Providence as “Responsible Risk-Taking”

A Discussion of the Methodological Framework of Open Theism

Abstract

This paper explores the concept of divine providence in the framework of open theism, focusing on the balance between God’s sovereignty and creaturely libertarian free will. It examines the extent to which God takes risks in creation and governance, assessing various risk-minimizing strategies, including limiting libertarian freedom, intervention through human agents, and the potential usefulness of divine foreknowledge. The discussion highlights the methodological assumptions underlying these perspectives, particularly the theological premises of a personal, risk-taking God and the metaphysical implications of presentism. The paper argues that a coherent model of providence in open theism requires a strong view of divine personhood while maintaining a nuanced approach to divine intervention. Ultimately, it suggests that God’s providential action is best understood as influencing history through creatures who freely cooperate with divine purposes rather than through unilateral intervention. This framework offers a way to reconcile divine love, human freedom, and the reality of risk within an open theist paradigm.