Unbounded Love: A Good News Theology for the 21st Century
Believing that theology is a dynamic process of revision and interpretation, Charles Pinnock and Robert Brow attempt to improve current theological models that they say minimize divine grace and magnify God's wrath. Because they feel evangelical theology has distorted God's character, Pinnock and Brow dedicate this book to those who fail to interpret the gospel message as good news. The authors call their theology "creative love theism," and it is based on the proclamation that God is love. The central features of this theology are that it: (1) embraces the grace of God extended to all humanity; (2) celebrates God's relationship with humanity rather than focusing on his judgment; and (3) portrays God as an interrelating Trinity, not as a dominant male figure. The potential problem with this love-only emphasis is that in today's "do-your-own-thing" society, this theology could be misconstrued to justify sin and immorality. While Pinnock and Brow may be right that some people have perceived current teachings as claiming God is primarily vengeful, most Christian theologies, in fact, balance God's justice with his abundant love and forgiveness. Consequently, many theologians would find little to disagree with in this creative love theism, since it is actually nothing new; this theology simply accentuates the love of God. Hurting people who seek a stronger message of love as opposed to judgment will certainly find an answer to that need inUnbounded Love.Patty O'Connell