costly of a price for many of his disciples - in so much they ended up leaving his ministry over it.
When one is confronted with a truth from God we have two directions by which we can turn: 1. Fully accept it and allow it to transform us; 2. Deny it and continue live in utter deception. Unfortunately, many so called Christians are happy and comfortable believing in doctrines that allow them not to change their hearts or live completely for God. Whereas they will not live a righteous and blameless lifestyle as Christ commands because they have finally found a doctrine that "agrees with them"! For Example, how often do we here someone say "Christians sin in word, thought and deed everyday - we just can't help it!" Sadly, these are expressions of a people who have denied the revealed truths of God - that we are freed from our sins! Just as the cartoon above illustrates, many will search for a doctrine that will allow them to continue in their sinful lifestyles, rather than allowing the truth to "Set us" free from sin and death!
7 comments:
Hi Preston,
Just happened to stumble across your blog...So, I figured Id poke around. What is your view on Open-Theism?
Jay
Thanks for stopping by - you are my first comment so thanks! As for my view on Open Theism I am a ardent believer and supporter of it. About four years ago a friend of mine began to talk to me about it and I have been a "beleiver" every since.
My position on Open Theism really starts with biblical hermeneutics. I think that's the real issue with most people's doctrine is they have not looked at scripture hermeneutically, but rather come to scripture with an agenda or presuppositions.
I'm am honored to be the first comment! Were you a believer in Christ before you studied the Open View? How do you support this approach? Just trying to get a sense of your background....
Jaybird
I had been a Christian for almost 15 years before coming to the Open View. As for how I support this approach really begins with biblical hermeneutics. I have found this is where the real "rift" lies between Calvinist and Open Theist (I say Calvinist here as they are typically the ones that have the biggest issue with Open Theism). Prior to even being exposed to the Open View I had studied hermeneutics extensively and it wasn't until then I was introduced to Open Theism. As a result of my own experience with hermeneutics, the Open View is undeniable.
As a side note, I have found that most people have wrongly defined Open Theist position on omniscience. Most claim we totally deny God has any omniscience - but this is far from the truth.
May I ask what's your interest in Open Theism??
Preston,
My interest is simply my passion for Theology. Although I have studied this approach,(I am a bit of an apologist), I have little experience with Open Theists, actually you are the first person I have spoken to that I know believes this view.
I am neither a Calvinist nor an Open theist myself,(yet I still consider you a brother in Christ).
I would appreciate it if you could tell me a little more about how you have come to this view, or why you find it undeniable.
Jaybird
I must commend you for your desire for theology. To find one who is seeking truth these days is a real rarity.
Again, I find the Open View undeniable because it does not violate right reason - whereas the opposing view violates right reason and does not reflect the whole of Scriptures concerning both God's Character and His Omniscience.
In order for me to properly explain and have you understand my position better would take up a lot of back and forth here, so if you don't mind I can email you a couple of papers that could help progress this conversation along. Once you read the paper then I would be more than happier to answers any questions you might have.
"To find one who is seeking truth these days is a real rarity."
I agree, It excites me to find those who seek Scriptural truth. Lord bless you!
Yes, we are unable to continue a longer discussion in this environment.
Feel free to e-mail me if you wish...
2jesusfreaks@comcast.net
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