Thanks for sharing this, Tom.  Clark Pinnock helped me immensely in the past.  I’m not sure I’d believe in God if not for some of the paths he started me on (at least not the living God in Christ).  Further up and further in!

I am sorry to hear of Dr.Pinnock’s having Alzheimer’s. This is such an insidious disease, devastating to both the sufferer and their family and friends. I will be adding Clark, his family and friends to my prayers.

Thanks for writing a worthy exposition of the theology of this good man of God. Though controversial, I believe he has also been a great source of inspiration to many, helping them to see God in a way that I believe is more personal and more true to the revelation we have received through the Scriptures.
We thank God for Clark Pinnock.

This is, sadly, the twilight of an inspiring career that was not afraid of change, but revered classical Christianity. His development over the years was and is a model for inquiring minds. We shall miss him greatly. Thanks also to Tom, for this concise and perceptive summary.

Even in his gracious announcement of Alzheimers, Dr.Pinnock is exhibiting the love that he has attributed to God for many years.I am saddened to think he will write no more but even in this struggle, Dr.Pinnock demonstrates his unwavering trust in the God who loves him and will walk with him through difficult and dark days. May God help him.

Dear Tom,

Thanks so much for this tribute to Clark and the ideas he helped pioneer and champion.  Clark was very important to me as a pioneer of relational theism, but also as a Christ-follower who was able to weather fierce opposition and criticism without becoming bitter or becoming enraged.

Tom,
Very moving.  Thanks so much.  Dr. Pinnock is indeed a theological giant.

What an excellent summation of his views.  Thanks for the concise presentation of the early roots of the Open Movement.  Like so many, very much enjoyed his works, even when he made me nervous. 

Great job as usual Tom.

Don

Hey, touching entry and very informative too.  Thanks for your work on this essay.

Because of the Bible’s witness to what is called Open Theology, I have had the chance to know Clark Pinnock. My developing perspective based on close readings of the biblical text were well articulated by Clark and Bill Haskers and the others who wrote the Openness of God. Twenty years later, I met Clark and his wife in Boston and the next year he came to our home and swam in our pool. I also credit Tom, Karl, and Templeton for bringing Clark into our lives in a more dynamic relational way than can be found in his many profound writings.

It’s a testament to how he values you, Tom - that he sent this to you and John Sanders.  Pinnock (and many of us) believe in your work, Tom.

Thanks for sharing this.

Reading Clark’s books was like fresh air for me. Thank God for his theological work and very open heart to the Bible, God the Father, and people. Even now there such dignity in his words.

Reading Pinnock’s books helped me articulate a theology that I knew to be true in my heart for some time. It saddens me to hear of his illness.

Thanks for sharing Tom.

Tom, thank you for the update. Clark’s work and courage have been a frequent source of strength and encouragement to me.

Clark Pinnock has been a tremendous encouragement to me and his work will continue to be a source of light to many for years to come. Great insight made even more valuable by a great heart.

// Lennart, Madison, WI

Like many of the others, I too am indebted to Clark Pinnock for my theological shift and perhaps my faith as well. I had an undergraduate professor who was very keen on Pinnock’s move from biblical inerrancy to biblical trustworthiness. When I began grad school at Pepperdine (mid 90’s), at the suggestion of that professor, I decided to read all of Pinnock’s works, chronologically. It was an amazing journey. I was encouraged and excited that a theologian of Pinnock’s caliber could make such an honest changes and that a move towards question and critical thinking was not a move away from faith. I was so enthralled by Pinnock’s transformation that I wrote my masters thesis on his paradigm shift in his doctrine of God. I have had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Clark on a few occasions and he has always been very encouraging. A true gentleman scholar.

Thank you Dr. Pinnock for showing me that I don’t have to make an “either-or” choice when it comes to God, the Bible, or any another matter of theology. There is always at least one more path one can take in faith.

Thank you for this moving tribute to a courageous servant of God and clear summary of his convincing theology. I met Clark twice, the last time in October 2008 when I sat next to him during lunch at McMaster at a seminar in which I was speaking. I am so sorry to hear this news. My mother died of Alzheimers in 2006 and it is not a future I would wish on anyone.

I’m still saddened by the news several days later. I was someone who had major struggles with my faith until one day i came across an online paper on Open Theism written by Clark Pinnock and the relief was immediate. So clearly and yet so humbly explained - thanks you Clark .

Tom, thank you for your comments. Here is one message I sent to Clark.
Dear Clark,

Thank you for letting us know about your present situation. Tom sent a wonderful message to you and I want to add a hearty “Amen” to his note. You, and not just your writings, have influenced so many lives including my own. I continue to tell the story of your magnanimous gesture to me when, at a conference at Wheaton, you read an unpublished paper of mine that was appreciative yet critical of some of your views on the destiny of the unevangelized. You encouraged me to publish it, something I had never considered doing. The following week you called me up to encourage me to develop the paper into a book. That pep talk led to No Other Name. Because you read the notes in that unpublished paper carefully you inferred something about my understanding of the divine nature and this led you to invite me to write a chapter for your book The Grace of God, The Will of Man. I remember telling you that I was still working on my master’s degree at the time and did not consider myself worthy to be included in a book with folks such as Billy Abraham and Steve Evans. You replied that you did not care what degree I had so long as I did good work. I was both tremendously excited and deeply humbled.

It has been a pleasure to learn so much from you, to enjoy your spirit and inquisitiveness, and to have collaborated with you on several projects. My prayers will continue for you and Dorothy.

Your friend,
John

As others mentioned, I too came to a major philosophical struggle/obstacle with my faith until my pastor suggested that I read The Openess of God.  Life changing.  Thanks to Clark Pinnock for such wonderful work and dedication to seeking Truth.

I think the world of Clark, as a man and as a courageous, faithful, purposeful thinker.  He has pursued the truth wherever it led, and has endured the consequences with poise and grace, even when they sometimes were harsh and came from the hand of friends.  Knowing Clark is an inspiration and an enlightenment, one for which I am enormously grateful.

He and his family are in my prayers.

I started reading Clark’s books back in, oh, I guess, 1972 or so. I always followed him with great interest and have praised his work ever since. I met him in California in 1979 and had an utterly fascinating conversation with him. This led to extensive correspondence and a couple of thoroughly fun visits, as he graciously hosted me for a theological conference or two in Toronto. In 1981 he served on my dissertation committee. Eventually I left evangelicalism, but ever since, I have always cited Clark as a genuine freethinker who freely thought his way into reasoned faith, to assure my atheist pals that it is possible. If Clark must now take a forced rest from his indefatigable writing, one can anticipate the verdict “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!”

As one who has had several relatives succumb to this miserable disease, I greatly sympathize with Mr. Pinnock. I can only imagine the desolation of thinking about the prospect of losing so much of what makes a person who he or she is.

A dear friend of mine passed away last year, just a bit more than a year after his wife who had had Alzheimer’s for several years. This friend, we called him Doc, served his wife with amazing love and graciousness. He would speak of the privilege it was to serve her after she had served him for so many years. His love for her was an inspiration to so many of us. I pray that those close to Clark will discover the greatness of the love he so clearly had discovered in his life, as they continue to serve him in the coming years.

I think what I like the most about “open theology” is that it portrays God as a compassionate loving God, rather than just a “ruler” or as someone who is trying to control us.  Open theology it so much more relational.  It states that “God seeks relationship with free creatures.”  So God desires a relationship with us (which is amazing in itself), but in order for this to happen, we must respond.  This, in my opinion, is what makes this idea of open theology such a great model of love.

thanks for posting this - only tracked the news down recently.  When I was on faculty at University of Glasgow we had Clark over for a series of lectures that were during all the ETS firestorm.  He was never bitter nor spiteful and always gracious… embodied the “flame of love” in the truest sense with our students.  I will be praying actively for him and their family during this challenging chapter.

Tom, thank you for the excellent essay.  I read Flame of Love in the summer of 2002.  At the time, I was in the middle of serving a three term as an elder at our church and I was particularly frustrated and discouraged.  Flame of Love was on my bookshelf and I rather randomly picked it among others for my reading at that time.  It truly changed my life.  His teaching led me into a relationship with the Spirit that I had not experienced in the previous thirty years of my Christian walk.  Clearly, he did theology in the power of the Spirit.

I’ll be praying for Dr. Pinnock and his family.

I am saddened by this news and yet full of joy for his work. I just now am reading The Openess of God and believe it is a powerful validation of ‘Relational Christianity’  Thank you Mr Pinnock. Your rewards await!

I’m sorry to tell you that Clark passed away yesterday. He will be missed by our little congregation. His Child like wonder around the things of God was wonderful.
Such a mind but so humble
Blessings
Dave S

I met Clark at Regent College when I was a brand new Christian.  Not only did Clark and Dorothy help confirm and mature my faith, they were also friends, mentors and amazing role models.  I would not be a theologian today were it not for them.  I would not have been able to last as a Christian and a feminist, had it not been for them. I am devastated by this news, but I know Clark is waiting for all of us to get there and we will party!! Save a seat for us at the table, Clark!

Dr. Oord,

Thank you for your concise explanation of Pinnock’s open theism.

It is always sad to hear about someone being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It is especially difficult when it is such a brilliant man being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

I was wondering what the timeline was between Pinnock being diagnosed and his shift into open theism. Was there a connection between the two? I know that open theism makes more sense of “bad” things that occur. Was Pinnock drawn to open theism through attempting to make sense of his diagnosis?

One of the powerful points of open theology as you mentioned is how it points us to the possibility of friendship with God in a cooperative relationship.  In spiritual formation, we talk a lot about restoring the original image that God created us to be.  It is a pilgrimage towards love and relationship – with ourselves, with others and with God.  Open theology invites us to passionately engage in the return to what was started in the beginning.  On this Good Friday, the outstretched arms of Jesus on the cross invite everyone – everywhere to friendship with God through him.  Open theology “is a model of love” and Jesus shows us what that love looks like.

This was a beautiful way to honor Dr. Pinnock, Tom. I didn’t know him but I felt as if I did by the time I finished reading “The Most Moved Mover.” Now, reflecting on Clark Pinnock’s suffering, I reflect on the way God suffered with him. I reflect on the way Dr. Pinnock chose to respond to God’s promptings to explain to all of us how beautifully the One who moves us is also moved by us.
My grandmother would have been 95 today. In her last years, Parkinson’s robbed her of the ability to preach and teach and study, but it never robbed her of her love relationship with God. Finally, when Parkinson’s induced dementia set in, she was robbed of many earthly connections but we who loved her witnessed God’s presence with her. Pinnock’s picture of God reminds me that God remains close enough to wrap loving arms around us and whisper words of love and promise from the very beginning to the very end.
kristin

Open theology seems to answer lots of questions that I have had throughout my faith journey. While an Open view of God definitely threatens fundamentalist thinking, it satisfies more than diminishes my current view of God. Open theology certainly allots more purpose to faith and life. I have always struggled with the motivation of our existence if everything is either predetermined or even foreknown. If there is no chance of determining our own destiny, there isn’t much reason to live or do anything challenging.

I am thankful to Clark Pinnock and others who have paved the way for Open theology.

Most theological models do not mention the level of attention that God has on creation quite as deep as Open Theology does.  Our prayers, our lives, our churches, our scriptures become greater than the original sum of importance that traditional theologies calculated.  I think Tom reinforced an outstanding point, a point that I agree with, that our God is not “aloof” but rather is an active participant in this world.  Scripturally, the God of creation, who sent his son to redeem the world, does not appear as the distant monarch with total authority.  Sadly, this doctrine limits God’s foreknowledge of the future.  This principle has become an incredibly contentious point in my own theological development.  For my own hope, I need to believe that God has the future figured out.  Somehow, I feel if God does not have a precise understanding of tomorrow, than he does not have a plan for my life but more a “best case senior” pending my selections.  Perhaps this is my lack of faith because God has led me thus far with or without the total knowledge of what I was going to decided to do with the choices presented in life.  It would appear that my spiritual life needs to mature and my faith needs to strengthen beyond this issue.  Cause no matter the resolute truth of this quandary, God is still in control of my life.  The future, whether it be decided or partially dictated, is still his to lead me into.

I believe that open theology compliments many of Wesley’s thoughts. Open theology depicts God as an interpersonal mover in the lives of the individual, where love is God’s primarily concern and motivation. I am inclined towards this idea because I think it relates to sanctification, and the process of God moving us towards holiness. In fact, I believe that God is not a god that looks down from some lofty place, ignorant of my personal life, and focused on some eschatological preoccupation. I believe God is moved within the context of each human life through the framework of the moment. Actually, my own experience can testify to God being very intimate and personal, an idea that I think open theology embraces.
Post Script: Clark Pinnock’s book, The Most Moved Mover, has been a blessing to me. My prayers go out to him…

I can’t even imagine the greatness that has been lost with the passing of this great theologian. I have to say that his theory on Open Theology has to be one of the easiest theorys to understand. This type of theology also is inspiring in that is supports the idea that we make a difference to God. That what we do, who we are, the decisions we make do make a difference to God. That God is unchangeable in his love, grace and means of judgement and yet is flexable when acting upon the decisions we make due to the freedoms God has given us. The whole idea of Open Theology seems to only serve to support the great love God has for his creatures.
    It’s always sad to see those who have contributed so much to the world of Christianity and the day to day living of it. Dr. Don Wellman was another one of those greats we lost who also suffered from alzheimers. It has been great to get to learn so much from someone so wise. Thanks for a great week and for sharing a really good book on a subject that enforced what I already knew about God.

Open theology answers many questions that have been left unanswered too long.  I say too long as many have left the faith as a result of not being able to seek and find the answers of a loving God when evil exists.  Open theology solidly brings answers expressing God who so loves that He chooses to limit Himself at times so humanity can have free will.  That is beautiful and makes me fall more in love with Him.  It also is no surprise that Wesleyan theology has been embracing this theology since they are both about a theology of love.

It is sad to hear this about Pinnock.  I have truly appreciated reading his material this last week.  I feel like ideas that I have been thinking about and believing for years have been brought to light with his views in open theology.  I believe that God has created us with freedom and God’s chief characteristic is love.  It is so awesome to think about how the creator of the universe wants to be in a loving relationship with me and with all of us.  God does not force His love on us, but enables us to choose to walk in God’s ways or rebel.  Our future is determined by how we choose to respond to God’s love and grace in our lives.

Omniscience. 

It’s difficult to work your way backward.  If the Bible is the authority for theology, maybe I was taught backwards.  I learned words like omniscience and then I was led to go and seek this out in Scripture.  I was told what omniscience was and this particular definition is the only thing I knew of the word. 

But this seems backwards according to this blog.  If the authority for theology is the Bible, then shouldn’t I start there?  My objective is not to hear a word and then search the Bible through that lens.  The objective is to know the Biblical Narrative and then let that lens correct my understanding of things or give me clarity. 

It’s much like the word “Trinity.”  The first hearers of this word would probably thought that it clarified a huge concept that they couldn’t understand about God being three yet one.  Someone says “trinity” and their hearts resonated with their minds. They probably were like, “Yes!  That’s it!  Trinity!” 

However, we are taught the word “trinity” first.  So we have to try to figure out what that means.  It doesn’t bring clarity.  It brings confusion. 

I think that this is why I loved what you said.  “Open theology does affirm that God is all knowing. God knows all things knowable.”

I’m sorry to hear Pinnock has Alzheimers. 

The way Openness theology has that love is persuasive and not coercive is coherent with the Wesleyan model of God’s Grace.  Regeneration seems to me to have persuasive and not coercive qualities.  Does that mean Calvinist models are more coercive or just another way of understanding persuasive love?

This is a moving tribute, Tom.  Although I have never met Pinnock, I am struck by the fact that he had an openness to change—an openness to radically change, actually. What I appreciated most is the fact that it was actually his devotion to Scripture that led him to Open Theology.  Scripture affirms this view over and over again.  For those who hold a high view of Scripture and for this reason are seeking a more Biblical theology, Pinnock’s views are refreshing, hopeful, and very affirming of all the characteristics that I hold most dear in relationship to God.

His contributions are helping shape my theology—and hopefully the theology of the present and future church of Christ.

I am truly sorry to hear of Mr. Pinnock´s disease. I am new to open theology but I share much of his views. I especially share the view that God has decided to give its creation a space to develop and interact, where everyone´s decision is valuable and shapes its own future. I hope Pinnock´s disciples will continue the good work (I´d like to help too)

One of the beliefs expressed in the open view of God is that God can learn. I understand how this can threaten my more fundamentalist beliefs, because if God is omniscient, how, then, can he learn anything new? And yet, as you clearly explain in this blog post, the witness of the Bible reveals a God who learns things and seems to adapt to what he learns. I have to unpack that and explore with curiosity why that concept threatens those beliefs I hold which are more fundamentalist in nature.

I am sorry to read about Dr. Pinnock’s illness. I have always believed that prayer works one way or another. I have not always understood why nor did I need to. I have enjoyed reading the book “Most Moved Mover” and am so glad to have been introduced to openness of God. I have enjoyed this article and the thorough explanations.

Talitha Edwards writes…

I can easily see the attraction of Open Theology. A lot of it seems quite logical and it seems to be well thought out. Perhaps, it is only natural that part of me rebels at some of the content of Open Theology, since I knew essentially nothing of this before the last couple years.  My current issues are with the views outlaid in the book Most Moved Mover concerning God in relation to time and in relation to space, being more corporeal than mainline Christianity generally thinks.  I can understand the reasoning of God being within time in the constraints of Open Theology, though I rebel at the thought that God couldn’t be timeless and yet not be able to act within time.  On the other hand the thought of God being more corporeal than we generally assume him to be makes it hard to grasp the thought of him being omnipresent.

The chief attribute of God must be love.  Out of this chief attribute Pinnock believed that God’s goal was to acquire “people who would, like a bride, freely participate in his love.”  This characterization of open theology makes it extremely enticing to me because it most accurately conveys the nature of the God that I read about in God’s Word.  In conventional theism the truth of God’s Word has been polluted by Greek philosophy that elevates God to an untouchable position to protect Him from ever changing.  I don’t think that humanity can change the character or nature of God.  However, I do believe that in the name of love and relationship God has freely given humanity the opportunity to make real choices that may run opposed to the will of God. 
S Willis

Open theology, as Pinnock describes it, has some very appealing thoughts.  One of those thoughts is, “God’s chief attribute is love.”  God responds to humanity and His creation out of love.  Love that humanity cannot begin to understand completely.  Humanity, after all, is burdened with a finite mind.  Humanity, therefore, has great limitations.  The good news is that God does not know limits.  He is limitless.
Pinnock also argues, “Biblical evidence for Open theology’s view of omniscience comes in many forms. Dozens of biblical passages, for instance, record God saying “perhaps.” This uncertainty on God’s part means the future remains open, not completely certain. The Bible also says God makes various covenants. These covenants suggest God does not know with certainty everything to occur in the future.”  Could it be that because of the “gift of choice” God knows the possible outcomes of our choice, but hopes that our relationship with Him will give us a bent toward His perfect will?  Pinnock recognizes love as a chief attribute of God.  Just maybe in His love, God waits for us to make a choice instead of dictating how humanity is to respond.  The result of this possible idea is; various covenants, and uncertainty.

I am saddened to hear of pinnock’s fate as he suffers from Alzheimer’s. In my opinion that is a living death in itself.

As far as his theology - I do not agree with many of his conclusions but I appreciate his commitment to relationship.  The idea that he studied relationships of others and with God in the Scripture is highly admirable.  I do agree that Pinnock’s theology is steeped in relationship, and for me Spiritual formation and our spiritual journey is all about relationship. First our relationship with God and then as Christ followers relationship with others around us.

Apparently, I embrace conventional theology since I have trouble accepting Pinnock’s idea of Open theology, at least in terms of an “All knowing God not knowing the future.”

Open Theology has given me many things to think about, and I look forward to continuing to study it as I move forward in my spiritual journey.  Many of the ideas mentioned above make complete sense to me, and yet I continue to fight it. I do so not because I don’t agree or think it is a good theology, but because I want to be able to fully engage it from all angles and perhaps one day be one of its staunchest defenders.  It is learning things like this that made me want to study spiritual formation and I am looking forward to continuing my studies.

I appreciate Pinnock for what he believes and has expressed in regards to his knowing of God. The mere fact that he related the challenge that this theology presents left me with a glimmer of hope. His remark, “Those who embrace conventional theology have difficulty accepting Open theology. This difficulty arises because Open theology challenges certain well-established traditions.” Like anything knew we must at times be mindful of those who don’t see things as we do and afford them the opportunity to listen, experience and evaluate before being made to rush to a decision. Open theology will be for some but not for all.

Open theology is a theology which agrees the most with our Biblical understanding. The question that arises within my mind is, how did we stray from our biblical truths? It seems backwards that established theologies do not see the difference within the scripture. God is a God who moves and acts with us. The real truth is as Pinnock states. We will live like we believe open theology, even if we do not believe in it.

Tom
I was saddened to hear of Dr. Pinnock’s diagnosis regarding Alzheimer’s. While his concepts regarding open theology may be controversial to some, I found his candid viewpoints to be revolutionary in both scope and practicality. Over the last few centuries, for numerous individuals, religion has become so convoluted and ambiguous they really don’t know where to turn anymore. With the openness model that Clark so well illuminates, a degree of clarity has been brought back into the biblical mystery and narrative. I find his writing to be remarkable in its simplicity. In my opinion, he has taken what has always existed theologically and dropped it in our laps once again, and in doing so, we have all become the better and wiser for it. Clark is indeed a theological giant in his own right and has helped me immensely in my journey with Christ. He will be dearly missed for years to come. Thanks so much Tom for your crisp, warm, and perceptive summary.

Openness bids a fresh look at God’s relationship with man through His love perfected.  This voice of theology calls us to abandon the perceptions of a distant God who exists only to punish and to judge and to embrace the opportunity to exercise our relational compentency in a state of connectedness with not only God, but also, with self and the universe.  Openness strikes the clear cord of Biblical reliance and announces to me that God is not only alive, but also, patiently waiting for me to invite Him to my sacred inward. Though I wrestle with the incomplete examination of the problem of evil within this perspective, I view this perspective as the most dynamic and God-man relationship affirming school yet. My pitifulness, as a Christian, somehow shrinks at the thought of serving a God who not only permits me to utilize reason and all that is created within me by Him to connect with Him, but also, bids it so.  Pitifulness abandoned, my arms stretch upwardly and receive the love of a Saviour who not only exists above, but equally, beside, within and amongst.  He is alive and relational.  Openness defines the God for Whom I have waited my entire spiritual life-and seemingly the same God who has waited for me.

Tom,
I believe you are right.  Open theology fits real life experience.  As we begin to sit down and think about how God has worked in our lives and watch the migration towards him, we realize that he is much more like the God of open theology than the God of conventional theology. Many people are stuck in conventional mindsets becuase they are unwilling to think critically about the text or even about what they have been taught through their life.  In my Bible studies, I started a while back not using books, but instead asking the participants to just open the Bible and come to their own questions and insights as a community.  What was really interesting is that many of them, having been raised in the Church had never read scripture in this way and some had never really read it at all.  But as they began to discover it, they were able to see their experiences, use their reason and figure out that a lot of what they were taught by conventional theology wasn’t really practical.
Sharon

Thank you for the touching and informative article, Dr. Oord.  My best wishes and prayers go out to Dr. Pinnock and his family and friends.

I have to confess that the concept of a frozen God, far removed from the worries and petitions of His children, is troubling to me.  The God of the Bible is relational.  He is living and at work.  It has even been said that love is best understood as a verb.  I have seen, firsthand, that love requires action.  God is love, and not in some abstract sense—He loves us!  God is actively responding to the freedom He has allowed us. 

Thanks,
Jason Higgins

Open theology has changed my life.  I used to believe God was more glorified when viewed as separate from our participation.  I have come to see Open theology as a participation doorway God wants us to exercise.  Mr. Pinnock knows of his participation with God and can say he has lived life to the fullest.  God is relational because he is love.  I have a relationship with people I know because of love.  This love being derived in who God is.  Our prayers are not being offered into an empty void that has no affect on the outcome.  Mr. Pinnock will continue to have an impact in this world because his writing is concise and easily readable.  Mr. Pinnock gives a coherent theology that provides credibility for Christians.

Tom, thank you for sharing this information about Clark Pinnock.  It has aroused a wide range of emotions in me.

It saddens me.  I just yesterday finished reading his book, Most Moved Mover.  I feel as though I am losing a mentor before I even got to know him well. 

Alzheimer’s Disease is insidious.  I know full well through personal experience the pain it causes family members of the one who succombs to the disease.  Not only does this news sadden me, but it also arouses anger.  It’s not fair that we humans must endure such evil.

I am also experiencing thankfulness. 

Because I have just finished Most Moved Mover I have an effective tool for dealing with my ranging emotions.  I now understand that the evil that attacked one more person who has influenced my life for good is not something that God has capriciously allowed to happen.  It is just one more result of The Fall.  God is no more the “author” Alzheimer’s than any one of us.  Yes, He could override it if it serve His purposes, but He did not cause it.  As a matter of fact, I can now understand that God was saddened and shocked by this turn of events as He lives moment-by-moment with Mr. Pinnock.  I can also understand that God was very likely pleasantly surprised by Mr. Pinnock’s positive response to the news of his condition. 

For that knowledge and the empowerment it gives me, I am thankful.