Responding to Ben Shapiro and Alex O’Connor

Recently, on an episode of The Big Conversation from Premier Unbelievable?, the well-known Daily Wire host and political thinker extraordinaire Ben Shapiro debated against Oxford graduate of philosophy and theology, Alex O’Connor. The resolution of the debate was the question: “Is religion good or bad for society?” Ben Shapiro is a monotheist who believes that … Continue reading Responding to Ben Shapiro and Alex O’Connor

Objective Morality VS David Pallmann

Challenge For those who like the moral argument, here are my five challenges (framed as questions) for you. 1. Why think that moral realism is true? 2. Why think that moral facts/obligations need an explanation? 3. Why think that God would be able to explain the existence of moral facts/obligations? 4. What about non-theistic accounts … Continue reading Objective Morality VS David Pallmann

Reason and the Necessity of Libertarian Freedom: A Response to David Pallmann

Challenge Here’s a challenge for those who think that libertarian free will is necessary for rationality and/or knowledge (I am defining rationality as believing some proposition justifiably and I am defining knowledge as justified true belief). Imagine two worlds: world A and world B. In both worlds, John believes the same proposition on the basis … Continue reading Reason and the Necessity of Libertarian Freedom: A Response to David Pallmann

What Makes a Deity Deceptive?

The following is a recent conversation I had with a Calvinist. I enjoyed it because it was not emotionally charged even though he was asking questions in an effort to refute my arguments against Calvinistic determinism. His questions were thoughtful and allowed for clarification from which all can benefit. Please enjoy the following exchange (for … Continue reading What Makes a Deity Deceptive?

Debating Rationality with Robots

I’ve spent inordinate amounts of time debating the issues of determinism and libertarian freedom with those who believe that antecedent (prior) conditions determine all things about humanity. In essence, I have attempted to dialogue with humans who don’t think we are much different than puppets or robots.  Since I have had so many debates with … Continue reading Debating Rationality with Robots

Tim Stratton vs James White: The Written Transcript of the Debate

Reading the transcript of a debate is beneficial. It allows one to analyze what arguments have been offered in support of the resolution and to see if these arguments were properly engaged. It also helps the reader not to be distracted by rhetoric and style (or lack-thereof), but to focus on the actual arguments, content, … Continue reading Tim Stratton vs James White: The Written Transcript of the Debate

Stratton’s Closing Statement vs James White

I want to thank Dr. White for a stimulating debate tonight. I hope that you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have.[1] In closing, I’d like to draw together some threads of this debate to see if we can reach some final conclusions. Recall that I began my case by providing carefully defined key terms … Continue reading Stratton’s Closing Statement vs James White

Stratton vs White: Is Molinism Biblical? (Opening Speech & Post-Debate Reflections)

Good evening![1] To everyone watching this debate, thank you for taking theology seriously. And to Dr. James White, it’s an honor to have this conversation with you. Thank you, sir! James and I disagree on tonight’s topic, but we have two things in common: (i), we are brothers in Christ . . . and (ii), … Continue reading Stratton vs White: Is Molinism Biblical? (Opening Speech & Post-Debate Reflections)

Towards Disagreeing Well: N.T. Wrong, Tom Schreiner, and Shock-Jockery

Disagreement is a necessary aspect of theological discourse.  Though unity is desirable, and like-mindedness is applauded throughout the New Testament (Phil. 2:2-8), it seems inevitable this side of glory that brothers in Christ will take issue with each other’s biblical interpretation and theological proclamation.  In fact, much of the development of theology throughout the history … Continue reading Towards Disagreeing Well: N.T. Wrong, Tom Schreiner, and Shock-Jockery

Craig v. White: A Lay Person’s Perspective

I am not a Calvinist.  I am not a Molinist.  I am not an Arminian. However, my life, theology, and ministry has been shaped by giants of the faith in all three of these realms.  Two such giants joined Justin Brierley to discuss which position best explains the problem of evil from a theological perspective … Continue reading Craig v. White: A Lay Person’s Perspective