Most Moved Mover: A Theology Of God's Openness (the Didsbury Lectures)

In 1994, Clark Pinnock along with four other scholars published The Openness of God, which set out a new evangelical vision of God-one centered on his open, relational, and responsive love for creation. Since then, the nature of God has been widely discussed throughout the evangelical community. Now, Pinnock returns with Most Moved Mover to once again counter the classical, deterministic view of God, and defend the relationality and openness of God. This engaging defense of openness theology begins with an analysis of the current debate, followed by an explanation of the misconceptions about openness theology, and a delineation of areas of agreement between classical and openness theologians. Most Moved Mover is for all evangelicals, regardless of their viewpoint, as it lays out the groundwork for future discussions of the open view of God. "The church and her mission cannot be more dynamic than her doctrine of God. Here is a theology for church renewal, a compelling call for an amicable conversation among evangelicals about the truly transcendent God who is said to choose significant involvement in the life of creation. Clark Pinnock offers the conversation a fresh divine-involvement focus, rejecting the concern of some that this path is theologically dangerous. To the contrary, it may be the best way to honor biblical revelation and highlight God's relational nature and creative love. These pages represent Pinnock's matured thought on relational theism. Let the conversation proceed!" -Barry L. Callen, Anderson University Clark H. Pinnock (Ph.D., University of Manchester) is professor of Christian interpretation at McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario, where he has taught since1977. One of the most creative evangelical theologians of our day, he has authored, edited, or coauthored fifteen books, including More than One Way and Flame of Love.

In 1994, Clark Pinnock along with four other scholars published The Openness of God, which set out a new evangelical vision of God centered on his open, relational, and responsive love for creation. Since then, dozens of books and articles have been written to discuss the open view of God. It has become a major subject of debate within the Evangelical Theological Society, and Christianity Today has called for ongoing study of the subject by both classical theists and openness theologians. Now Pinnock, in an effort to continue ongoing conversation, returns with Most Moved Mover to defend the open view of God against criticism. Most Moved Mover, the most passionate and articulate defense of openness theology to date, begins with an analysis of the heated debate sparked by the publication of The Openness of God. Pinnock then clears up misconceptions about openness theology, points out areas of agreement between classical and openness theologians, and lays the groundwork for future discussions. From an insider's perspective, Pinnock takes readers deep into the openness debate that is shaking the evangelical movement, detailing reactions and replies from thinkers as diverse as Millard Erickson, Greg Boyd, and John Polkinghorne. Most Moved Mover is sure to inform all evangelicals, regardless of their viewpoint, of the latest developments concerning the open view of God movement. It will be required reading in the academy and for church leaders who want to keep current with the ongoing evangelical debate about God's nature and attributes.