Re: Keller, TE, Calvinism, & Open Theism Re: [asa] Neo-Darwinism and God's action

On Feb 16, 2008, at 11:41 AM, David Opderbeck wrote:

> re: Keller -- looking forward to a review of the book. I don't
> think one has to be as literal as Dick to say "I believe in the
> historicity of Gen 1-11" and still hold a TE view. I would make
> that affirmation, but then we have to talk carefully about what we
> mean by "historicity" in the context of the kinds of literature that
> constitute Gen. 1-11. I've heard a Keller talk on the web in which
> he describes Gen. 1 as a "song."
>
> I'm part of a discipleship / theology group associated loosely with
> Redeemer, in which a TE perspective is openly taught (http://www.actministry.org/
> ). To be clear, Keller is not himself involved with that group and
> it isn't necessarily "endorsed" by Redeemer. It may not in every
> respect reflect Keller's personal opinion. But, it is at least
> possible for such a group to flourish in at least a loose
> partnership with Redeemer.
>
> Also to be clear -- personally I'm broadly Reformed in my theology.
> But I don't think open theism can just be dismissed and for those of
> us who are Reformed, the links between TE and open theism need to be
> discussed and addressed humbly.

> But Rich -- if you've gradually migrated to some kind of acceptance
> of evolution, and you've worked on trying to reconcile your theology
> with that -- as I think is true of many of us here -- don't you find
> that it's causing you to push at least a little on the question of
> "orthodoxy?"

I'm at my limit for today so I will combine responses. Yes the links
between Open Theism and TE should be discussed and addressed humbly.
The words I have used previously should not be taken in their
pejorative sense. At the same time the appreciation of the distance
Open Theism has from many of the core teachings of Christianity needs
to be appreciated from the "other side". One thing I have learned
moving from the PCA to E-Free is not all things have equal weight.
Also, orthodoxy is not something to be discarded lightly. As American
evangelicals it has been altogether too easy to roll our own theology.
So, yes, I have reconsidered my orthodoxy noting your concerns but I
also did so deliberately in tension with making sure I wasn't being
overly "individualistic" in my approach. When Terry and I were both
part of the PCA he was surprised that people -- including myself at
the time -- could subscribe to the Westminster Confession without any
exceptions. I believe what he was getting at is this was a marker of
an unexamined faith. Now that I have "exceptions" I believe I have
come to the place where I can affirm the system of doctrine found in
the confessions at a deeper and more tested level. Tim Keller would
undoubtably note that this is the proper place of doubt in a
Christian's life.

Rich Blinne (Member ASA)

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Received on Sat Feb 16 15:41:34 2008