The Modified Wisdom View of Guidance: the Normative Use of Scripture and God-given Wisdom in Decision Making, with the Possibility of Divine Special Guidance

While evangelical Christians seem to agree that God guides his people, they are far from reaching a consensus on precisely how God guides. This book helpfully identifies and evaluates three evangelical positions on the subject of guidance and defends what is here called the modified wisdom view. In contrast to both the blueprint and wisdom views, which maintain, respectively, that God always and never gives special, personalized messages of guidance, the modified wisdom view argues that special guidance is possible, but not promised, for Christians today. Instead, God intends for Christians to make decisions normatively by studying and wisely applying Scripture. Smith argues that a theology of guidance that takes into account doctrines such as divine providence and the sufficiency of Scripture will produce some much-needed clarity on the subject. Interacting with contemporary authors as well as the Reformers, Smith concludes with practical application and three challenges for evangelicals. A helpful work for scholars and pastors alike, this book promises to advance the conversation regarding divine guidance.