Horton's 'Monkeys Eye' Theological Approach

Horton’s (2009) “bulls’ eye” theological approach focuses on God’s specific plan for man’s life. In this plan man seeks to stay within the boundaries by solely seeking God’s direction. One inquires through prayer, desiring discernment of God’s will by examples of tangible or intangible answers given by God, either through a sense of calm and knowing within situation or, and also sometimes through verification of others (Horton, 2009, p. 8-9). Horton’s (2009) “wisdom” theology is more complex and focuses, but not exclusively on individual decision making and free will. Rather than being individualistic in this approach there are two different methods within the whole. The first method has reliance on scripture and God-given faculties of

In this I seek to grow in Christ-likeness, following God’s leading. Sometimes He gives me nudges, indications of which directions to go without spending dedicated time in prayer regarding a specific issue.. There are times too though that I will ask for specific guidance and answers. He does answer and gives me, as Horton indicated “inner peace” (Horton, 2009, p. 9). Horton (2009) in his “Relationship-Formation Approach” indicated this method as being like a shepherd with His sheep, leading and guiding them. This is much the truth in my case. Having raised sheep, I also see how unattractive their actions can be at times, as sheep can be hard-headed and obstinate and when getting caught in briars, will not put themselves in reverse and back out, rather they continue to thrash, pushing themselves in further and in doing so need the Shepherds hands to pull them out. It is written of Jesus, that “when he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36, NIV). Once an individual receives the Lord into their life, they then have a shepherd to lead and guide them. They are no longer lost and helpless, but found and have the hope because of