Brian J Orr | London School of Theology (original) (raw)

Drafts by Brian J Orr

This paper posits that the language of “new heavens and a new earth” serves as transformative dis... more This paper posits that the language of “new heavens and a new earth” serves as transformative discourse, first concerning humanity through a profound spiritual metamorphosis, followed by an alteration of the material world, characterized by the manifestation of divine glory among God’s people in Zion. Any interpretation suggesting that this language implies the annihilation of the world misrepresents Isaiah’s intent regarding the new creation. It is imperative to understand new creation as a tangible expression of the Kingdom of God—one that fosters transformation rather than destruction. This distinction underscores the importance of consistency in theological discourse. Indeed, Old Testament eschatology is fundamentally aligned with New Testament eschatology; therefore, an integrated approach to biblical interpretation that maintains this thematic unity is essential. A partial-preterist perspective provides a coherent reading that reinforces the continuity between the two testaments.

PhD Thesis, 2020

Abstract This research thesis explores the method and content in the Evangelical process model o... more Abstract
This research thesis explores the method and content in the Evangelical process model of relational theism as advanced in the writings of Thomas Jay Oord. The specific aim of the thesis is to evaluate and critique Oord’s model of divine providence, identifying the internal inconsistencies within Oord’s philosophical and theological framework, problems in his methodology, and clearing up misconceptions he and the process tradition have of classical theism, while constructively showing that the general sense of Scripture agrees more with classical theism than process theism, as it pertains to divine power.

This thesis concludes that Oord’s Evangelical process theology is insufficient as a biblical model due to its inability to harmonize with the various complexities and themes of Scripture, which a robust doctrine of providence requires. While admitting that the Bible does not have an internally consistent definition of love, Oord set out to formulate a definition of love, descriptive of God’s love in Scripture, claiming that it is the dominant form of love in the Bible. His attempt, however, proved unsatisfactory because his methods were flawed in that he limited his scope to biblical texts that supported a philosophically contrived definition of love. Oord’s process metaphysic placed a stricture on God’s power that was exegetically unjustifiable, and he advanced a straw-man argument against a conception of coercion, which comprised his strongest objection against classical theology, that classical theism does not, and never has, affirmed. His model is inadequate as a viable alternative to classical theology because its metaphysics cannot support and account for biblical truths he affirms that were originally formulated in the long-standing classical tradition of Christian theism, which he rejects. Oord claims that Scripture functioned as his primary source and guide in the formulation of his theology. However, this thesis concludes that his theological framework is axiomatically grounded in process metaphysics, serving as the “handler” instead of the “handmaiden” in constructing a relational model of Christian theism.

Conference Presentations by Brian J Orr

Paper presented at the 2021 Southeastern Regional ETS Conference, March 19.

When it comes to the nature of divine power, non-classical theists, notably process theists, aff... more When it comes to the nature of divine power, non-classical theists, notably process theists, affirm a persuasive, indirect view of divine power. According to this view, God’s love entails freedom given to creatures, whereby God cannot unilaterally exercise his will in a manner that impinges on a creature’s free will/actions. A classical view ascribes to unilateral determinative power (not omnicausal), generally defined as God’s divine activity to bring about a state of affairs according to his specific purposes. Detractors of the classical view claim that God’s loving nature and Scripture do not support it.

The claim I will be making is that a general sense reading of Scripture more coherently aligns with a classical view of divine power. When I say general sense, I mean when one reads passages pertaining to God’s action with/toward creation, is a process view of God’s power a naturally derived assumption from the text? By naturally, I mean is that the “general sense” of the text? For example, 1 Samuel 25:38 says, “About ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal dead.” In reading this text and the context, is it a more natural or a general-sense reading to think that God directly acted and struck Nabal dead, or is it a more natural or a general-sense reading of the text to think God used persuasive power to indirectly move another physical body to bring about Nabal’s death? With that said, a general-sense reading may determine that God struck down someone indirectly by means of another (e.g., Josh 10:10; Isa 10:1–24; Acts 2:23; 4:27–28). And that is where a classical reading provides greater consistency, in that it understands that God directly and indirectly acts in/within his creation. A process view delimits what God can do, regardless of a general sense reading of the text. Therefore, I conclude that a general sense reading of Scripture warrants a classical view of divine power.

Presented at the 2019 Annual ETS Conference, San Diego, CA on November 21., 2019

In the debate between open and classical theists, the doctrine of immutability is a primary point... more In the debate between open and classical theists, the doctrine of immutability is a primary point of contention. Open theists claim that God is not immutable. To support their position, they look to passages of mediation, specific texts where God calls in a mediator to mediate between himself and a guilty party, resulting in God changing his mind and relenting from judgment (specifically Exod 32:1-14; Amos 7:1-6; Jonah 3:9-10; 4:2). The purpose of this essay is to respond to the claims foisted from the openness community, in defense of the classical view of immutability. This essay will not address the governing philosophical and hermeneutical presuppositions that drive open theists to disagree with classical theism. Rather, my intention is to demonstrate that someone who acknowledges Scripture's plenary, verbal inspiration can reasonably interpret the open theist's favorite passages in a manner that coheres with traditional ideas about God's unwavering purposes. The layout of my essay is as follows: First, I will briefly survey the pivotal account of Moses interceding for Israel in Exodus 32:1-14, thus establishing the pattern of mediation between God and his people in the Old Testament. Then I will respond to three questions that arise from this text regarding the sincerity of God's intentions. Within the answering of those questions, the claims put forth from openness proponents against the classical view of immutability will be given, followed by a summarized position on the classical view of immutability, succinctly put, is that the Godhead is perfect and unchanging in its essence and attributes. And then, I will present a systematic and cumulative argument employing the very texts open theists use to substantiate their position, in order to support the classical view of divine immutability. The center piece of my argument is that I will show how Exodus 34:6-7 serves as a guiding axiom and interpretive grid when examining and interpreting passages of mediation in the Old Testament. And lastly, I will demonstrate how the mediative role in the person and work of Jesus Christ resolves the apparent paradox in Exodus 34:6-7 (How can God be merciful and just?), thus revealing the full manifestation of the expression of God's nature and character revealed in Exodus 34:6-7.

Book Reviews by Brian J Orr

Evangelical Quarterly, 2022

Michael Allen's The Knowledge of God is a collection of essays presenting material topics on 'God... more Michael Allen's The Knowledge of God is a collection of essays presenting material topics on 'God, Christ, and the character of human communion found with God and one another'. The order of his project overlaps historical theology (dogmatics) and exegetical commentary orienting the reader to a theocentric religion, with the goal of a contemplative Christian theology of the Triune God fixed as the center of our worship, faith, wisdom, and practice. Allen's discursive work considers the nature of the Triune God, the mystery of Christ, and a doctrine of the church, an enterprise taking in the rich insights from the Great Tradition, culminating in a thoroughly classical Reformed doctrine of God. This review will order the material according to the three divisions in which Allen frames his work: God, Christ, and the church.

The LAB - The Logos Academic Blog, 2018

https://academic.logos.com/?s=brian+Orr

Books by Brian J Orr

The classical doctrine of God expresses that the God of the Bible is triune, a se, simple, immuta... more The classical doctrine of God expresses that the God of the Bible is triune, a se, simple, immutable, impassible, eternal, and the sovereign Lord over his creation, which he created from himself. Modern streams of theology, within the evangelical circle, continue to promote a doctrine of God that sharply contrasts the classical view—the traditional view of God in Christian theism. Therefore, a critical response to such a theology is needed. This study is a comprehensive analysis and sustained critique of Thomas Jay Oord’s open/relational doctrine of God. Oord’s model substitutes process metaphysics for classical metaphysics, while attempting to retain foundational Christian doctrines that were established within a classical metaphysical framework.

Papers by Brian J Orr

Evangelical Quarterly: An International Review of Bible and Theology, 2020

The perennial debate regarding the problem of evil has been dominated by philosophers in contempo... more The perennial debate regarding the problem of evil has been dominated by philosophers in contemporary theology. And in that arena of discussion, approaches to the problem of evil tend to remove it from its theological context, also overlooking how Scripture addresses the problem. To the world, it seems as if God has failed. Death and evil are still all around us. And therefore, for many, Hume’s dilemma still stands. The aim of this essay is to provide a theological road map that traces out a path to glory, showing that God works in and through evil. My hope is that it will lead the believer, in good conscience, to affirm that while evil exists in the world, when Scripture says God ‘does whatever he pleases’ (Ps. 135:6), evil is included in his pleasing purposes in a manner that does not conflict or contradict with his power, goodness, and love.

Evangelical Quarterly, 2022

Creatio ex nihilo is the dominant creation theory in the Christian tradition. Relational theologi... more Creatio ex nihilo is the dominant creation theory in the Christian tradition. Relational theologian Thomas Jay Oord proposes an alternative creation theory, in which God everlastingly creates from what he previously created. Key reasons why Oord argues creatio ex nihilo should be rejected are that it has Gnostic roots, is not explicitly taught in Scripture, and is illogical. This article critically assesses Oord's arguments against creatio ex nihilo, contending that his conclusions are misguided due to a Biblicist tendency in his reading of the text and the inaccurate definition of creatio ex nihilo he argues against. With the biblical and historical data, a definition of creatio ex nihilo representative of the Christian tradition is articulated. This essay then demonstrates how creatio ex nihilo is superior to Oord's alternative theory.

JoCT, 2023

Journal of Classical Theology (JoCT) offers a platform to facilitate rigorous theological discu... more Journal of Classical Theology (JoCT) offers a platform to facilitate rigorous theological discussion pertaining to the retrieval of and advancements in classical theology.

The model of classical theology this journal seeks to retrieve understands that God is triune, a se, simple, immutable, impassible, eternal, and the sovereign Lord over his creation, which he created from himself.

The journal primarily contributes to the doctrine of God and doctrine of Christ. Book reviews on works from a broad theological spectrum that engage in or are critical of classical theology will be published as well.

Because a classical retrieval is needed in every facet of the church (i.e., the pastorate, the pews, and theological institutions), the intended audience for this journal is ecclesial scholars (pastor/scholar), academics, and seminarians.

Journal of Classical Theology , 2022

Journal of Classical Theology (JoCT) offers a platform to facilitate rigorous theological discu... more Journal of Classical Theology (JoCT) offers a platform to facilitate rigorous theological discussion pertaining to the retrieval of and advancements in classical theology.

The model of classical theology this journal seeks to retrieve understands that God is triune, a se, simple, immutable, impassible, eternal, and the sovereign Lord over his creation, which he created from himself.

The journal primarily contributes to the doctrine of God and doctrine of Christ. Book reviews on works from a broad theological spectrum that engage in or are critical of classical theology will be published as well.

Because a classical retrieval is needed in every facet of the church (i.e., the pastorate, the pews, and theological institutions), the intended audience for this journal is ecclesial scholars (pastor/scholar), academics, and seminarians.

Teaching Documents by Brian J Orr

A complete study guide of Augustine's City of God. This study guide is intended for the layman up... more A complete study guide of Augustine's City of God. This study guide is intended for the layman up through the college and seminary level.

This paper posits that the language of “new heavens and a new earth” serves as transformative dis... more This paper posits that the language of “new heavens and a new earth” serves as transformative discourse, first concerning humanity through a profound spiritual metamorphosis, followed by an alteration of the material world, characterized by the manifestation of divine glory among God’s people in Zion. Any interpretation suggesting that this language implies the annihilation of the world misrepresents Isaiah’s intent regarding the new creation. It is imperative to understand new creation as a tangible expression of the Kingdom of God—one that fosters transformation rather than destruction. This distinction underscores the importance of consistency in theological discourse. Indeed, Old Testament eschatology is fundamentally aligned with New Testament eschatology; therefore, an integrated approach to biblical interpretation that maintains this thematic unity is essential. A partial-preterist perspective provides a coherent reading that reinforces the continuity between the two testaments.

PhD Thesis, 2020

Abstract This research thesis explores the method and content in the Evangelical process model o... more Abstract
This research thesis explores the method and content in the Evangelical process model of relational theism as advanced in the writings of Thomas Jay Oord. The specific aim of the thesis is to evaluate and critique Oord’s model of divine providence, identifying the internal inconsistencies within Oord’s philosophical and theological framework, problems in his methodology, and clearing up misconceptions he and the process tradition have of classical theism, while constructively showing that the general sense of Scripture agrees more with classical theism than process theism, as it pertains to divine power.

This thesis concludes that Oord’s Evangelical process theology is insufficient as a biblical model due to its inability to harmonize with the various complexities and themes of Scripture, which a robust doctrine of providence requires. While admitting that the Bible does not have an internally consistent definition of love, Oord set out to formulate a definition of love, descriptive of God’s love in Scripture, claiming that it is the dominant form of love in the Bible. His attempt, however, proved unsatisfactory because his methods were flawed in that he limited his scope to biblical texts that supported a philosophically contrived definition of love. Oord’s process metaphysic placed a stricture on God’s power that was exegetically unjustifiable, and he advanced a straw-man argument against a conception of coercion, which comprised his strongest objection against classical theology, that classical theism does not, and never has, affirmed. His model is inadequate as a viable alternative to classical theology because its metaphysics cannot support and account for biblical truths he affirms that were originally formulated in the long-standing classical tradition of Christian theism, which he rejects. Oord claims that Scripture functioned as his primary source and guide in the formulation of his theology. However, this thesis concludes that his theological framework is axiomatically grounded in process metaphysics, serving as the “handler” instead of the “handmaiden” in constructing a relational model of Christian theism.

Paper presented at the 2021 Southeastern Regional ETS Conference, March 19.

When it comes to the nature of divine power, non-classical theists, notably process theists, aff... more When it comes to the nature of divine power, non-classical theists, notably process theists, affirm a persuasive, indirect view of divine power. According to this view, God’s love entails freedom given to creatures, whereby God cannot unilaterally exercise his will in a manner that impinges on a creature’s free will/actions. A classical view ascribes to unilateral determinative power (not omnicausal), generally defined as God’s divine activity to bring about a state of affairs according to his specific purposes. Detractors of the classical view claim that God’s loving nature and Scripture do not support it.

The claim I will be making is that a general sense reading of Scripture more coherently aligns with a classical view of divine power. When I say general sense, I mean when one reads passages pertaining to God’s action with/toward creation, is a process view of God’s power a naturally derived assumption from the text? By naturally, I mean is that the “general sense” of the text? For example, 1 Samuel 25:38 says, “About ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal dead.” In reading this text and the context, is it a more natural or a general-sense reading to think that God directly acted and struck Nabal dead, or is it a more natural or a general-sense reading of the text to think God used persuasive power to indirectly move another physical body to bring about Nabal’s death? With that said, a general-sense reading may determine that God struck down someone indirectly by means of another (e.g., Josh 10:10; Isa 10:1–24; Acts 2:23; 4:27–28). And that is where a classical reading provides greater consistency, in that it understands that God directly and indirectly acts in/within his creation. A process view delimits what God can do, regardless of a general sense reading of the text. Therefore, I conclude that a general sense reading of Scripture warrants a classical view of divine power.

Presented at the 2019 Annual ETS Conference, San Diego, CA on November 21., 2019

In the debate between open and classical theists, the doctrine of immutability is a primary point... more In the debate between open and classical theists, the doctrine of immutability is a primary point of contention. Open theists claim that God is not immutable. To support their position, they look to passages of mediation, specific texts where God calls in a mediator to mediate between himself and a guilty party, resulting in God changing his mind and relenting from judgment (specifically Exod 32:1-14; Amos 7:1-6; Jonah 3:9-10; 4:2). The purpose of this essay is to respond to the claims foisted from the openness community, in defense of the classical view of immutability. This essay will not address the governing philosophical and hermeneutical presuppositions that drive open theists to disagree with classical theism. Rather, my intention is to demonstrate that someone who acknowledges Scripture's plenary, verbal inspiration can reasonably interpret the open theist's favorite passages in a manner that coheres with traditional ideas about God's unwavering purposes. The layout of my essay is as follows: First, I will briefly survey the pivotal account of Moses interceding for Israel in Exodus 32:1-14, thus establishing the pattern of mediation between God and his people in the Old Testament. Then I will respond to three questions that arise from this text regarding the sincerity of God's intentions. Within the answering of those questions, the claims put forth from openness proponents against the classical view of immutability will be given, followed by a summarized position on the classical view of immutability, succinctly put, is that the Godhead is perfect and unchanging in its essence and attributes. And then, I will present a systematic and cumulative argument employing the very texts open theists use to substantiate their position, in order to support the classical view of divine immutability. The center piece of my argument is that I will show how Exodus 34:6-7 serves as a guiding axiom and interpretive grid when examining and interpreting passages of mediation in the Old Testament. And lastly, I will demonstrate how the mediative role in the person and work of Jesus Christ resolves the apparent paradox in Exodus 34:6-7 (How can God be merciful and just?), thus revealing the full manifestation of the expression of God's nature and character revealed in Exodus 34:6-7.

Evangelical Quarterly, 2022

Michael Allen's The Knowledge of God is a collection of essays presenting material topics on 'God... more Michael Allen's The Knowledge of God is a collection of essays presenting material topics on 'God, Christ, and the character of human communion found with God and one another'. The order of his project overlaps historical theology (dogmatics) and exegetical commentary orienting the reader to a theocentric religion, with the goal of a contemplative Christian theology of the Triune God fixed as the center of our worship, faith, wisdom, and practice. Allen's discursive work considers the nature of the Triune God, the mystery of Christ, and a doctrine of the church, an enterprise taking in the rich insights from the Great Tradition, culminating in a thoroughly classical Reformed doctrine of God. This review will order the material according to the three divisions in which Allen frames his work: God, Christ, and the church.

The LAB - The Logos Academic Blog, 2018

https://academic.logos.com/?s=brian+Orr

The classical doctrine of God expresses that the God of the Bible is triune, a se, simple, immuta... more The classical doctrine of God expresses that the God of the Bible is triune, a se, simple, immutable, impassible, eternal, and the sovereign Lord over his creation, which he created from himself. Modern streams of theology, within the evangelical circle, continue to promote a doctrine of God that sharply contrasts the classical view—the traditional view of God in Christian theism. Therefore, a critical response to such a theology is needed. This study is a comprehensive analysis and sustained critique of Thomas Jay Oord’s open/relational doctrine of God. Oord’s model substitutes process metaphysics for classical metaphysics, while attempting to retain foundational Christian doctrines that were established within a classical metaphysical framework.

Evangelical Quarterly: An International Review of Bible and Theology, 2020

The perennial debate regarding the problem of evil has been dominated by philosophers in contempo... more The perennial debate regarding the problem of evil has been dominated by philosophers in contemporary theology. And in that arena of discussion, approaches to the problem of evil tend to remove it from its theological context, also overlooking how Scripture addresses the problem. To the world, it seems as if God has failed. Death and evil are still all around us. And therefore, for many, Hume’s dilemma still stands. The aim of this essay is to provide a theological road map that traces out a path to glory, showing that God works in and through evil. My hope is that it will lead the believer, in good conscience, to affirm that while evil exists in the world, when Scripture says God ‘does whatever he pleases’ (Ps. 135:6), evil is included in his pleasing purposes in a manner that does not conflict or contradict with his power, goodness, and love.

Evangelical Quarterly, 2022

Creatio ex nihilo is the dominant creation theory in the Christian tradition. Relational theologi... more Creatio ex nihilo is the dominant creation theory in the Christian tradition. Relational theologian Thomas Jay Oord proposes an alternative creation theory, in which God everlastingly creates from what he previously created. Key reasons why Oord argues creatio ex nihilo should be rejected are that it has Gnostic roots, is not explicitly taught in Scripture, and is illogical. This article critically assesses Oord's arguments against creatio ex nihilo, contending that his conclusions are misguided due to a Biblicist tendency in his reading of the text and the inaccurate definition of creatio ex nihilo he argues against. With the biblical and historical data, a definition of creatio ex nihilo representative of the Christian tradition is articulated. This essay then demonstrates how creatio ex nihilo is superior to Oord's alternative theory.

JoCT, 2023

Journal of Classical Theology (JoCT) offers a platform to facilitate rigorous theological discu... more Journal of Classical Theology (JoCT) offers a platform to facilitate rigorous theological discussion pertaining to the retrieval of and advancements in classical theology.

The model of classical theology this journal seeks to retrieve understands that God is triune, a se, simple, immutable, impassible, eternal, and the sovereign Lord over his creation, which he created from himself.

The journal primarily contributes to the doctrine of God and doctrine of Christ. Book reviews on works from a broad theological spectrum that engage in or are critical of classical theology will be published as well.

Because a classical retrieval is needed in every facet of the church (i.e., the pastorate, the pews, and theological institutions), the intended audience for this journal is ecclesial scholars (pastor/scholar), academics, and seminarians.

Journal of Classical Theology , 2022

Journal of Classical Theology (JoCT) offers a platform to facilitate rigorous theological discu... more Journal of Classical Theology (JoCT) offers a platform to facilitate rigorous theological discussion pertaining to the retrieval of and advancements in classical theology.

The model of classical theology this journal seeks to retrieve understands that God is triune, a se, simple, immutable, impassible, eternal, and the sovereign Lord over his creation, which he created from himself.

The journal primarily contributes to the doctrine of God and doctrine of Christ. Book reviews on works from a broad theological spectrum that engage in or are critical of classical theology will be published as well.

Because a classical retrieval is needed in every facet of the church (i.e., the pastorate, the pews, and theological institutions), the intended audience for this journal is ecclesial scholars (pastor/scholar), academics, and seminarians.

A complete study guide of Augustine's City of God. This study guide is intended for the layman up... more A complete study guide of Augustine's City of God. This study guide is intended for the layman up through the college and seminary level.