Searching for an Adequate God: A Dialogue between Process and Free Will Theists [Paperback]

John B. Cobb (Author), Clark H. Pinnock (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 20, 2000

In this book advocates of both process and free-will theism come together for the first time to describe their respective theological perspectives and enter into constructive dialogue with each other. Featuring two of today's best philosophers-David R. Griffin representing process theology and William Hasker representing free-will theism- as well as theologians interested in both views, this volume provides a fully orbed discussion of these two vital theological positions.

Product Details

• Paperback: 284 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (June 20, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802847390
• ISBN-13: 978-0802847393
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #236,437 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars More than an adequate entre into the debate!, November 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Searching for an Adequate God: A Dialogue between Process and Free Will Theists (Paperback)

Unlike my esteemed earlier reviewer, I must say I found this volume stimulating. The old saw of the mystery between God being all powerful and all knowing and all good has been challenged on all sides, conservative and liberal. Here one finds intriguing and vigorous pieces between two types of thinkers...process theologians and free-will theists. Process theologians deny various things about God being all powerful and all knowing. They tend to limit his knowledge and make God as open to internal change as we are. Free-will theists place more weight on the Biblical tradition and traditional categories of theology. They tend to argue for a self-limiting of God and occasionally limit God's knowledge of the future.

Contrary to my fellow reviewer, these debates are not disrespectful towards God but seriously engage with the understanding that God exists. Grappling afresh with the big questions about God does not mean one despises the creator, but that one seeks to love with one's whole mind.

Bravo for a stimulating book, worth a read to those caught in the wake of such debates.

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Open Theism is definitely NOT traditional Process Theism, February 5, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Searching for an Adequate God: A Dialogue between Process and Free Will Theists (Paperback)

This book is crucial for sorting out whether Open Theists are really evangelical Process Theists. This book's spirited, yet surprisingly irenic, dialogue demonstrates that while the two perspectives share a few commonalities, they are undoubtedly very different from one another. The 'Crucial Difference', as Open Theist William Hasker puts it, is that Process Theism dismisses Divine Intervention in human affairs, while Open Theism wholeheartedly affirms this treasured evangelical truth. While I do not adhere to either system, I cannot in good conscience label Open Theists as closet Process Theists, heretics or non-inerrantists for that matter. This book proved to me that the writings of Open Theists need and deserve to be taken at face value. There has been far too much eisegesis of their claims and not enough exegesis of them, particularly from the Baptist General Conference, the Evangelical Theological Society and the overall Reformed hegemony. While I believe Open Theism is wrong on many counts, I certainly wouldn't call it heresy. I highly recommend that those who wish to engage in fair, even-handed investigation on Open Theism's relationship and deviation from Process Theism read this book. It has proven to be the most profitable book on Open Theism I've read to date. I'm certain it will put many allegations levied against Open Theists to rest. So lay your presuppositions concerning Open Theism aside and allow its proponents to be heard on their own terms. You'll be glad you did.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very informative and helpful read, September 8, 2005

By 

J. Michael Peterson "perpetual student" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Searching for an Adequate God: A Dialogue between Process and Free Will Theists (Paperback)

I got this book, because I wanted to gain a greater understanding of Process Theism. I was familiar with free will theism, but certain aspects of it were troubling to me. While I find myself disagreeing with some of what process theologians have to say, it has been extremely helpful for me in clarifying my own viewpoint. I enjoyed the debate format that gave others a chance to respond and point out weak points and strong points in each of the articles.