Richard Rice

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T. Richard Rice (1944—) is a Seventh-day Adventist theologian and author. He is a leading proponent of "open theism", a term he invented, which describes a controversial understanding of God. As of 2007 he is professor of theology and philosophy of religion at Loma Linda University in California.[1]

Contents

[edit] Biography

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Rice received an MDiv degree from Andrews University in 1969, and an MA and PhD in Christian theology from the University of Chicago in 1972 and 1974, respectively. He taught at La Sierra University, in Riverside, California until 1998, moving then to Loma Linda University, where he is (as of 2007) a Professor of Religion in the areas of Theology and Philosophy of Religion.[2] He has served as a church pastor.[3]

His introductory theology textbook The Reign of God received a very positive review by evangelical Clark Pinnock.

He is married to Gail Taylor Rice.

[edit] Open theism

Main article: Open theism

Rice introduced the term "open theism" in his 1980 book The Openness of God: The Relationship of Divine Foreknowledge and Human Free Will. The book was published by Seventh-day Adventist publisher Review and Herald, but proved controversial within the church and was not reprinted. Later, evangelical Clark Pinnock contacted Rice to convey his deep appreciation of the book, and gave it a positive review.[4] It was republished by Pinnock's publisher Bethany House under the title God's Foreknowledge & Man's Free Will. In 1994, Rice and other theologians contributed to the book The Openness of God: A Biblical Challenge to the Traditional Understanding of God, which was edited by Pinnock.

It is based on Arminian theology, and many supporters see it as the logical extension of that school of thought. It rejects both Calvinism and the liberal process theology.

[edit] Publications

Rice has authored numerous books, and has published articles in the The Journal of Religion, Religious Studies Review, Andrews University Seminary Studies, Ministry, Insight and Spectrum.[3] His books include:

[edit] References

  1. ^ Presenters :: Questions on Doctrine
  2. ^ Loma Linda University (August 15, 2000). Faculty of Religion Bulletin: 2000-2002. Loma Linda, CA: Loma Linda University, 52. 
  3. ^ a b Reign of God, iv
  4. ^ For example, Pinnock, Clark H. "Reconstructing evangelical theology: is the open view of God a good idea?" in Andrews University Seminary Studies 2003, v41, Aut, p215–227

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

Reviews of his 1980 The Openness of God:

Reviews of The Reign of God:

  • Spectrum 18:3 (1988) Reviews: "Rice's Reign of God: An SDA Theology for the Masses?" by Clark Pinnock, and "The Reign of God: Innovative, Helpful, Discreet" by Charles Scriven
Preceded by
James Londis		 President of the Adventist Society for Religious Studies
1989		 Succeeded by
Russell Staples