Questions about divine providence have preoccupied Christians for generations: Are people elected to salvation? For whom did Jesus die? This book introduces readers to four prevailing views on divine providence, with particular attention to the question of who Jesus died to save (the extent of the atonement) and if or how God determines who will be saved (predestination). But this book does not merely answer readers' questions. Four Views on Divine Providence helps readers think theologically about all the issues involved in exploring this doctrine. The point-counterpoint format reveals the assumptions and considerations that drive equally learned and sincere theologians to sharp disagreement. It unearths the genuinely decisive issues beneath an often superficial debate. Volume contributors are Paul Helseth (God causes every creaturely event that occurs); William Lane Craig (through his 'middle knowledge,' God controls the course of worldly affairs without predetermining any creatures' free decisions); Ron Highfield (God controls creatures by liberating their decision-making); and Gregory Boyd (human decisions can be free only if God neither determines nor knows what they will be). Introductory and closing essays by Dennis Jowers give relevant background and guide readers toward their own informed beliefs about divine providence.
Four Views on Divine Providence
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About the Author
Dennis Jowers is associate professor of Theology and Apologetics at Faith Evangelical Seminary in Tacoma, Washington.
Stanley N. Gundry is executive vice president and editor-in-chief for the Zondervan Corporation. He has been an influential figure in the Evangelical Theological Society, serving as president of ETS and on its executive committee, and is adjunct professor of Historical Theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He is the author of seven books and has written many articles appearing in popular and academic periodicals. SPANISH BIO: Stanley N . Gundry es Vicepresidente Ejecutivo y Editor Jefe de la Corporacion Zondervan. Ha sido una figura influyente en la Sociedad Teologica Evangelica (ETS por sus siglas en ingles), habiendo servido como Presidente de la misma y trabajado en su Comite Ejecutivo. Es profesor adjunto de Teologia Historica en el Seminario Teologico de Grand Rapids. Tambienb es autor de siete libros y ha escrito numerosos articulos que han visto la luz en diversas publicaciones periodicas, tanto populares como academicas.
William Lane Craig (PhD, University of Birmingham, England) is research professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University and lives in Marietta, GA.
Ron Highfield (B.A., M.Th., Harding University; M.A., Ph.D., Rice University), Professor of Religion at Pepperdine University, is the author of Great is the Lord: Theology for the Praise of God (Eerdmans, 2008).and articles in Theological Studies, the Christian Scholars' Review, the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, Faculty Dialogue, the Stone-Campbell Journal, and Restoration Quarterly.
Gregory A. Boyd (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is a pastor at Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Previously a professor of theology at Bethel University, several of his many books include Letters from a Skeptic, Repenting of Religion, Myth of a Christian Nation, God at War, and Satan and the Problem of Evil. SPANISH BIO: Gregory A. Boyd es pastor y fundador de la iglesia Woodland Hills en St. Paul, MN y ademas fundador y presidente del ministerio 'Christus Victor'. Greg tiene una licenciatura de la Universidad de Minnesota, una maestria en Divinidad de la escuela Yale Divinity y un doctorado del Seminario Teologico de Princeton. Ademas, sirvio como profesor de teologia en la Facultad Bethel de Minnesota por dieciseis anos. el es invitado con frecuencia a dictar conferencias en iglesias, retiros y universidades nacionales e internacionales y aprecio en numerosos programas de television y radio. Greg es autor y coautor de varios libros, entre ellos, Dios de lo posible y su exito de ventas, Cartas de un esceptico. Visite www.gregboyd.org para mas informacion.
Paul Kjoss Helseth (Ph.D. Marquette University) is Professor of Christian Thought at Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN. He is the author of 'Right Reason' and the Princeton Mind: An Unorthodox Proposal (Phillipsburg, N.J.: P and R Publishing, 2010), and has co-edited and contributed to Beyond the Bounds (Wheaton: Crossway, 2003) and Reclaiming the Center (Wheaton: Crossway, 2004).
Stanley N. Gundry is executive vice president and editor-in-chief for the Zondervan Corporation. He has been an influential figure in the Evangelical Theological Society, serving as president of ETS and on its executive committee, and is adjunct professor of Historical Theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He is the author of seven books and has written many articles appearing in popular and academic periodicals. SPANISH BIO: Stanley N . Gundry es Vicepresidente Ejecutivo y Editor Jefe de la Corporacion Zondervan. Ha sido una figura influyente en la Sociedad Teologica Evangelica (ETS por sus siglas en ingles), habiendo servido como Presidente de la misma y trabajado en su Comite Ejecutivo. Es profesor adjunto de Teologia Historica en el Seminario Teologico de Grand Rapids. Tambienb es autor de siete libros y ha escrito numerosos articulos que han visto la luz en diversas publicaciones periodicas, tanto populares como academicas.
William Lane Craig (PhD, University of Birmingham, England) is research professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University and lives in Marietta, GA.
Ron Highfield (B.A., M.Th., Harding University; M.A., Ph.D., Rice University), Professor of Religion at Pepperdine University, is the author of Great is the Lord: Theology for the Praise of God (Eerdmans, 2008).and articles in Theological Studies, the Christian Scholars' Review, the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, Faculty Dialogue, the Stone-Campbell Journal, and Restoration Quarterly.
Gregory A. Boyd (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is a pastor at Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Previously a professor of theology at Bethel University, several of his many books include Letters from a Skeptic, Repenting of Religion, Myth of a Christian Nation, God at War, and Satan and the Problem of Evil. SPANISH BIO: Gregory A. Boyd es pastor y fundador de la iglesia Woodland Hills en St. Paul, MN y ademas fundador y presidente del ministerio 'Christus Victor'. Greg tiene una licenciatura de la Universidad de Minnesota, una maestria en Divinidad de la escuela Yale Divinity y un doctorado del Seminario Teologico de Princeton. Ademas, sirvio como profesor de teologia en la Facultad Bethel de Minnesota por dieciseis anos. el es invitado con frecuencia a dictar conferencias en iglesias, retiros y universidades nacionales e internacionales y aprecio en numerosos programas de television y radio. Greg es autor y coautor de varios libros, entre ellos, Dios de lo posible y su exito de ventas, Cartas de un esceptico. Visite www.gregboyd.org para mas informacion.
Paul Kjoss Helseth (Ph.D. Marquette University) is Professor of Christian Thought at Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN. He is the author of 'Right Reason' and the Princeton Mind: An Unorthodox Proposal (Phillipsburg, N.J.: P and R Publishing, 2010), and has co-edited and contributed to Beyond the Bounds (Wheaton: Crossway, 2003) and Reclaiming the Center (Wheaton: Crossway, 2004).
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23 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By J. WHITE
Format:Paperback
This book is excellent in its presentation of a Calvinistic approach, a Middle-Knowledge approach, and the open theist approach to divine providence. It is missing the Arminian approach! Ron Highfield's article is a complete waste of paper, as it is too closely related to Helseth's. Therefore, this books is really a three-view book rather than four. Boyd presented a better biblical presentation of open-theism in Divine Foreknowledge: Four Views and, in my opinion, Boyd's article in that book is the best of all of them. I have never been impressed with Middle-Knowledge because of its complete lack of scriptural basis (e.g., it is a philosophy rather than a theology). What I can say is that this book presents a good presentation of a Calvinistic view on providence, unlike Paul Helm's presentation of this position in Divine Foreknowledge: Four Views as well as his article in Perspectives on the Doctrine of God: Four Views, which has an excellent article on Classical Arminianism (Roger E. Olson), as well as a fantastic article by John Sanders on open theism.
Another good presentation of an Arminian view is found in Predestination and Free Will: Four Views. This book also has a good presentation of Calvinism (John Feinberg) and open theism written by the late Clark Pinnock.
Let me tell you why I am giving all of the above suggestions, because there is no "one" good book on the subject, as only excellent articles exist from different books on the subject. If you want a good presentation of Calvinism, then buy this text. Some may critique me by not recommending the Middle-Knowledge article as a reason to buy this book. I, however, will stand firmly on the ground that until this model becomes biblical rather than philosophical, it need not be read.
The subject of divine providence is extremely worthwhile and needs to be studied carefully. Read this text, but do not limit yourself to it.
Another good presentation of an Arminian view is found in Predestination and Free Will: Four Views. This book also has a good presentation of Calvinism (John Feinberg) and open theism written by the late Clark Pinnock.
Let me tell you why I am giving all of the above suggestions, because there is no "one" good book on the subject, as only excellent articles exist from different books on the subject. If you want a good presentation of Calvinism, then buy this text. Some may critique me by not recommending the Middle-Knowledge article as a reason to buy this book. I, however, will stand firmly on the ground that until this model becomes biblical rather than philosophical, it need not be read.
The subject of divine providence is extremely worthwhile and needs to be studied carefully. Read this text, but do not limit yourself to it.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Four Views on Divine Providence is the latest in the Counter Point Series edited by Stanley N. Gundry. The book is structured in such as way that allows for a variety of authors to characterize their particular vision of the topic at hand. This volume focuses attention on the issue of God's providence and seeks to provide answers to these questions:
Does God ever ordain evil acts?
Does God always get what he wants?
How can anyone reconcile human beings' moral responsibility with God's sovereignty over their acts?
Hoe does God influence the affairs of this world at all?
Four theologians from different church traditions were invited to present their findings based on their reading of scripture and christian tradition.
Paul Kjoss Helseth represents the Reformed tradition and argues that all events owe both their occurrence and mode of that occurrence to God, who causes every creaturely act in such a way as to determine completely its nature and outcome.
William Lane Craig, arguing on behalf of contemporary Molinists, maintains that God knows what creatures will do by virtue of his middle knowledge and that he controls the course of worldly affairs by means of this awareness without predetermining any of his creatures' free decisions.
Ronald Highfield, writing from the Restorationist tradition, articulates what he considers to be a biblical perspective on the subject, which differs in content and emphases from the others.
Finally, Gregory Boyd advocates for open theism, where humans decisions, in most circumstances, can be free only if God neither determines nor even knows what they will be until they are actualized.
After reading the book, I wanted to share a few basic reflections on the content specifically.
First, Helseth's and Highfield's articles are virtually identical in that they both argue for strong determinism by God in all things. While they do utilize different methodological approaches (Helseth based on Reformed tradition and Highfield strict adherence to biblical interpretation), they pretty much end up in the same place. With this in mind, the book actually reflects three perspectives, not four. In my opinion, it would have been better to include a chapter on Arminianism (a.k.a Roger Olsen). This would have provided the reader with a fourth option to consider.
I would also like to have seen a section that provided an opportunity for each author to respond to the critique from the other three contributors. Not including such an opportunity made the book feel incomplete.
All in all, I think the book is a worthwhile contribution to the study of divine providence. While some positions were better argued than others (Boyd was the best, with Craig following close behind), the book will provide readers with an introduction into the subject that in turn should propel continued study and reflection. The topic of divine providence, and the questions that flow from it, are important enough to enter into the conversation and seek clarity for the journey ahead.
Does God ever ordain evil acts?
Does God always get what he wants?
How can anyone reconcile human beings' moral responsibility with God's sovereignty over their acts?
Hoe does God influence the affairs of this world at all?
Four theologians from different church traditions were invited to present their findings based on their reading of scripture and christian tradition.
Paul Kjoss Helseth represents the Reformed tradition and argues that all events owe both their occurrence and mode of that occurrence to God, who causes every creaturely act in such a way as to determine completely its nature and outcome.
William Lane Craig, arguing on behalf of contemporary Molinists, maintains that God knows what creatures will do by virtue of his middle knowledge and that he controls the course of worldly affairs by means of this awareness without predetermining any of his creatures' free decisions.
Ronald Highfield, writing from the Restorationist tradition, articulates what he considers to be a biblical perspective on the subject, which differs in content and emphases from the others.
Finally, Gregory Boyd advocates for open theism, where humans decisions, in most circumstances, can be free only if God neither determines nor even knows what they will be until they are actualized.
After reading the book, I wanted to share a few basic reflections on the content specifically.
First, Helseth's and Highfield's articles are virtually identical in that they both argue for strong determinism by God in all things. While they do utilize different methodological approaches (Helseth based on Reformed tradition and Highfield strict adherence to biblical interpretation), they pretty much end up in the same place. With this in mind, the book actually reflects three perspectives, not four. In my opinion, it would have been better to include a chapter on Arminianism (a.k.a Roger Olsen). This would have provided the reader with a fourth option to consider.
I would also like to have seen a section that provided an opportunity for each author to respond to the critique from the other three contributors. Not including such an opportunity made the book feel incomplete.
All in all, I think the book is a worthwhile contribution to the study of divine providence. While some positions were better argued than others (Boyd was the best, with Craig following close behind), the book will provide readers with an introduction into the subject that in turn should propel continued study and reflection. The topic of divine providence, and the questions that flow from it, are important enough to enter into the conversation and seek clarity for the journey ahead.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Tom Farr
Format:Kindle Edition
For centuries theologians and philosophers have studied, formulated, and debated how God can be completely sovereign over the totality of events and creatures of his creation, yet human beings maintain a degree of freedom required for them to be morally responsible for their actions. Is God's sovereignty defined as a meticulous causal determination of all things in creation, or does God's sovereignty rule over a creation where humans have a degree of limited and derived freedom where they are the genuine cause of their own actions? If God's control is meticulous, what is the logical conclusion to the problem of evil? Are human beings really responsible for actions they did not ultimately cause? These are the questions people have wrestled with and a new book published by Zondervan brings together four Christian thinkers with four views of how God's providence actually works in the world-FOUR VIEWS ON DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
The book features Paul Kjoss Helseth with the view "God causes all things," William Lane Craig with the view "God directs all things," Ron Highland with the view "God controls by liberating," and Gregory A. Boyd with the view "God limits his control."
Helseth's view is clearly Calvinist as he describes God as "omnicausal," predetermining everything in his creation exactly as he wants it. The problem with this view is that it logically leads to God as the author of evil and human beings are held responsible for something God planned.
Craig presents the Molinist position, which states that God exercises his meticulous sovereignty primarily his omniscience, specifically God plans the world factoring in the actions of free creatures utilizing what Molinists call "middle knowledge." While this view has its appeal because it appears to allow for genuine human freedom, I think it ultimately fails because what "free" human decisions people make are decided by God beforehand. Craig's view of libertarian freedom is decidedly different than the way it is usually defined and really falls more in line with Calvinism's compatibalist
freedom of inclination.
Highland's view isn't labeled as Calvinist, but it clearly is from reading it, which makes the book only three views of divine freedom. Highland's view suffers the same problems as Helseths, though he presents some important insights about the freeing nature of salvation. His discussion on what evil is and its place in our world is very contradictory in that he defines evil as that that God does not will, yet God's will controls all things. The logical conclusion from his argument is that evil doesn't even exist, a statement he comes just short of making.
Finally, Boyd presents us with the open theist position. This position states that God cannot know for certain what free actions human beings will perform because they are impossible to know until they happen. Open theism redefines God's omniscience as the ability to know all things that are possible to know. Boyd makes the mistake of misinterpreting the biblical witness that God know that future, including all free actions, infallibly and for certain. Open theism denies one of the core attributes of God's nature. That bring said, Boyd is a warm and thoughtful writer, and I enjoyed his essay. I felt that it lacked the arrogance of the Calvinist writers, although I found much disagree with. However, Boyd presents some interesting insights on libertarian freedom. I also enjoyed his discussion on character solidification.
Each of the four essays are followed up by a critique by the other three presenters. These do a great job of exposing the inherent weaknesses of each view.
Though I don't subscribe to the Arminian view, I think this book would have been improved by including it. All in all, this book is very thought-provoking and a great resource for evaluating your own conclusions about God's providence.
I received this book for free for review from Zondervan.
The book features Paul Kjoss Helseth with the view "God causes all things," William Lane Craig with the view "God directs all things," Ron Highland with the view "God controls by liberating," and Gregory A. Boyd with the view "God limits his control."
Helseth's view is clearly Calvinist as he describes God as "omnicausal," predetermining everything in his creation exactly as he wants it. The problem with this view is that it logically leads to God as the author of evil and human beings are held responsible for something God planned.
Craig presents the Molinist position, which states that God exercises his meticulous sovereignty primarily his omniscience, specifically God plans the world factoring in the actions of free creatures utilizing what Molinists call "middle knowledge." While this view has its appeal because it appears to allow for genuine human freedom, I think it ultimately fails because what "free" human decisions people make are decided by God beforehand. Craig's view of libertarian freedom is decidedly different than the way it is usually defined and really falls more in line with Calvinism's compatibalist
freedom of inclination.
Highland's view isn't labeled as Calvinist, but it clearly is from reading it, which makes the book only three views of divine freedom. Highland's view suffers the same problems as Helseths, though he presents some important insights about the freeing nature of salvation. His discussion on what evil is and its place in our world is very contradictory in that he defines evil as that that God does not will, yet God's will controls all things. The logical conclusion from his argument is that evil doesn't even exist, a statement he comes just short of making.
Finally, Boyd presents us with the open theist position. This position states that God cannot know for certain what free actions human beings will perform because they are impossible to know until they happen. Open theism redefines God's omniscience as the ability to know all things that are possible to know. Boyd makes the mistake of misinterpreting the biblical witness that God know that future, including all free actions, infallibly and for certain. Open theism denies one of the core attributes of God's nature. That bring said, Boyd is a warm and thoughtful writer, and I enjoyed his essay. I felt that it lacked the arrogance of the Calvinist writers, although I found much disagree with. However, Boyd presents some interesting insights on libertarian freedom. I also enjoyed his discussion on character solidification.
Each of the four essays are followed up by a critique by the other three presenters. These do a great job of exposing the inherent weaknesses of each view.
Though I don't subscribe to the Arminian view, I think this book would have been improved by including it. All in all, this book is very thought-provoking and a great resource for evaluating your own conclusions about God's providence.
I received this book for free for review from Zondervan.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Every night, in small doses.
Really interesting perspectives, and some ah ha moments. But take it slow, and don't give up during the boring parts. Each author adds value. Read more
Published 6 days ago by Dave
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great read for Free Will, Determinism and Middle Knowledge
William Lane Craig made the concept of Middle Knowledge very clear and illustrated that Complete Determinism and Free Will and not mutually exclusive.
Published 10 days ago by RdB
5.0 out of 5 stars
Happy customer
Exactly as described. Great reading and very helpful in my studies. A great addition to my library. Very beneficial to my ministry
Published 24 days ago by Deb
3.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting overview
I enjoyed the give-and-take style of the book. It's nice that they arrange the discussions with a main author, then all others respond. There are four authors, representing ... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Nate
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great views book!
I love reading views books and this one is no exception. The only caveat is that the participants were not able to give concluding statements of their views in reply to the... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Anthony Catri
4.0 out of 5 stars
Decent, but not well focused
I am a big fan of the various "Four Views" books that have come out in the last decade. They obviously have the advantage of combining the theoretical options on a topic into one... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Searching for what the Bible actually says
5.0 out of 5 stars
Well thought out and wish it had James Sennett
Molonism makes logical sense on how exactly there is free will in heaven, although our liberatian free will would be cut (as far as moral free will) but we would still be able to... Read more
Published 19 months ago by Cornell
2.0 out of 5 stars
Kindle Version Formatting Review Only
I have not completed reading this book as of yet, but write a review purely on the formatting of the kindle edition. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Michael Kyung-Jin Moon
5.0 out of 5 stars
A good balance
I'm not going to write a long, windy review. Just leave a quick note that this book present a fair, balanced look at four views of God's providence. Read more
Published on April 15, 2011 by M. OLSON
