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?

What If a Deity of Deception Told You Determinism Is True?

An outspoken proponent of Calvinism, exhaustive divine determinism, and compatibilism, recently objected to my claim that the Held Hostage Objection was a silly reason to be a compatibilist (see, What If Science Proves Determinism). In summary, my response to this so-called “hostage crisis” is threefold: Science is the wrong tool for the job. The Free-Thinking Argument … Continue reading What If a Deity of Deception Told You Determinism Is True?

Compatibilism: What Do You Mean By That?

Recently, my boss at Trinity Theological Seminary, Dr. Braxton Hunter, made a guest appearance on Cameron Bertuzzi’s Capturing Christianity YouTube channel. Hunter offered what he takes to be the greatest argument against Calvinism. Hunter provided an impressive case – basically off the cuff – as to why the Calvinistic view of exhaustive divine determinism (EDD) … Continue reading Compatibilism: What Do You Mean By That?

Freedom, Responsibility, and Tacos: Why Compatibilism Is [NOT] True

It seems some of my comments have been the source of much confusion. Sometimes, something can be so clear in one’s head, yet one fails to communicate exactly what is in one’s head. I seem to be guilty of this regarding some of my claims about compatibilism. Although many have let me know that they … Continue reading Freedom, Responsibility, and Tacos: Why Compatibilism Is [NOT] True

An Argument Supporting the Incompatibility Thesis

The majority of my time seems to be spent arguing against deterministic world views and for the proposition that humans possess libertarian freedom. I then seek to demonstrate how human freedom in a libertarian sense is evidence pointing to the existence of God. In fact, I contend that the biblical view of God is the … Continue reading An Argument Supporting the Incompatibility Thesis

Droids in Heaven?

Question: Hey Dr. Stratton, In a FB group, Tyler Vela (a well-known internet Calvinist) posted the following question: “Libertarians – will we be robots in the eternal state since we will not be able to sin? (Note: if you make a nature or “we won’t want to” argument then you’re just making the same nature/ultimate … Continue reading Droids in Heaven?

Marvel Comics, Star Wars, & the DCU: The Multiverse vs Compatibilism

It is amazing how movies and comics often shed light on philosophical and theological issues. One specific topic regularly addressed in pop culture is known as the “free will debate.” Some philosophers and theologians affirm a view called determinism and state that we never have genuine freedom (an ability) to choose between a range of … Continue reading Marvel Comics, Star Wars, & the DCU: The Multiverse vs Compatibilism

Limited Libertarian Freedom & Traditional Compatibilism: What’s the Difference?

Question Dear Tim, I’m curious. How would you differentiate your limited libertarian freedom that people are free but choose in line with their nature from historic Compatiblism that holds essentially the same thing? – Tyler Tim’s Response Thank you for question, Tyler. You are correct in that I affirm that our natures do determine things … Continue reading Limited Libertarian Freedom & Traditional Compatibilism: What’s the Difference?

Compatibilism is Incompatible with Reality

The idea of compatibilistic free will (CFW), or simply “compatibilism” is one of the worst ideas ever introduced to the church. It has brought nothing but confusion and those who purport it often have good intentions, yet they inadvertently deceive those who have not been trained to think otherwise (but hey, a good compatibilist does … Continue reading Compatibilism is Incompatible with Reality

Responding to the Movie “Calvinist” (Part 5): Perseverance of the Saints

Summary: In the movie Calvinist the interviewees (ostensibly) argue in favor of the doctrine of perseverance of the saints (hereafter, PS). Since the interviewees are compatibilists, I presuppose that they intend to argue in favor of a model of PS according to which Christians persevere through the means of determinism (hereafter I shall refer to this … Continue reading Responding to the Movie “Calvinist” (Part 5): Perseverance of the Saints