Divine Impassibility: Four Views (Spectrum Multiview Series) / January 01, 2019

Requires Accordance 10.4 or above.

Does God suffer? Does God experience emotions? Does God change?

How should we interpret passages of Scripture that seem to support one view or the other? And where do the incarnation and Christ’s suffering on the cross fit into this?

This Spectrum Multiview volume brings together four theologians with decidedly different answers to these questions. The contributors make a case for their own view—ranging from a traditional affirmation of divine impassibility (the idea that God does not suffer) to the position that God is necessarily and intimately affected by creation—and then each contributor responds to the others’ views.

The lively but irenic discussion that takes place in this conversation demonstrates not only the diversity of opinion among Christians on this theological conundrum but also its ongoing relevance for today.

Views and Contributors:

• Strong Impassibility by James E. Dolezal
• Qualified Impassibility by Daniel Castelo
• Qualified Passibility by John C. Peckham
• Strong Passibility by Thomas Jay Oord

About the Series:
Spectrum Multiview Books from IVP Academic offer a range of viewpoints on academic topics about which Christians clearly disagree. The unique format, pioneered by IVP in 1977 with the publication of The Meaning of the Millennium, gives proponents of major positions an opportunity to make their case. Each of the other contributors then offers a brief response. Books in the series range in topic from theology to science, from practical ministry to philosophy. Spectrum books help Christians think more carefully about what they believe and appreciate more the perspectives of others.