Making Sense of God and Evil
We all want to make sense of life. But tragedies and evils – whether caused by free creatures, microorganisms, or random events – make it difficult to do so.
Avoiding the Mystery Card
I’ve been reading what great and not so great theologians say about evil. The vast majority believe an almighty God could stop evil. But they don’t know why a loving God doesn’t do so. It’s a mystery, they say. I’ve recently published a book that solves the problem of evil. The Uncontrolling Love of God offers […]
Mary Cooperates with Uncontrolling Love
“Be it unto me,” says Mary, the mother of Jesus. She speaks in response to the Spirit’s plans for a special incarnation. And in her consent, Mary becomes a powerful example of what it means to cooperate with God’s uncontrolling love. Biblical Support for Essential Kenosis Many people are saying they find attractive the vision […]
Evil is Random, Even for God
We all want to make sense of life. The stakes for Christians in the endeavor to make sense of life are as high as stakes can be. I’ve been thinking for some time about two major questions in my quest to make sense of life. The first is familiar to just about everyone, at least […]
The Most Neglected Issue in Explanations of Evil
In my current book, I offer a model of providence I call “Essential Kenosis.” One of my main arguments is that this model gives a plausible reason why a loving and powerful God fails to prevent genuine evil. One aspect of my argument, however, addresses what we might call God’s “constitution.” I find this aspect neglected more than any other by those who address the problem of evil.
The Preeminence of Love in God
My version of open and relational theology says love is the preeminent attribute in God’s nature. As I read John Sanders’s work, he seems to think sovereignty precedes love in God’s nature.
The Problem of Good
The book I am currently writing explores God’s providence in relation to randomness and purpose, evil and good. In it, I offer solutions both to the problem of evil and the problem of randomness. But I also address a third, little discussed “problem:” the problem of good.
Plantinga, Divine Action, and Free Will
Alvin Plantinga is an excellent philosopher and someone I admire greatly. His new book, Where the Conflict Really Lies, offers great arguments and insights. But when it comes to the relationship between science, God’s action, and creaturely freedom, Plantinga’s proposals disappoint.
Open Theology’s Problem with the Problem of Evil
Open theology offers an impressive theological framework. But Open theology has a problem with the problem of evil.
God Can’t!—and the Bible Says So
I sometimes hear the argument that we should not speculate about the attributes of God’s nature. Overall, I don’t find this argument convincing.