Tag: libertarian free will
Defining Libertarian Freedom
Question Hey Dr. Stratton, A fellow libertarian has taken issue with your definition of libertarian freedom. Although you offer multiple definitions in your book and other writings, you often describe libertarian freedom in the following manner: “the ability to choose among a range of alternative options, each of which is compatible with one’s nature at … Continue reading Defining Libertarian Freedom
A French Philosopher VS an American Theologian
A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of meeting a French Calvinistic philosopher named, Guillaume Bignon (Click here to read his amazing transition from atheism to Christianity). While I am thrilled that this brilliant scholar is no longer an atheist, I was shocked to discover that he left one form of exhaustive determinism … Continue reading A French Philosopher VS an American Theologian
Determinism Refuted Philosophically
Drs. Leighton Flowers, Braxton Hunter, and Tim Stratton (Team USA) come together to refute the French Calvinistic philosopher, Guillaume Bignon’s most recent broadcast on the Revealed Apologetic broadcast hosted by Eli Ayala, in which Bignon brings arguments against Flowers, Hunter, and Stratton’s libertarian perspectives (click here).
Bignon affirms “Theistic Determinism,” the audacious belief that God causally determines all things, including all your choices, desires, thoughts, beliefs, and actions; but yet, mysteriously we are still morally and rationally accountable for those choices, desires, thoughts, beliefs, and actions (ie “Calvinistic Compatibilism”).
Our response is divided into three parts:
Part 1: Determinism refuted Biblically (Hosted by Dr. Flowers at Soteriology 101)
Part 2: Determinism refuted Theologically (Hosted by Dr. Hunter at Trinity Radio)
Part 3: Determinism refuted Philosophically (Hosted by Dr. Stratton at Free Thinking Ministries)
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
A Three-Punch Combo for Freedom
Question Dear Tim, I recently watched a short interview where you were asked for the “main indicator” of libertarian free will. You mentioned that you had several reasons to think humans possess this kind of freedom but you only elaborated on one of them. Can you please describe exactly what libertarian freedom is, provide more reasons … Continue reading A Three-Punch Combo for Freedom
Why Think We Have Libertarian Freedom?
Jeremy Linn of Twin Cities Apologetics and Tim have a quick conversation regarding one specific reason to think humans possess libertarian freedom.
Determinism vs Freedom: Systematic Theology or Theological Idolatry?
Question Why is free will so important to so many people? Why idolize something that God would not be in control of? In fact, this libertarian freedom you always speak of is impossible, no one has it, not even God because He must always act according to His nature! All is determined! Seems to me … Continue reading Determinism vs Freedom: Systematic Theology or Theological Idolatry?
Does True Love Require Libertarian Free Will? A Response to Greg Koukl
Greg Koukl is one of my favorite apologists and theological thinkers. I have been reading his blogs and listening to his podcasts for years. His book “Tactics” is one that all Christians who care about evangelism should own. In my professional opinion, Koukl’s ministry, Stand To Reason, is one of the best resources available to … Continue reading Does True Love Require Libertarian Free Will? A Response to Greg Koukl
Is it Possible that Free Will Is Impossible?
Galen Strawson, a philosopher at the University of Texas at Austin, believes that free will is not only false — but impossible! In a recent interview on Closer to Truth, Strawson provides an argument which he believes demonstrates the truth of determinism. That is to say, this particular philosopher contends that libertarian freedom (namely, the “ability to do … Continue reading Is it Possible that Free Will Is Impossible?