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?

Confronting Homosexuality in a Culture of Identity (Part 1)

Lil Nas X Do you know the name?  I do not know why you would, but Lil Nas X has become a bit of a cultural icon in recent years.  He wrote a hit country/hip-hop song in 2019 called “Old Town Road” with country star Billy Ray Cyrus.  The success of the hit propelled Lil … Continue reading Confronting Homosexuality in a Culture of Identity (Part 1)

3 Reasons to Fight Against “Social Justice”

Question: Dear Dr. Stratton, I have a bone to pick with you. But first let me express my gratitude. I have benefited greatly from your work in theology and apologetics. You have a unique ability to take deep philosophical and academic concepts and make them accessible to the average Joe. Thank you!  Here’s my problem: … Continue reading 3 Reasons to Fight Against “Social Justice”

How the Soul Makes Freedom Possible

Objection: Dear Tim, What exactly is a soul and by what exact mechanism does it make libertarian free will possible where it is otherwise impossible? If one person has a soul and another person doesn’t, how does the soul lead to better or more informed decisions in the first person? If their brains are otherwise … Continue reading How the Soul Makes Freedom Possible

Peter’s Freedom Before the Rooster Crowed

Question Dear Dr. Stratton, You’ve noted that there are some questions that have kept you up at night for long periods of time. The question that has caused me to lose a tremendous amount of sleep is regarding Peter’s freedom to deny or not to deny Jesus three times after Jesus told him that he … Continue reading Peter’s Freedom Before the Rooster Crowed

Arguing Over the Holidays at Calvin’s Place

Family times over Christmas and New Year’s can spawn interesting conversations and sometimes heated “discussions.” This was true at the Johann Calvin home, where his daughter Connie and son-in-law Erasmus had gathered to celebrate the holidays. Erasmus had received his Ph.D. in philosophy from UA (the University of Arminia), and his view of human freedom … Continue reading Arguing Over the Holidays at Calvin’s Place

Counterfactuals & the Big Three

When talking about Molinism and its relation to the other major views of God’s sovereignty, omniscience and human freedom it seems there is much confusion on the issue of true counterfactuals of creaturely freedom (CCF’s from here on). Namely, God’s knowledge of what would be the case if circumstances were different. One of the best, most … Continue reading Counterfactuals & the Big Three