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Do Open Theists think the canon is still open?

Full Question:

Doesn't the open theist run the risk of having to argue that (or allow for the possibility that) the canon of Scripture is not closed?

After all, if God can't infallibly know (or even predict) all of the exigencies, contingencies, issues that might arise from human choices as they unfold (including new systems of human thought - e.g., postmodernism), then might He not have to continue with fresh revelation to meet each new generation?

This is, of course, far deviant from the traditional evangelical view (which I happen to hold, though based on the above it can sometimes be hard to advocate to skeptical inquirers) which states that authoritative, universal revelation ceased when the Bible was complete, because the faith was "delivered once for all to the saints".

Thoughts?

Marlowe C. Embree, Ph.D.

Reply:

I see no reason to think that the open view requires us to hold that the canon is still open. "Authoritative, universal revelation" is presumably concerned with the basic features of God's redemptive plan, and it is certainly part of the open view that God is able to carry out that plan, and will in fact do so, regardless of the various possibilities for human responses. On the other hand, God can certainly give *guidance* to individuals that responds to particular situations that are not mentioned in biblical revelation. But that God does this sort of thing is certainly not an idea that is limited to the open view and strange to evangelicals generally!

William Hasker Ph. D.

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