The OPT-OUT Theory

I believe that we all should be in a lifelong process of working out our theology. A recent tweak in my theology has intrigued me. Real theologians have likely covered this ground and have established doctrines and terminology for the things that I am about to describe.

In my terms, I refer to it as the OPT-OUT theory. Doctrinally, it is similar to the idea of election, except without limitation or selectivity. You might think of it as extreme election.

The basic idea is that everything necessary for our eternal life and fellowship in Christ has already been provided. Our inclusion is an already-accomplished fact not dependent upon our response. We experience the fullness and blessing of life in Christ as we turn our hearts to God. Of course, we also have the choice to not take part in the relationship available to us.

I bounced this idea off of a couple of people, but so far, the reactions seem skeptical – raised eyebrows and a hesitant, “well that is interesting.” So I decided I better keep this to myself.

I was pleasantly surprised when I recently heard this quote in a sermon by Greg Boyd:

“Now people still have the free will to choose against that if they want – to OPT OUT if they want – and they do so to their own destruction. But the default setting now is that people are in Christ.”

So there you go. Maybe it’s not so extreme.

What do you think?