Epistemic Meltdown
Objection Dear Dr. Stratton, I saw the video An Epistemological Case Against Calvinism right when it came out. And I was surprised that the whole video you assumed that a determinist has to argue for general reliability. I can simply reject this premise and argue that God is absolutely reliable. Seems to me that you have … Continue reading Epistemic Meltdown
What If Aliens Exist?
Question: Dear Dr. Tim, I’m interested to know if you have any biblical thought on the alien thing?!? Do you think there might have been sightings, contact, etc.? I was wondering if there is anything biblical in regards to that? With the recent government hearings on this and the conspiracy theories going around for some … Continue reading What If Aliens Exist?
Can Anything Good Come from Slavery?
Is slavery good? Absolutely not! The first book of the Bible makes it clear that being sold into slavery against one’s will is the epitome of evil. Scripture also shows how this specific evil (as well as all evil, suffering, and affliction) will ultimately be used by God for good. In Genesis, chapters 37 through 50, … Continue reading Can Anything Good Come from Slavery?
New & Improved Deductive Moral Arguments
One of my favorite arguments for the existence of God is known as the Moral Argument (made famous by William Lane Craig). I believe that it is sound and forceful. The deductive syllogism is typically stated as follows: If God does not exist, then objective moral values and duties do not exist. Objective moral values and … Continue reading New & Improved Deductive Moral Arguments
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
Is Calvinism a Different Gospel?
Question Dear Dr. Stratton, Why do you spend so much time arguing with other Christians about free will? Why do you spend so much time arguing against Calvinism? We are all on the same team. We all worship the same God. We all share the same gospel. While these topics are very interesting and fun … Continue reading Is Calvinism a Different Gospel?
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
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
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
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
The Concept of Reformed Theology
It is important to note that I unabashedly approach my theology from a Protestant-Reformed perspective. After all, I have been a Protestant pastor in the Evangelical Free Church of America for nearly a decade. Although I left the pastorate to pursue analytic theology and apologetics (I am no longer employed as a pastor), I am … Continue reading The Concept of Reformed Theology