Quick Answer:
Many people do not realize they have been influenced by open theism. This is unfortunate. Classical theism has been proven true for generations.

Theology shapes how we view God, worship Him, and live out our faith. Two contrasting views, open theism and classical theism, represent significantly different understandings of God’s nature, His relationship to time, and His sovereignty. As a classical theist, I firmly believe the classical perspective is not only more consistent with Scripture but also more grounded in the historic Christian faith.

A Brief History of the Debate

Classical theism is the traditional view of God upheld by the church for centuries. Rooted in the teachings of Augustine, Aquinas, and the early church fathers, it emphasizes God’s immutability (unchanging nature), omniscience (complete knowledge), and omnipotence (supreme power). God is seen as transcendent, outside of time, and not subject to change or human limitations.

In contrast, open theism emerged more recently, gaining traction in the late 20th century. Figures like Clark Pinnock, John Sanders, and Greg Boyd championed this view, arguing for a more relational and responsive God who does not know the future exhaustively. Open theists claim their view better aligns with Scripture and reflects a God who genuinely interacts with His creation.

Key Figures in the Discussion

• Classical Theists: Augustine, Anselm, Thomas Aquinas, and more recently, theologians like R.C. Sproul and John Frame.
• Open Theists: Clark Pinnock, John Sanders, Greg Boyd, and Richard Rice.

Core Differences Between the Two Views

The differences between these perspectives are stark:

1. God’s Knowledge of the Future

• Classical Theism: God knows all things, including the future, fully and exhaustively. He sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10) because He stands outside of time and created all things according to His sovereign will.
• Open Theism: God knows everything that is knowable, but because the future is not yet determined, He cannot know it fully. Open theists argue that God has “chosen” not to know certain future free actions of humans to preserve genuine freedom.

2. God’s Immutability

• Classical Theism: God does not change (Malachi 3:6). His purposes are fixed, and His nature is unalterable. This immutability provides assurance of His promises.
• Open Theism: God can change in response to human actions. Open theists claim this makes Him more relational and able to engage dynamically with His creation.

3. God’s Sovereignty

• Classical Theism: God is fully sovereign, ordaining all that comes to pass while working through human free will. Nothing surprises Him or thwarts His plans (Job 42:2).
• Open Theism: God’s sovereignty is limited by human freedom. They argue that God’s ultimate plans can be altered or adapted based on human choices.

Examples of Differences in Application

Prayer

Consider a situation like prayer. A classical theist sees prayer as aligning our hearts with God’s eternal purposes, knowing that He works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). Open theists, however, often view prayer as a means of influencing God’s decisions because He is responsive and open to change.

Prophecy

Another example is prophecy. Classical theism views fulfilled prophecy as evidence of God’s exhaustive foreknowledge and sovereignty. Open theism struggles to account for specific, detailed prophecies (e.g., Isaiah’s prophecy about Cyrus in Isaiah 45) without undermining their view of the future as open and uncertain.

Why Classical Theism Is Right

Classical theism’s strength lies in its consistency with Scripture, church history, and reason.

1- Biblical Support

Scripture consistently portrays God as all-knowing (Psalm 147:5), unchanging (James 1:17), and sovereign over all things (Ephesians 1:11). Open theism’s interpretation of texts that depict God “relenting” (e.g., Jonah 3:10) or changing His mind fails to consider anthropomorphic language used to describe God in ways humans can understand.

2- Theological Tradition

The church has historically upheld classical theism. Departures like open theism often reflect modern attempts to reconcile God’s nature with human understanding, often at the expense of biblical fidelity.

3- Philosophical Coherence

A God who is not all-knowing, unchanging, or sovereign cannot offer the same assurance or hope. If God can change or make mistakes, how can we trust His promises? The classical view of God provides a firm foundation for faith.

Bottom Line

Open theism appeals to modern sensibilities by emphasizing relationship and freedom. However, it ultimately diminishes God’s glory, sovereignty, and trustworthiness. Classical theism offers a more robust, biblically faithful understanding of God’s nature—a God who is unchanging, all-knowing, and sovereign, yet deeply personal and relational.

In the end, the classical view of God not only exalts Him as He truly is but also provides the bedrock for our faith, hope, and worship.

Further Study