Huntington College News Release
Contact John W. Paff, Public Relations Director (260) 359-4048 or 358-7074
The God Who Risks
FOR RELEASE --December 8, 1998
HUNTINGTON, IN— Is God in absolute control of everything – even evil and suffering? Can God be said to control anything if He doesn’t constantly control everything? Or does God watch impassively, allowing people to make their own choices and events to unfold as they will?
These are some of the deep philosophical questions probed in The God Who Risks, a new book by theologian John Sanders, published by InterVarsity Press. Dr. Sanders, who serves as associate professor of philosophy and religion at Huntington College, presents an intriguing alternative view. He argues that God takes risks. In Sanders’ view, God seeks "genuine give-and-take relations with His creatures."
"Sanders offers us a challenging and persuasive portrait of a dynamic and sovereign God who interacts with human beings, and responds to (rather than dictates) their actions, a God who chooses to accomplish his purposes through and in cooperation with his people," says Mike Holmes, professor of Biblical Studies at Bethel College (St. Paul, MN). "By focusing first on the Biblical text, Sanders forces us to think about what God has actually done, about how God actually operates, rather than how we think God should or ought to act. This is a strong and significant contribution to an important discussion."
The God Who Risks not only will contribute to serious theological dialogue but also will enlighten clergy, students, and anyone who struggles with questions about suffering, evil, and human free will. The God Who Risks is available in libraries and bookstores nationwide.
Dr. John E. Sanders joined the faculty of Huntington College this fall. He most recently served as the Extraordinary Fellow at the University of Notre Dame Center for Philosophy of Religion. He previously served as head of the religious studies program at Oak Hills Christian College in Minnesota. He earned his Th.D in systematic and philosophical theology from the University of South Africa. Dr. Sanders has authored or edited three books which have been listed in the top 20 of Christianity Today magazine’s Book of the Year Awards. One of these, The Openness of God, he co-authored with Huntington College’s Dr. William Hasker, among others. Sanders’ other award-winning books are No Other Name and What About Those Who Have Never Heard? Dr. Sanders is married with five children, three of whom are adopted from India.
# # #