Term

open theism

The belief that God is incapable of knowing future free human choices, meaning God knows what is possible rather than what will actually happen.

Filed underTheology Proper

Definition

The belief that God is incapable of knowing any future free choices by human beings; thus God can only know what is possible, not what will actually happen.

Connections

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Related to
Narrower than

Sources

  1. 1.Wayne A. Grudem Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. 2nd ed.. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020). 12B.4Original citation: Grudem, Wayne A. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020, 12B.4.

Last revised August 14, 2026