Models of God’s Action
A few podcast hosts have asked me to “locate” my theology in relation to other views of God. This is natural, and I like to compare views of God. Comparisons help me explain my Uncontrolling Love of God theology, which I also call Essential Kenosis. In my book The Uncontrolling Love of God, I […]
God Can’t – Making Sense of Things
I’m on a quest to make some sense of God and life. The journey isn’t easy. I seek help from the sciences, arts, literature, cultures, sages and saints, and wisdom traditions. I also read theological texts and devote time to thinking about God. But I see as if looking through a darkened glass […]
Thanksgiving and the Uncontrolling God
The Thanksgiving holiday is a terrific time to talk theology. But some theologies make more sense when offering thanks to God. Whether the setting is private or public, secular or sacred, hundreds of millions express gratitude. For what, however, are we to thank God? What credit is due the divine? […]
My Response to Howard Snyder
My friend, Howard Snyder, has written a review of my new book, The Uncontrolling Love of God. I thought it might be helpful if I responded. I have great respect for Howard and his work. Although we disagree on several theological issues, I count him as an important voice in Wesleyan Theology […]
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.
No, Marco Rubio, Terrorism is Not Part of God’s Plan
“We are children of an all-powerful God,” Marco Rubio told an Iowa audience recently. “Everything that happens is a part of His plan.” I think Rubio is wrong. In his campaign speech, Rubio said he has been asked about God in light of terrorism. People wonder, “Where was God on 9/11? Where was God in […]
My Response to Roger Olson
Dear Roger, Thanks for taking the time to review and critique my new book, The Uncontrolling Love of God. I have long been a fan of your work, and I read your blog on occasion. I often find your writing commendable and frequently recommend it to my students and friends. I consider myself a […]
Did God Allow the Paris Attacks?
Most theologians would say “yes.” I say “no.” If current reports are correct, ISIS planned various attacks in Paris that killed more than 100 people and injured about 500. An attack occurred in Beirut, and other acts of terror have been committed. The death, pain, and suffering are immense. Those […]
Goldilocks and God’s Power
The story of Goldilocks and the three bears can help us think well about God’s power. Some theologians in Christian history have thought divine power means that God controls everything. They often use the phrase, “God is sovereign.” Paul Kjoss Helseth, a contemporary advocate of the view, calls the […]
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 in some form. Here’s […]