How Then Should We Choose?: Three Views on God's Will and Decision Making [Paperback]

Douglas S. Huffman (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 6, 2009

Henry and Richard Blackaby, Garry Friesen, and Gordon T. Smith present three principal views on God's will and how his will should affect our everyday decisions as Christians.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Editor Douglas S. Huffman is professor and chair of the Department of Biblical and Theological Studies at Northwestern College in Minnesota. He is the coeditor of God Under Fire: Modern Scholarship Reinvents God.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Publications (January 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082542898X
• ISBN-13: 978-0825428982
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #296,329 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Douglas S. Huffman (1961- ) is a native Minnesotan and now recently turned Californian. He serves as professor and associate dean of biblical and theological studies at the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University in La Mirada, CA. Before coming to Biola, Huffman taught in biblical and theological studies and served in several administrative roles at Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN. His specialties include the story of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Luke, the story of the early church as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, and Christian Thought, i.e. the application of Christian teaching to culture. He and his wife Deb enjoy travel, hiking, and film.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Choice to Make, March 22, 2009

By 

Jim Briggs (Hong Kong) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How Then Should We Choose?: Three Views on God's Will and Decision Making (Paperback)

The "excellent choice" to which I have referred, is to choose to read this book. The subtitle of the book "Three Views on God's Will and Decision Making" concisely states the essence of the book. The three views which are presented in this book are given the titles of the "specific will view", the "wisdom view" and the "relationship view"; the contributors are, respectively, Henry & Richard Blackaby (I will refer to them by the singular pronoun in this review), Garry Friesen and Gordon Smith. The format consists of each contributor who describes his view, and then each of the other two makes responses to it. In addition, each contributor applies his principles of decision-making to the same three issues of college & career choices, marriage, and choice of a church to attend. One of the contributors states, "... I hope to provide an example of dealing with a debatable issue with clarity and charity." I perceive that all three authors shared the same goal.

The editor, Douglas Huffman, writes a helpful introduction and conclusion. There is also a beneficial "categorized bibliography", in which the editor has listed almost 100 books, such that each one has a label given which indicates which view (or combination of views) is held by the author(s) of each book. Throughout the book, the footnotes are given at the bottom of each page, which also is an asset for those who wish to identify the sources of the quotes.

I do not believe that it should be my goal to tell those who have not (yet) read the book what are my conclusions about the validity of each these three points of view. However, there are several criteria which I perceive are both relevant and important in trying to discern the validity of each view. Indeed, an analysis of the book using these criteria (and others) will go a long way towards demonstrating the clear distinctions between the views.

First of all, each of the contributors does claim that his view is based on the teachings of the Bible. But is such a claim really true? Each reader of this book should analyze each of the presentations, and attempt to determine whether the contributor's view comes specifically and directly from various passages of Scripture, or whether he has merely given some general principle(s) with only a casual mention (or none at all) of any passage(s) of Scripture which would justify the specific teaching being presented.

Secondly, and concerning a related topic, since this book does deal with the theme of communication, primarily from God to man, each reader of the book should carefully notice how each contributor uses the phrases "will of God", "God's voice", "God speaks", and other very similar phrases. Does each contributor really use each of these phrases in the same way as is used in the Bible? Or does he take one (or more) of these phrases from the Bible, and then use the same (or similar) phrase but with an entirely different meaning?

Thirdly, are there examples in which any contributor uses some basic word, concept or principle that is not actually found in the Bible? If so, on what basis does he justify such a use?

Fourthly, each contributor did apply his principles to the same three "major" decisions of life. And it's quite obvious that various decisions have different amounts of significance. However, is it possible for each view to be applied to "ordinary" or "common" decisions which must be faced daily? If not, does the contributor give guidelines on how to distinguish between "major" and "common" decisions? And also if not, does the contributor give reasons why it's not necessary to apply his principles to these "common" decisions?

Finally, are there examples given by each contributor in which the principles which he advocates are actually presented and employed by people within the Bible itself?

I believe that an analysis of each view, with each of these five criteria in mind, indicates that there are significant differences among the contributors. Although none of them believes that his view is essential for salvation, and consequently the various views presented are all given by individuals who genuinely wish to honor the Lord with their lives and decisions, it is also clear that in several major areas the views of the three contributors are mutually exclusive.

The editor gives a good summary and analysis in the 14-page conclusion. One part of the conclusion is "The Geometry of the Discussion" in which he uses charts with triangles to give short (and accurate) summary statements of each point of view. Such diagrams are indeed helpful for understanding, which is clearly one of the editor's goals. However, it is quite wrong for any reader of this book to draw the conclusion that such diagrams indicate that each view is equally valid. The charts show points of comparison and contrast, but they do not indicate anything about the validity (or lack thereof) for any of the three views. Thus, in showing the three views as vertices of a triangle, the editor states (page 243), "It seems to me that the balance to strive for is that of the position in the center of the triangle, ..." I disagree with that statement, for such a conclusion implies that all three points of view are equally valid, and I firmly believe that it is not the case that all three are equally valid. As the reader goes through the final three pages of the conclusion, in the section "Some Reassurances as You Decide Which Option to Choose", it would be very insightful to analyze the editor's comments in light of the information presented by the three contributors. Various statements which he makes seem to imply that he accepts all three points of view as equally valid, but I simply do not perceive how such a conclusion can be legitimate.

Since I have carefully studied this topic for quite a few years, it is obvious to me that the editor has spent an enormous amount of time and energy in studying much about the topic, and presenting the information in a well-organized book. For that fact alone, this book is certainly worth the cost. Thus, those of us who read the book benefit greatly. Perhaps my only specific criticism is that I wish that it had been required that each of the three contributors would have to list specific examples of people throughout church history (subsequent to the completion of the canon of Scripture) who have employed the principles which he has advocated.

There are major differences between these three views. A careful reading and analysis of this book does reveal these distinctions. The contributors (and the editor) all agree that the topic is vitally important for each Christian, and I concur. The book deserves a very high rating.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Strong, Medium and Fuzzy, June 24, 2011

By 

Discerning Reader - See all my reviews

This review is from: How Then Should We Choose?: Three Views on God's Will and Decision Making (Paperback)

I enjoyed the book quite a bit. I thought Friesen summarized his own view with clarity (see my review on "Decison Making and the Will of God")and responded to the weaknesses in the other views well. His view found its base firmly on Scripture, while the others employed doubtful exegesis (maybe eisegesis!), or experience. I would say Blackaby's view followed the former course, while Smith's latter followed the latter.

I can remember my suprise when Blackaby referenced the verse number for God speaking to Elijah out of the storm as evidence that God speaks to believers in a "quiet and still voice." It seems he had to purposely quote from the K.J. to find a version that said it that way. I think he must have picked that version due to the fact that contemporary Evangelicals often use a similar term to refer to impressions they have upon their hearts that they think came from God. A casual reader would have thought that reinforces his or her view on impression due to the similar terminology. If one looks closely at the context however, it is clear God spoke audibly. So it seems to me Blackaby was playing fast and loose on that one verse.

It seems Smith tried to undermine Friesen's view in another way. He quoted from multiple Christians (especially Roman Catholics) from the past who seemed to have mystical experiences that they thought came from God. By doing so he sought to disprove Friesen's claim that the contemporary belief in specific guidence was "new." By quoting these Christians, he sought to establish Blackaby's view was not new. Friesen's view would then seem novel as well as unpopular (or at least not the most popular). Nevertheless, selective reference to the perspectives of others does not establish what the scriptures actually teach.

I now get to issues of my own that I think would be fruitful to bring up in a future discussion. Can one establish Biblically that God has spoken to people's hearts by way of "impression" in the past? I was suprised Blackaby did not bring Nehemiah up, as I think one could use the fact that he said God "put it upon my heart" to ask the king to rebuild Jerusalem. Such a phrase does not lead me to think God spoke audibly to him. It seems odd he would refer to hearing the audible voice of God in that way. Admittedly, it is only one verse and one book, but at least it does not seem out of context unlike the example he used from Elijah above. If we wrestle with Nehemiah and conclude God did impress something upon his heart, we must then wrestle with other questions that would flow from this. How did he know it was God? Could God do such a thing today? If so, how would we know and how would we know the impression was from him? If it was, would it then be on the level of the revelation we see in Scripture that was revealed in Nehemiahs life? Thorny questions indeed, but I think worth pursuing! [I should note that after writing this, I learned Friesen deals with this verse in his larger work].

Yet another book Blackaby could have referenced to support his view has to be Esther. God's Providence is seen throughout and Esther's Uncle Mordechi seems to see the handwriting on the wall, so to speak. "Perhaps you were called for such a time as this." What he said implies a certain level of uncertainty which would not have been there if God spoke directly ("perhaps"). Nonetheless, it seems as if circumstances led him to believe it was more likely than not that God had called her to be a Queen for this very moment. I find it interesting this book is also a part of the "Wisdom" literature. Could we conclude from this text that we can see God's workings in the circumstances of life, but not with the certainty of a spoken word? If so, could we conclude that we can then follow this direction in wisdom, but with humility ("perhaps") knowing we are not inerrant in percieving God's ways? I find it interesting that Mordechi read the circumstances in light of the certain revelation of God's Word. He told Esther God would raise up another to save the Jews if she did not save them. Was he not resting on the Promises made to Abraham in the TORAH and the assurances extrapolated in the Prophets? It seems he had an ultimate certainty in them, unlike his take on Esther's purpose in life. [I should also note that after writing thia, I learned Friesen deals with this verse in his larger work].

And now I turn to one more issue that I would have been fruitful to discuss at a deeper level. This revolves around the work of the person of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life. Smith pointed out the fact that the Holy Spirit is in each of us and was sent to guide us into all truth. Friesen rightly responded by showing that the discourse at the end of John was directed towards Jesus 11 disciples that later became Apostles. Jesus would "remind" them "of everything" he "said while among" them. This was necessary for an accurate penning of the Gospels. The Holy Spirit would also "reveal even more things" "and things to come." This is a promise of future revelation from Jesus to the Apostles. Because of this, we can find assurance for the inspiration of what they would later pen. As Friesen points out, it would be dangerous to apply these verses to all believers since it would give everyone a claim to further "revelation" from Jesus. The context makes it clear Jesus was talking to eleven disciples, not all disciples. Nonetheless, Smith does have a point. If we can see the Holy Spirit working by "leading into all truth" in these believers lives, are there not ramifications to him being in other believer's lives? It is clear from 1 John that all believers have an "annointing" by him of some kind that affirms the truth (probably in relation to Jesus being the Son of God, given the context in 1 John) , but must we leave it there? Isn't the Holy Spirit a person (of course He is!)? If so, then wouldn't our relationship with God be personal? Smith raises a valid question by asking how we avoid an indirect relationship with God if he only convicts us of sin from Scripture, but does not "speak" to us in other ways as well. I think this whole discussion brings up great questions as to what is the role of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life today. In fact, I think much of this debate revolves (or ought to!)around this very issue! It is worth unpacking theologically in future discussions!

I enjoyed this book very much and thought Friesen had the best argument out of the three that were presented in this work. Please refer to my review of his larger work (i.e. "Decision Making and the Will of God"). I rate Friesen's presentation in this work with 4.5 stars, Blackaby's with a 3 and Smith's with a 2. The writers write with clarity, but I base my evaluation on the weight of their arguments (i.e. supporting evidence and exegesis). In sum, I give the book a 3. Nevertheless, it is well worth getting in order to evaluate the strenghts and weaknesses of each view.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Balanced and Helpful Discussion of God-Centered Decision-Making, January 20, 2012

By 

David P. Craig "Life Coach 4 God" (Tustin, California) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How Then Should We Choose?: Three Views on God's Will and Decision Making (Kindle Edition)

One of the most practical things we can learn as Christians is to know how God's revelation in the Scriptures, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and our walk with Christ help us to make decisions that are well-pleasing to God. This thought provoking multi-view book contains three distinct and sometimes overlapping views on how to know and do God's will. This book is "about Christians making decisions in the light of God's guidance, that is, in accordance with God's will...and encouraging Christians toward greater freedom in their decision-making responsibilities to the glory of God who is with us."

The strategy of this book is that each writer presents his view using biblical, historical, personal, and various practical articulations of it. At the end of each presentation the writer shows the practical ramifications of their view by articulating how they would advise people in seeking out God's will and make the best decisions possible with reference to three case studies:

Case 1: A Career/College Decision

Case 2: A Relationship Decision

Case 3: A Stewardship Decision

The three views presented are as follows:

View #1 - The Specific-Will View - This view is presented by Henry (earned a ThM and BD from Golden Gate Baptist Seminary & has received four honorary doctorates) and his son Richard Blackaby (PhD in church history from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary).

The essence of this view as articulated by the Blackaby's is this: "We have presented what some call the traditional view of God's will. Simply put, it holds that God does have a specific will for your life and He will guide you to find it."

View #2 - The Wisdom View - This view is offered by Garry Friesen (ThD from Dallas Theological Seminary and currently teaching at Multnomah University in Portland, OR).

The way of wisdom (in decision making) is summarized in four principles:

(1) Where God commands, we must obey.

(2) Where there is no command, God gives us freedom (and responsibility) to choose.

(3) Where there is no command, God gives us wisdom to choose.

(4) When we have chosen what is moral and wise, we must trust the sovereign God to work all the details together for good.

View #3 - The Relationship View - This view is articulated by Gordon T. Smith, president of ReSource Leadership International (PhD from Loyola School of Theology).

Gordon T. Smith Summarizes his view in these seven "Working Principles:"

(1) There must be clarity about one's ultimate allegiance.

(2) It is essential that we attend to what is happening to us emotionally, as the history of the spiritual practice of discernment reminds us.

(3) God leads one step at a time.

(4) We need to sequence our decision making, attending to what needs to be decided first.

(5) We need to be clear about our circumstances.

(6) We need time and space to choose well.

(7) We need accountability - "We need other voices and perspectives, in part because we recognize our capacity for self-deception and rationalization."

In concluding these seven principles Smith writes, "In all of this, nothing is so pivotal to our capacity to discern well, and then to choose well, as the character and quality of our relationship with Christ."

I was hoping I would wholeheartedly buy into one of the views presented in this book when I began wrestling with it. After a careful reading I lean toward a blend of the Wisdom and Relational views. I think that Dr. Friesen did the most thorough job of articulating his view - especially with careful exegetical support from the Scriptures, and many practical illustrations of how the "Wisdom View" actually works in decision making. Smith's "Relational View" was strong in its application of history and in developing a Biblical Theology of Christ and our intimacy with Him in the relational process. I thought the Blackaby's did a better job in explaining their position and critiquing the other positions in their responses to the Wisdom and Relational Views. However, I was not convinced in any way shape or form that we can know God's "Specific" will for us - especially in the case studies given.

Douglas S. Huffman (the editor) writes the final two chapters of the book. He does an amazing job of summarizing and articulating the views - their strengths and weaknesses, how they compliment one another, and what can learn from each of them. He also gives a very helpful chart of over 100 books on decision making from the past century and has a geometric way of showing how they are all similar or different to the three views presented in this book. He also makes a very strong case for striving for balance in the positions, and showing how different factors come into play depending on various variables (personality, maturity, emotions, etc.) and circumstances for each individual.

A Christian can't help but benefiting immensely from reading this book. I highly recommend this book primarily because it is very helpful in at least five specific ways:

1) Helping you understand the process of decision-making - as opposed to making rash or whimsical decisions. I especially enjoyed the exegetical discussions from the Scriptures and the way each writer demonstrated how the principles from their unique views were used in the very practical case studies.

2) Seeing the value of each of the writer's views. I learned something new from each of them - in order to help me better make decisions that are pleasing to God. I was particularly helped in seeing how the emotions, how the Holy Spirit, and our relationship with Jesus are involved in the process of decision-making.

3) They all did a good job articulating and critiquing one another's views. It helped me to see that personalities, experiences, education, emotions, spiritual maturity, God's plans for us, our unique relationship with Him and other elements all play major factors in decision-making - so there is no "one-size-fits-all" process of decision-making that works for all believers across the board. However, various principles and suggestions by each of the writers were very helpful.

4) It challenged me to continue to read more especially in some of the views that I had not been exposed to before. I witnessed that oftentimes agreement and blending in the various views can help you be more balanced and less rigid in the decision-making process.

5) I could see how sometimes I've made some bad decisions that could have been avoided had I previously read this book (e.g. In the "Relational View" chapter Dr. Smith talked about not making important decisions when you are highly emotional, discouraged or angry). I had a lot of my good decisions confirmed by some of the wisdom shared in this book. I was encouraged that for the most part, I've made a lot more good decisions than bad decisions and could see that I have used elements of each author in the process.