Open Theism
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Post #4
Because now Theism is forced to face the hard, brutal and not so nice thing we call.... Reality.But wasn't there always a paradox? Why has it become so prevelant now?
Simple put, this is the century of the fruit bat, and they are forced to explain their beliefs, as we (most of us) decided to teach science and knowledge, instead of religion as the one True Word.
Re: Open Theism
Post #5jjg, to be in harmony with the forum rues, when you start a new topic for debate please consider rule 3:jjg wrote:What is your opinion on the controversial topic?
3. When you start a new topic in a debate subforum, it must state a clearly defined question(s) for debate.
I've never heard of "Open Theism" and while it's probably only a Google away, that might be enough to put other people off from joining your debate. I would suggest therefore that your opening post would benefit from a definition of Open Theism, either in your own words or as a quote from another reference.
Post #7
Given these characteristics, I would not call this a god, but simply a creature that is not human.Open theism is the belief that God is in time, does not know the future exhaustively and that God is mutable and changes.
If god is mutable and changes, then it is not perfect in and of itself.
If god is within time, then how can it be the creator of time? Conversely, if god is outside of time how can it take temporal action?
The very definition of god is ambiguous.
Post #8
It's interesting that Open Theism states that God is within time, when time is a construct of perception. What does it mean to be within a non-linear time? Does it hold that God is in time the way we are, perceiving time as we do?
Is this god one of many gods? The only God? Some have argued that Open Theism limits the perfect-ness of God. This is certainly refreshing for it also limits the authority of humans who claim to know the mind of God, who "know the truth." Open theism thus allows room for the infinite, gives way to the ever-changing nature of this place we call the universe. It opens the mind and belief to the realm of possibility and imagination- it does not stagnate through comfort, but inherently challenges.
It's a good start.
Is this god one of many gods? The only God? Some have argued that Open Theism limits the perfect-ness of God. This is certainly refreshing for it also limits the authority of humans who claim to know the mind of God, who "know the truth." Open theism thus allows room for the infinite, gives way to the ever-changing nature of this place we call the universe. It opens the mind and belief to the realm of possibility and imagination- it does not stagnate through comfort, but inherently challenges.
It's a good start.
Men at ease have contempt for misfortune
as the fate of those whose feet are slipping.
as the fate of those whose feet are slipping.
Post #9
Actually it is the closed theism view that admits that even our language of speaking of God is inadequate and we cannot have full knowlege.
Open theism tries to bring God down to our level of understanding.
Open theism tries to bring God down to our level of understanding.
Post #10
While I tend to agree with the thrust of what you mean, I must ask; Is there any other alternative? God is INFINITE. Just how does a finite mind comprehend that which is entirely beyond his/her comprehension? That is why seeking absolute truth on which to base a belief system is doomed to failure. Truth always seems to move before us, just beyond our reach, but appearing to grow in its dimensions. But in truth what has grown, is simply our individual abilities to understand. This is why we as individuals never can agree no the "facts" about God.jjg wrote:Actually it is the closed theism view that admits that even our language of speaking of God is inadequate and we cannot have full knowlege.
Open theism tries to bring God down to our level of understanding.
Bro Dave
