A FreeThinking Update
Equipping the Church to Engage the Culture FreeThinking Ministries (FTM) has enjoyed another fantastic year of ministry! This online organization is equipping people around the world to know exactly what they should believe (theology) and exactly why they should believe it (apologetics). This mission is important because when one fully grasps both the what and the why, radical life change occurs and evangelism just happens! Jeremiah … Continue reading A FreeThinking Update
Is God’s Knowledge Like a Box of Chocolates?
Question: Dear Tim, I just finished reading your “Dangerous Grounds” article and I could use a little clarification. Can you please further explain why it is that if God does not possess knowledge of creaturely freedom logically prior to his creative decree, then the only two options we are left with are open theism or “exhaustive … Continue reading Is God’s Knowledge Like a Box of Chocolates?
The Omniscience of God
This is the conclusion of a trilogy of articles surveying what I refer to as “The BIG 3” of God’s omni-attributes. I have previously written about God’s perfect love for all people (See The Omnibenvolence of God) and God’s perfect power (See The Omnipotence of God). After considering these characteristics of God’s nature, the next … Continue reading The Omniscience of God
Playing the Cards God’s Been Dealt
Question: Dear Tim, William Lane Craig suggests that God “has to play with the cards he’s dealt.” Tim, do you agree with that sentiment? If so, doesn’t that imply that there’s a “dealer” dealing God the cards which He must work with? -Sean Tim’s Response It amazes me how a single off-hand remark can be made … Continue reading Playing the Cards God’s Been Dealt
Excusing Sinners, Blaming God, Compatibilism, & the Consequence Argument
I recently had the pleasure of meeting the former atheist and French Calvinistic philosopher named, Guillaume Bignon (Click here to read his amazing story). I attended the EPS/ETS conference in Rhode Island and was invited to lunch with a few philosophers, theologians, and apologists. I happened to sit right next to Bignon as I was sipping … Continue reading Excusing Sinners, Blaming God, Compatibilism, & the Consequence Argument
Dangerous Grounds: The Grounding Objection vs Divine Determinism
One of the most common protests against Molinism today is a purely philosophical argument known as the “Grounding Objection.” This complaint is based on a controversial version of the correspondence theory of truth known as the theory of truth-makers. Accordingly, in order for a statement to be true, then there needs to be something else in … Continue reading Dangerous Grounds: The Grounding Objection vs Divine Determinism
The Omnipotence of God
One of my primary goals is to help others comprehend God accurately. I have previously written about the attribute of God’s perfect love for all people (See The Omnibenevolence of God). I spend much time on this specific attribute because so many people (Christians and non-Christians) have a faulty and low view of God. While … Continue reading The Omnipotence of God
Ricky Gervais & Evidence for God
Ricky Gervais is an English comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, singer, and musician. He is also an outspoken atheist who regularly ridicules Christians. Recently a friend of mine (who happens to be a scientist and a Christian) shared that Gervais had posted a challenge on his Facebook wall. It read as follows: “I don’t believe in … Continue reading Ricky Gervais & Evidence for God
Luke Skywalker & the Emotional Problem of the Dark Side
SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT!!! A long time ago . . . . Ever since I was a four-year-old, my hero has been Luke Skywalker! I would pretend I had the power of the force and I would always have a lightsaber on my belt (usually my dad’s flashlight). Moreover, my Luke … Continue reading Luke Skywalker & the Emotional Problem of the Dark Side
The Vanishing “I”
Question: Tim, you suggest that the determinist would probably think, or be committed to thinking, that either God or nature evaluates our beliefs (one of these is “the ‘thing’ evaluating and judging” our beliefs). But at the same time, you allow that on determinism we have mental states, presumably including these evaluative mental states (about … Continue reading The Vanishing “I”
If Evolution Is True, Atheism Is False
Atheists often appeal to evolution in an attempt to explain the primate complexity we observe today without a need for an Intelligent Designer — God! Indeed, many say the reason they affirm atheism is because they believe evolution is true. Since their hypothesis does not include God as a designer, atheists feel justified in affirming that God … Continue reading If Evolution Is True, Atheism Is False
Does an Objective Moral Compass Point to God?
Question Hey Tim, A question from your fellow Nebraska Reasonable Faith chapter director! When discussing the Moral Argument with my Reasonable Faith chapter in Omaha, I received some pushback from one of our members, who just so happens to have his PhD in meta-ethics. The objection he had to the Moral Argument was to the … Continue reading Does an Objective Moral Compass Point to God?
To COEXIST is a Biblical Command
Almost every time I go for a drive these days I can count on seeing at least one bumper sticker with only one word on it — “COEXIST.” According to Wikipedia, the bumper sticker typically spells “COEXIST” using an Islamic crescent moon for the “C,” a peace sign for the “O,” a combination of the male and female symbols for … Continue reading To COEXIST is a Biblical Command
Reforming Radical Islam?
This past October 31st marked the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation sparked by Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses to the door at the Church in Wittenberg. Luther realized that the church had completely “gone off the rails” and was not in line with the original teaching of Christ found in the New Testament. … Continue reading Reforming Radical Islam?
Reformed But Not Calvinist
I consider myself to be “Reformed!” I am NOT a Calvinist! I am a Molinist! Quite often Calvinists are quick to contend that Molinism is antithetical to the Reformed movement. I adamantly disagree and so does the evidence. In fact, there is much confusion as to exactly what the word “reformed” means. As I noted … Continue reading Reformed But Not Calvinist
Happy Reformation Day!
This October 31st (2017) marks the 500 year anniversary of what is known as the Protestant Reformation. As one who considers himself to be aligned with the original Reformation movement, this is a glorious anniversary and one I am excited to celebrate! In the 16th Century, to be a part of the Reformation meant that … Continue reading Happy Reformation Day!