Evangelism and the Openness of God: The Implications of Relational Theism for Evangelism and Mission

Description: In Evangelism and the Openness of God Vaughn Baker argues that a dynamic concept of God as articulated in open theism better serves the evangelistic mission of the church than does conventional theology. Open theism affirms an ontology of love as opposed to power and it focuses on Gods kenosis in creation allowing for the authentic freedom of creation influenced by divine persuasion. Gods genuine temporal relationship with creation--one that is open synergist and non-coercive--provides a new perspective for evangelistic activity. In this volume the author has made a valuable contribution to the integration of new developments in theology and evangelism. Endorsements: Theology truly matters to evangelism. Bad theology muffles the good news or confuses its audience. Vaughn Baker shows that open theology provides a better framework for evangelism than other theological alternatives. It makes better sense of the biblical witness and our deep intuitions about human freedom and responsibility. Baker presents open theology as truly winsome theology of evangelism. --Thomas Jay Oord Northwest Nazarene University This is a splendid contribution to the literature on evangelism. Drawing on the theology of open theism it challenges conventional populist (and Calvinist) wisdom and provides an alternative theological foundation for evangelism. It also explores how we should practice the ministry of evangelism in ways that will be both effective and theologically salutary. --William J. Abraham Perkins School of Theology Southern Methodist University About the Contributor(s): Vaughn Baker is Lead Pastor of Silver Creek United Methodist Church in Azle Texas and Senior Fellow of the Polycarp Community.