THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF GOD OF THE POSSIBLE
Richard L. Mayhue
Senior Vice President and Dean
Professor of Pastoral Ministries and Theology
The Master's Seminary
Gregory A. Boyd has written God of the Possible to promote "Open" or "Free-
will" theism at the grassroots level of Christendom. This volume proposes to show how
Classical theism is inferior and Open theism is superior. In this reviewer's opinion, Dr.
Boyd has failed to prove his point and to accomplish his purpose for at least eight
reasons. First, the history of orthodox Christian doctrine declares against, not for,
Boyd's position. Second, God of the Possible depends upon philosophy, not theology, to
prove its point. Third, this volume deifies man and humanizes God. Fourth, Boyd
discards the unknown, mysterious dimensions of God in his discussions. Fifth, the book
is built with an aberrant methodology. Sixth, God of the Possible dismisses the literary
device of anthropopathism. Seventh, Boyd's position diminishes the Almighty's Deity.
Eighth, the author downplays determinative Biblical texts. For these points, God of the
Possible and Open theism are judged to be heretical. Thus, the church needs to be
warned to reject these ideas, not to entertain or embrace them.
*****
"Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the
incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man...." (Rom 1:22-23).
Admittedly, "Openness" advocates have not yet strayed this far, but they are, in this