A Biblical Boycott?

The holiest month of our culture’s liturgical calendar is upon us. June, when pride is linked to sexual identity and the eschewing of the historical norms of sex and gender. A month when nearly all corporations will virtue signal their fealty to the secular religion of Sexual Gnosticism under the guise of the misguided notion … Continue reading A Biblical Boycott?

Book Review: Fire in the Streets

If you have followed Dr. Douglas R. Groothuis’ work through the years you will know him as an excellent philosopher and dynamic apologist.  His work in philosophy[1] at Denver Seminary is among the best in the nation and his keystone work on Christian Apologetics[2] released in 2022 is as well. Dr. Groothuis’ most recent work, … Continue reading Book Review: Fire in the Streets

A Pastoral Endorsement of Human Freedom, Divine Knowledge, and Mere Molinism

As a pastor, I have primarily received formal training in the fields of Christian theology, biblical studies, and church history (BA: Christian Theology, SPU; MDiv, Fuller Theological Seminary). Nevertheless, my theological studies have led me firmly to this conclusion: that a robust acquaintance with the tools and foundations of philosophical thinking is essential to doing … Continue reading A Pastoral Endorsement of Human Freedom, Divine Knowledge, and Mere Molinism

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?

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

NEFARIOUS: A Theological Thriller

How often have you gone to the movies with high expectations, only to be let down? On the other hand, you might end up being pleasantly surprised when you go into the theater with low expectations. This past weekend, I had a rather unique experience. After a two-hour drive to Lincoln, Nebraska, I finally found … Continue reading NEFARIOUS: A Theological Thriller

Who Are You, Really? By Joshua Rasmussen Is a MUST-READ!

Joshua Rasmussen has become one of the most important thinkers in philosophy and theology today. When he speaks, I listen; when he writes, I read! I was blessed to receive a review copy of Josh’s new book: Who Are You, Really?: A Philosopher’s Inquiry Into the Nature and Origin of Persons. What I love about Rasmussen’s … Continue reading Who Are You, Really? By Joshua Rasmussen Is a MUST-READ!

The GOSPEL and Knowledge of Salvation

Question:   Hi Dr. Stratton, I’ve been struggling with doubting my salvation. Do I have to know for certain I am saved in order to know I’m saved? Thank you, Lindsay Dr. Tim’s Response:  Hi Lindsay, The easy answer I give to someone who is worried about whether they are saved or not is that … Continue reading The GOSPEL and Knowledge of Salvation

A Definitive Case: David and Bathsheba

If you are active on Twitter (Give us a follow: @freethinkmin, @JoshRKlein), or social media in general, you might notice that every so often the story of David and Bathsheba bubbles to the surface.  It is an interesting debate, seemingly between liberal (in the technical sense) and conservative theologians, about whether David’s actions with Bathsheba constitute, … Continue reading A Definitive Case: David and Bathsheba

Postmodernism: The Death of Science and Logic

Never before have we witnessed first-hand such a rapid degradation of reality. Common sense seems to have died long ago, but now “logic” and “science” are also on their deathbeds. The prognosis of their revivability and survivability is yet to be determined. Their deaths directly relate to the “post-modern” worldview, which believes truth is relative … Continue reading Postmodernism: The Death of Science and Logic

What If Science Proves Determinism?

Question: Dear Dr. Stratton, John Martin Fischer  has stated that one of the primary reasons that he is a compatibilist is because of what Kevin Timpe calls the “Held Hostage Objection” (HHO). The HHO states that if determinism were to be scientifically proven in some fashion then the compatibilist wouldn’t have to alter their views … Continue reading What If Science Proves Determinism?

Molinism & Jordan Peterson VS the Problem of Divine Hiddenness

The best defense against “arguments raised against the knowledge of God,” as the apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:5, is good theology. As an analytic and systematic theologian, I have seen that when one grasps the fact that God is a maximally great being — and one grasps exactly what that means — then … Continue reading Molinism & Jordan Peterson VS the Problem of Divine Hiddenness

Satan at the Grammy’s?

The Grammy’s have long been a cultural symbol of transgression. The goal of the Grammy’s used to be to celebrate the best music artists in the world. It was an awards night. Or, at least, it used to be. They have always been edgy and culturally progressive. For instance, in 1973 Helen Reddy thanked God … Continue reading Satan at the Grammy’s?

All Dogs Go To Heaven

When a Christian grasps the maximal greatness of God that is both implied in Scripture and deductively concluded via the Ontological Argument, everything seems to become clear and life gets better (even during times of suffering).[1] One of my favorite quotes from C.S. Lewis is the following: “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the … Continue reading All Dogs Go To Heaven

God and Race: Book Review

I have spent many years wading through the history and ugliness of race relations in our culture and throughout the church.  There are some ugly moments, especially in America, for the church to deal with in regard to racism.  The evangelical support for Slavery in the mid and late 1800s[1] and of segregation thereafter are … Continue reading God and Race: Book Review

W.G.T. Shedd vs. EDD

After surveying the writings of prominent Reformed theologians, I have concluded that many were/are quite open to the concept of what I refer to as limited libertarian freedom. That is to say, although these Reformers might have rejected libertarian freedom when it comes to soteriological matters (issues pertaining to salvation), they seemed to leave metaphysical … Continue reading W.G.T. Shedd vs. EDD