Exploring the Divine Plan: Open Theism and Evolution in Christian Perspective

Did God create an ‘open’ universe?

Introduction

Christians find comfort in the belief that God knows and directs everything that will happen in the future. However, theistic evolutionists, who believe in the compatibility of evolution and Christianity, are compelled to embrace the idea of an open universe. This concept, known as open theism, suggests that God does not have complete knowledge or control of the future due to human free will. Theistic evolutionists extend this idea to the cosmic level, asserting that nature has been given the freedom to determine its own course.

Theistic Evolutionists and Open Theism

Theistic evolutionists often argue that God used evolution or directed the evolutionary process, but they deny that God guaranteed specific outcomes. They believe that evolution is not predetermined or controlled by God. They argue that if events in the material world were strictly determined, then evolution would move towards predictable outcomes, which contradicts the idea of an open future.

Biblical Perspective on God's Knowledge and Control

In contrast to open theism, the Bible portrays God as having complete knowledge of the future and actively directing it according to His will. Scriptures such as Ephesians 1:11 emphasize that God works all things according to His counsel and accomplishes all His purposes. It is clear that God knows our words before we speak them (Psalm 139:4) and our days before we live them (Psalm 139:16). The Bible distinguishes God from false gods by highlighting His ability to declare the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:9–10).

Theistic Evolution's Challenge to God's Specific Plan

Theistic evolutionists face a challenge in reconciling their beliefs with the notion that God has a specific plan for creation. If nature determines its own course through evolution, how can God ensure that His desired outcome is achieved? Theistic evolutionists argue that human existence on Earth may have been an afterthought or a minor detail in a history that could have easily excluded us.

However, the Bible clearly indicates that God had a specific plan of salvation even before creation. Scriptures such as Acts 2:23 and Messianic prophecies demonstrate that God predestined and foreknew Jesus' death on the cross. The Bible also states that God chose His elect people before the foundation of the world. These biblical passages affirm that God's plan is not an accident but a deliberate intention.

God as the Creator

Theistic evolutionists face a challenge in attributing creation to God if it is believed to have occurred through a series of random events beyond His influence. The Bible consistently identifies God as the Creator of all things and emphasizes His involvement in every aspect of creation. Scriptures such as Psalm 104:24, John 1:3, and Colossians 1:16 reinforce the idea that God is responsible for the existence of all living things. The Bible also highlights God's involvement in the design of individual body parts and His control over nature.

Evolution and Poor Design Arguments

Theistic evolutionists often use the argument of poor design to support their beliefs. They claim that certain features in living organisms are clumsily designed, suggesting that evolution is a better explanation than an intelligent Creator. However, these claims have been proven false. The Bible affirms that nothing was made without God's involvement (John 1:3) and highlights His wisdom in creation (Proverbs 3:19; Jeremiah 10:12). Theistic evolutionists' reliance on poor design arguments contradicts biblical teachings about God's role as the Creator.

Natural Evil and Theistic Evolution

Another challenge faced by theistic evolutionists is explaining natural evil, such as suffering and death in the animal kingdom. According to their beliefs, natural evil existed for millions of years before human beings and the Fall. They attribute natural evil to nature's freedom, suggesting that God entrusted the steering of creation to nature. However, this explanation raises questions about God's goodness and wisdom. If God foresaw the consequences of granting nature freedom, it would compromise His goodness. On the other hand, if God was blindsided by natural evil, it would indicate poor judgment.

Implications for Christian Faith

Theistic evolution has significant implications for one's spiritual walk. If evolution occurred independently of God's control, it raises doubts about the reliability of the Bible and challenges the idea of worshiping God as the Creator. The belief that humans were not specifically intended by God undermines the concept of being created in His image. Furthermore, it questions God's wisdom and goodness due to the suffering and bloodshed inherent in an evolutionary process.

Theistic evolution also impacts prayer life, trust in God's control over the future, and confidence in His ability to work all things together for good. An evolutionary worldview can lead to a lack of trust in God and ultimately despair. However, the biblical perspective reaffirms that God is the sovereign Lord of all creation and actively involved in directing its course.

Why This Matters

Understanding the relationship between evolution and Christianity is crucial for Christians who are seeking to reconcile their faith with scientific theories. Theistic evolution presents challenges to core biblical teachings about God's knowledge, control, and purpose in creation. It also raises questions about the reliability of the Bible and erodes trust in God's character. Recognizing these implications helps Christians make informed decisions about their beliefs and strengthens their faith in a sovereign Creator.

Think About It

1. How does the idea of an open universe challenge your understanding of God's knowledge and control?
2. What implications do you think theistic evolution has for core biblical teachings such as creation, salvation, and human identity?
3. How does understanding the relationship between evolution and Christianity impact your trust in God's character and His ability to work all things together for good?