How Then Should We Choose?: Three Views on God's Will and Decision Making

by Douglas S. Huffman (Editor), Richard Blackaby (Contribution by)

The three-views approach is an effective and succinct means of introducing theological subjects to readers of all levels. How Then Should We Choose? applies this proven format to the vital topic of decision making and the Christian's search for the will of God. Garry Friesen of Multnomah Bible College, Henry and Richard Blackaby of Blackaby Ministries International, and Gordon T. Smith of Regent College each contribute summaries of their perspectives on God's will and their approaches to decision making. Friesen discusses the “wisdom” view, Henry and Richard Blackaby delineate the “specific will” view, and Smith champions the “relationship” view of God's will. In an effort to make this discussion reader friendly, the contributors have applied their beliefs regarding God's will and decision making to three practical, concrete career, relationships, and stewardship. Using three hypothetical stories, the authors illustrate how their respective views would influence decisions in these common areas of concern.

Genres: Christianity, Christian Living

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 6, 2009

About the author

Douglas S. Huffman (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is Professor and Associate Dean of Biblical and Theological Studies at Biola University.

Reviews

[Emily Huff]

I was really surprised by how thought provoking this was.

[Josh G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Respectful and substantive interaction between the authors. Good engagement with the main contentions of each position.

I find myself in agreement with Friesen’s view (wisdom view) more than the others. His essay and critique-essays were much more exegetically sound, logically coherent, and practically helpful. Moreover, he makes some important distinctions (ie. “voice” vs. “impression”) that are necessary to this discussion and apparently lost on the other contributors. They neither utilized or addressed them in their essays.

My main criticism is that each advocate didn’t have a chance to counter-respond to the critique-essays. I would have loved to read Friessen respond to the Blackaby’s, the Blackaby’s respond to Smith, etc.

Otherwise, I found this book to be a helpful summary of each position with good interaction from each proponent.

[Binoy Chacko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best book on this topic. Very balanced in it's approach without going to the extremes. Dough Huffman the editor has done a brilliant job in summarizing the three different views. Worth the read!!

[Eugene · Rating 4 out of 5]

So how do I know what God's will is for my life?!

Often times, books telling you how to discern God's will for your life will come from only 1 of the 3 views scripture portrays, while using straw-man arguments to dismiss and mock the other views.

Finally, here is a balanced book that gives the best from all 3 views. Each writer defends his view so strongly that after reading each one, you will be convinced that it is the right one.

My conclusion: all 3 views are helpful and biblical for discerning what God's will is for your life. At the same time, this books shows that the Bible does not teach specifically ONE view... rather, it is a holding up and balancing of 3 views all taught by scripture.