God's Absence and the Charismatic Presence: Inquiries in Openness Theology

The authors theological inquiry is intended to raise questions of interpretation within the camp of openness theology and to direct a discussion on the implications of this movement for the charismatic/Pentecostal community. Open theism or openness theology affirms that the universe is open the future is not settled God is essentially relational love and the risks of love and the threats against it are real. The author digs deep into this area of doctrine in order to question how far openness theology is willing to go. Is it only the future that is open to God or are there perhaps unknown aspects to the past and present as well? What does God know about sin and when does he know it? Is it possible for God to be totally absent from a persons life or even from an entire nation? If God can be absent can he also be exceptionally present in the lives of believers? What would the divine presence and the charismata (spiritual ministries) look like in an open universe? This book draws on a lifetime of Christian leadership experience alongside patient biblical analysis in order to make a case for a dynamic understanding of how God acts in the world. . . . This book will be intriguing inspiring and challenging but wherever the place of the reader on the Christian journey this book will offer guidance that will feed the mind as well as the spirit. --Celia Deane-Drummond Professor of Theology University of Notre Dame This is a helpful exploration of the openness of God from a charismatic perspective. It presents a highly relational view of the God who loves us radically and is open to our input in prayers and actions. Inside readers will find a serious engagement with Scripture and some significant theological voices. --John Sanders Professor of Religious Studies Hendrix College The prophet Isaiah addresses despondent Israel in a profound sermon on the incomparable God (40:12-31). Twice the prophet asks: to whom will you compare him? (vv. 18 25). God is the creator of time and space; how can mortals bound in time and space understand him? This book reflects on what Isaiah says we must know (vv. 21 28) namely the love and mercy of God in our space and time. --August H. Konkel McMaster Divinity College Hamilton Ontario Roy D. Kindelberger serves as Senior Pastor at Covenant Church East in western Pennsylvania where he resides with his wife.