Articles
Molinism: Does “Would Not” Logically Entail “Could Not?”
One of the beautiful aspects of Molinism is its commitment to maintaining the sovereignty of God in the actions of free agents. But this idea, like many ideas worth having, is not without its fair share of criticism. Since Molinism is an attempt to explain the coexistence of the sovereignty of God and the freedom … Continue reading Molinism: Does “Would Not” Logically Entail “Could Not?”
REVIVAL! THE EXPERIENCE: Reviewing a Ghost Story that Happens to be True
Actor Harry Lennix might not be a household name, although he is easily recognizable. Lennix played Commander Lock in The Matrix trilogy and General Calvin Swanwick in The Man of Steel and Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice. He also co-stars as Harold Cooper, the FBI director of a secret task force in my favorite TV series of all time — The … Continue reading REVIVAL! THE EXPERIENCE: Reviewing a Ghost Story that Happens to be True
The MMA (Mere Molinism Argument)
In house “fights” behind the doors of the church are nothing new. Since Paul and Barnabas split over differences some two thousand years ago, Christians have disagreed on many theological issues. These passionate disagreements continue today. Although these heated disputes are not usually physically violent, these debates often occur with the same ferocity of a mixed … Continue reading The MMA (Mere Molinism Argument)
Concerning the Prophet Muhammad’s View of the Gospels from (an Interpretation of) the Earliest Arabic Sources
In this writing we will be quoting from the Qur’an and Sahih-Bukhari, the most trusted collection of Muhammad’s (pbuh)[1] doings and sayings (known as hadith) in existence today. These are primary source materials from the very earliest moments in Islamic history. However, we recognize that the original, and authoritative, Qur’an and hadith, were written in … Continue reading Concerning the Prophet Muhammad’s View of the Gospels from (an Interpretation of) the Earliest Arabic Sources
Is it Possible that Free Will Is Impossible?
Galen Strawson, a philosopher at the University of Texas at Austin, believes that free will is not only false — but impossible! In a recent interview on Closer to Truth, Strawson provides an argument which he believes demonstrates the truth of determinism. That is to say, this particular philosopher contends that libertarian freedom (namely, the “ability to do … Continue reading Is it Possible that Free Will Is Impossible?
Avengers: Infinity War & Morality
I am going to assume that if you are reading this article you have already seen Avengers: Infinity War. If not, I urge you to stop reading, as there will be numerous spoilers along the way. I am also going to assume that after seeing the movie, you left the theater and either felt that you needed … Continue reading Avengers: Infinity War & Morality
Calvinism vs Molinism: Costa vs MacGregor
Dr. Kirk MacGregor (McPherson College) is one of the leading voices regarding Molinism in the world today and was recently invited into the “lion’s den” to take on three Calvinists during a live radio program called Iron Sharpens Iron. The Calvinists included the host of the show, Chris Arnzen, along with the cohost (my personal friend), … Continue reading Calvinism vs Molinism: Costa vs MacGregor
The Life of an Apologist’s Wife
Hi! I’m Tia and I thought I would do a mini-series of blogs of what it’s like to be the wife of a Christian Apologist. But, why be so impersonal?! I would like to specifically tell you what it’s like being the wife of “The FreeThinking Theist” — aka, the “Libertarian Freedom Fighter” — Tim … Continue reading The Life of an Apologist’s Wife
Libertarian Freedom Is a Limited Power
Some of my colleagues have jokingly referred to me as the epitome of a “libertarian freedom fighter!” Not only do I take freedom from “big government” seriously, I also take metaphysical and theological libertarian freedom even more seriously. That is to say, I am convinced that humans possess libertarian free will and I argue that … Continue reading Libertarian Freedom Is a Limited Power
Salvation and Sovereignty: A Molinist Approach Book Review
Kenneth Keathley systematically treads into a misted jungle of the dialogue as a scrupulous cartographer might painstakingly trace out the ever-forking pattern of a river delta. In Christian theological circles, there is hardly a less prolific discussion-generator as is the topic of salvation – with Calvinism and Arminianism as the primary options available. He categorizes, … Continue reading Salvation and Sovereignty: A Molinist Approach Book Review
Avengers: Infinity War & Possible Worlds
Spoiler Alert! Spoiler Alert!! Spoiler Alert!!! Seriously, if you have not yet seen the movie, Avengers: Infinity War, stop reading this and go to the movie theatre and buy a ticket! Then come back and read this article. Consider yourself warned!
Responding to James White’s Anti-Molinist Critiques: Creaturely Essences
Summary: In The Dividing Line episode Behold the Secular Woman & WLC on Molinism (Once Again) James White argues that Molinism is false because it prohibits God from creating creaturely essences. Here, I offer several interpretations of White’s argument and demonstrate that regardless of which interpretation White prefers his argument can be shown to have an unargued premise. Video … Continue reading Responding to James White’s Anti-Molinist Critiques: Creaturely Essences
Whoever Reads John 3:16 Can Know that “Whoever” Is Really There
There is an untenable grammatical argument contending that John 3:16 supports limited atonement that has recently received some attention. James White has made the argument for some time. But his use of it in response to Arminian philosopher Rich Davis’ argument against limited atonement from John 3:161 has now surprisingly received some approval from two respectable Calvinist … Continue reading Whoever Reads John 3:16 Can Know that “Whoever” Is Really There
What in the Possible Worlds is Molinism?
What might come as a surprise to many today is that Christ followers have a rich history of grappling with big questions. One question in particular has consumed the minds of Christians for centuries: “If God is in control over all things, how are humans really free and responsible for anything, and if humans are … Continue reading What in the Possible Worlds is Molinism?
Response to James White on the Unbelievable William Lane Craig and Paul Helm Discussion
Summary: In the March 11, 2014 episode of The Dividing Line, James White offers an analysis of the discussion between Dr. William Lane Craig and Professor Paul Helm on the topic “Molinism vs. Calvinism,” which originally aired January 4, 2014. I conclude that White doesn’t actually offer an analysis so much as uses an incredulous … Continue reading Response to James White on the Unbelievable William Lane Craig and Paul Helm Discussion
Can Empathy Ground Morality?
One of the most powerful arguments for the existence of God is the moral argument. Basically, an objective moral law requires a Moral Lawgiver. But many skeptics still aren’t convinced. They claim that they don’t need God or some holy book to tell them how to live; they have empathy. Dictionary.com defines empathy as “the … Continue reading Can Empathy Ground Morality?