Articles
More than a Mere Study Guide
Since publishing Human Freedom, Divine Knowledge, and Mere Molinism, many have asked for a resource to help study the book as an individual, in small groups, and even in seminary classrooms. My colleague Timothy Fox encouraged me to write a companion to the book that would help readers know the main points and exactly what … Continue reading More than a Mere Study Guide
The Gospel Precisely: A Christocentric Foundation for Apologetics
“Those who think they know the Gospel best are frequently the most surprised by its true shape, content, boundaries, and purposes.” -Matthew Bates, The Gospel Precisely The purpose of apologetics as an outward defense of the Christian faith must be intimately tied to the Christian call to make disciples. This means that a proper apologetic … Continue reading The Gospel Precisely: A Christocentric Foundation for Apologetics
Evolution, Santa Claus, and Homosexuality: 3 Bad Reasons to Deconstruct
Question Dear Dr. Stratton, I hang out in atheist debate groups. These are among the top reasons why many Christians have “deconstructed” and are Christians no longer. 1. The Theory of Evolution 2. Santa Claus 3. Prejudice against homosexuality I don’t think the church gives good answers on any of them. 1 and 3 were … Continue reading Evolution, Santa Claus, and Homosexuality: 3 Bad Reasons to Deconstruct
Defining Philosophy: A Conceptual Analysis in Progress
*This article was originally published at Bare Bones Blog of Philosophy: https://barebonesblogofphilosophy.wordpress.com/2021/12/06/defining-philosophy-a-conceptual-analysis-in-progress/ For the first post on this blog, I will reflect on the nature of philosophy by providing a working definition of ‘philosophy.’ This is a difficult job. It is easier to evaluate other definitions than to construct one. Yet, I will start with … Continue reading Defining Philosophy: A Conceptual Analysis in Progress
A Calvinist Considering Molinism
Question Hey Dr. Tim, I’ve been thinking about Molinism for several years (coming from a Calvinist perspective). If I understand it correctly God exercises providential control through middle knowledge of what free creatures would do in any set of circumstances. My question is that given that a huge number of circumstances depend on other choices … Continue reading A Calvinist Considering Molinism
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
“How Can God Know?” A Response to James White
I recently responded to James White’s video discussing William Lane Craig. Not only did White summarize his discussion with Craig, he also brought up me, myself, and I. So, I decided to “go live” on YouTube and discuss White’s comments — specifically his claim that he had a “fatal objection” to Molinism. To watch my … Continue reading “How Can God Know?” A Response to James White
James White’s FATAL Objection to Molinism
Question Hey Dr. Stratton, As you know, James White and William Lane Craig had a discussion on Justin Brierly’s Unbelievable show on Monday (11-29-21). Although this conversation has not yet been made public (it’s being released on 12-3-21), Dr. White made a video summarizing the debate. White made many claims in this video. The one … Continue reading James White’s FATAL Objection to Molinism
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
Please Support FreeThinking Ministries
Each year my hometown does a big fundraiser for the non-profits based in the area. This year the Give Where You Live fundraising event will be held on Thursday, December 2, 2021, from midnight to midnight. We have a $10,000+ matching opportunity, so, for every dollar a person uses to support FTM, it magically becomes … Continue reading Please Support FreeThinking Ministries
Molinism and Powersets
Objection: Here’s an objection to Molinism that was shared on the Mere Molinism Facebook group: “By the way, Molinism is probably self-contradictory if we define a “possible world” as a “maximally consistent set of propositions,” so we need to be clear what we mean by “possible worlds” when discussing Molinism. Here’s why: 1. Let’s call … Continue reading Molinism and Powersets
Biblical Identity Meets Gender
Everyone wants to be special, set apart and significant. One of the ways this manifests itself in our culture is through the concept of gender identity. This is a real issue that many people struggle with in our society and should be taken seriously. However, it has also become a social trend. For instance, a … Continue reading Biblical Identity Meets Gender
Of Truth and Empathy
Have you ever had an interaction with someone that left you speechless? It goes something like this: “I just don’t think that’s right.” “Are you serious? Wow… Aren’t you supposed to be Christian? Show some empathy or compassion, isn’t that what Jesus would do!?” Pick the topic – abortion, eternal life, race, identity and a … Continue reading Of Truth and Empathy
Rationality Argument Against EDD: A Matter of Life and Death
It is far too common to see many former church-goers today identify as an “ex-vangelical” or proclaim that they have “deconstructed” from the Christian faith. These are folks who were raised in the Church, but are now leaving the Church. This is a concern. There are several factors contributing to this movement.[1] I believe, however, … Continue reading Rationality Argument Against EDD: A Matter of Life and Death
Squid Game – A Summary & Worldview Analysis
**Warning: This analysis contains major spoilers** (This review is for people who watched Squid Game and are needing to process what they watched and for people who do not intend to watch it but want to know how to have conversations about it.) “Squid Game,” the Korean show that has serious Hunger Games energy, is … Continue reading Squid Game – A Summary & Worldview Analysis
Molinism and Alleged Loops
Introduction Philip Swenson has recently offered an argument against Molinism. Although he opposes determinism and is a fellow libertarian freedom-fighter, he does not believe that God possesses middle knowledge. Thus, he believes that Molinism is false. I have argued, however, that Swenson’s view is extremely similar to “Mere Molinism.” The Mere Molinist merely affirms both … Continue reading Molinism and Alleged Loops