Tag: Divine Determinism
Reading Scripture Through Deterministic Lenses
Although I have offered multiple arguments against exhaustive divine determinism (EDD), one of the best ways to see the absurdity of EDD — a view advanced by Calvinist scholars — is to simply read the Bible carefully. That is to say, if one intentionally reads the Bible through deterministic lenses, one will quickly see that … Continue reading Reading Scripture Through Deterministic Lenses
Divine Sovereignty, Human Choice, & Seven “Theological Truths”
Tom Barnes is a pastor, author, and theologian who lives in Nebraska — a mere twenty miles from my current residence. Tom is brilliant and one of the nicest guys I know. He is also one of the first to encourage me to take my systematic theology seriously. In fact, a decade ago (2008) we … Continue reading Divine Sovereignty, Human Choice, & Seven “Theological Truths”
God’s Perfect Love, the Reality of Hell, & the Problem of Divine Determinism
In the latest volume of Perichoresis (an academic theology journal) Jacobus Erasmus and I offered an argument abductively concluding that Molinism is the best explanation of all the data. Our argument is a slightly revised version of the Omni Argument Against Irresistible Grace that I have been advancing over the past few years. Instead of specifically … Continue reading God’s Perfect Love, the Reality of Hell, & the Problem of Divine Determinism
Does God Always Control All Things?: A Response to John Piper
John Piper is founder of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary. For over three decades he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, MN. Piper is the author of more than 50 books, and is one of the leading proponents of Calvinism today. I have benefited greatly from Piper’s ministry; in fact, if … Continue reading Does God Always Control All Things?: A Response to John Piper
Can We Sensibly Believe in Determinism and Deliberate?
As I reflect on the last twenty years of my life, I’m struck by how much my theological outlook has changed. This is especially the case regarding my view of Divine providence. For sixteen years, I was a theological determinist; that is to say, I believed that God causally determined everything that came to pass, … Continue reading Can We Sensibly Believe in Determinism and Deliberate?
Gunslingers & Guilty Minds: A Response to Greg Welty
Thursday the 27th of April, I published an article responding to Greg Welty’s chapter in the book Calvinism and the problem of Evil. I specifically argued against a view of Calvinism that is wedded to exhaustive divine determinism (a view that God causally determines all things: actions, behaviors, beliefs, and thoughts). I was shocked — and … Continue reading Gunslingers & Guilty Minds: A Response to Greg Welty
Yoda & K-2: Semi-Compatibilism & Responsibility
Recently a friend of mine — a philosophy professor who believes humans possess libertarian freedom — posted a question on social media directed to Christians. He asked: “If you had to choose between the two, would you rather be a Calvinist (compatibilist version) or an open theist?” I quickly responded with the following: “The ironic … Continue reading Yoda & K-2: Semi-Compatibilism & Responsibility
Libertarian Freedom Fighters
Nothing fascinates me more than investigating evidence for the existence of God. I have spent the past seven years of my life devoting multiple hours every day examining this data and related issues. One of these related issues is that of free will. Though this has been the subject of debate for centuries — among Christians and … Continue reading Libertarian Freedom Fighters
Rogue One: A Lesson About Free Will & Responsibility
SPOILER ALERT!!! I absolutely love the Star Wars saga! I have been a Star Wars fanatic since I was a little boy when the first movie (Episode IV) was released in 1977. Not much has changed as far as this is concerned over the past forty years — I even still purchase Star Wars action figures to … Continue reading Rogue One: A Lesson About Free Will & Responsibility
Why Divine Determinism is False
One significant debate in the church today involves God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. At face value, these two concepts might appear to be mutually exclusive, and thus, many churchgoers feel the need to “pick a side.” This debate usually divides the Church into two opposing forces: Calvinism vs. Arminianism. Calvinists are quick to affirm the exhaustive providence of God; … Continue reading Why Divine Determinism is False