NeoTheism
Open Theology
1 Kings 12:27
If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the
house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn
back to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and
go back to Rehoboam king of Judah.
NKJV
Universalism is neither new nor unique in the world of cults. It has existed in various forms throughout history. Jeroboam created a false image of Judaism when the Ten Northern Tribes split from Judah and Benjamin following Solomon's death (1 Kings 12). His goal was to keep everyone home, away from the Temple in Jerusalem. His religion taught that the Israelites could find God away from God&s teachings. The concept has hung around ever since.
The modern church has, however, expanded upon this universal concept in a new form. This new form is the Open View of God or neotheism. Open theology does not have to result in universalism, but that conclusion must be forced upon it most of the time. This is because without universalism, there is little good in the potential outcome of neotheism.
Open theism is sometimes called “free will theism.” This points to the major component of this new teaching. Open theology teaches that God may change His mind and that He does not absolutely know the future. This proposition has amazing results.
First, note if God cannot truly know the future, all of the remaining prophecies of the Bible are in doubt. Maybe Jesus will not return? Maybe Satan is never defeated? Maybe there is no set will for our lives?
Second, if there are no set wills for our lives, our own decisions potentially change our relationship to God in both positive and negative ways that God cannot imagine. Suppose He desires you become a missionary. This is His will for your life. What happens when you simply do not obey this call and never become a missionary? How will God handle the situation? Does He have the power to “punish” you for disobeying His will? How will He save the people you did not reach?
