Boyd’s “warfare theology” is a comprehensive account of how God relates to the world in providence and salvation, from creation to the final consummation. Having looked at parts of this theology over the previous several posts, we’re now in a position to examine how it all comes together. And in doing so, I want to highlight several parts of Boyd’s theology that don’t come under the previous headings, particularly his eschatology (which is one of my favorite parts of his... Read more

Boyd’s antagonist throughout his two volumes of “warfare theology” is something he calls the “blueprint model” or “the myth of the blueprint.” This view of Divine providence, according to Boyd, became prominent with Augustine, replacing the “warfare model” which had prevailed in the first three centuries of the Church’s history. In “blueprint theology,” God ordains in some way everything that happens. This may take Calvinist or Arminian forms, may use the language of “permission” rather than saying that God directly... Read more

Boyd’s “warfare theology” rests on a doctrine of creation as an act whereby God gives radical freedom to His creatures. This means that, for Boyd, the ultimate explanation of the acts of free beings is to be found in their own choice, not in some further cause such as the providential purpose of God. The world is what it is not solely because of God’s will, but because of the interplay of many wills, which may be acting against God.... Read more

One of the major theological controversies in the evangelical world in the past couple of decades has centered on the theological position known as “open theism.” The controversy seems to have died down in recent years, largely because open theists have been expelled from positions of influence in evangelical intellectual culture, not because their arguments have been effectively answered. For anyone reading with this not familiar with the controversy, I should define “open theism” before going further. Open theism is... Read more