Category: Systematic Theology
Are Mere Molinism & Moderate Calvinism the Same Thing?
Question Dear Dr. Craig, Greetings! I am an avid fan of yours. Your brilliant and faith-saving/empowering writings have been very impactful in my Christian life. I praise the Lord Jesus Christ for your life and your ministry as well. I have a growing interest in Molinism because it seems to me that its tenets are … Continue reading Are Mere Molinism & Moderate Calvinism the Same Thing?
Molinism: Does “Would Not” Logically Entail “Could Not?”
One of the beautiful aspects of Molinism is its commitment to maintaining the sovereignty of God in the actions of free agents. But this idea, like many ideas worth having, is not without its fair share of criticism. Since Molinism is an attempt to explain the coexistence of the sovereignty of God and the freedom … Continue reading Molinism: Does “Would Not” Logically Entail “Could Not?”
The MMA (Mere Molinism Argument)
In house “fights” behind the doors of the church are nothing new. Since Paul and Barnabas split over differences some two thousand years ago, Christians have disagreed on many theological issues. These passionate disagreements continue today. Although these heated disputes are not usually physically violent, these debates often occur with the same ferocity of a mixed … Continue reading The MMA (Mere Molinism Argument)
Calvinism vs Molinism: Costa vs MacGregor
Dr. Kirk MacGregor (McPherson College) is one of the leading voices regarding Molinism in the world today and was recently invited into the “lion’s den” to take on three Calvinists during a live radio program called Iron Sharpens Iron. The Calvinists included the host of the show, Chris Arnzen, along with the cohost (my personal friend), … Continue reading Calvinism vs Molinism: Costa vs MacGregor
Libertarian Freedom Is a Limited Power
Some of my colleagues have jokingly referred to me as the epitome of a “libertarian freedom fighter!” Not only do I take freedom from “big government” seriously, I also take metaphysical and theological libertarian freedom even more seriously. That is to say, I am convinced that humans possess libertarian free will and I argue that … Continue reading Libertarian Freedom Is a Limited Power
Salvation and Sovereignty: A Molinist Approach Book Review
Kenneth Keathley systematically treads into a misted jungle of the dialogue as a scrupulous cartographer might painstakingly trace out the ever-forking pattern of a river delta. In Christian theological circles, there is hardly a less prolific discussion-generator as is the topic of salvation – with Calvinism and Arminianism as the primary options available. He categorizes, … Continue reading Salvation and Sovereignty: A Molinist Approach Book Review
Avengers: Infinity War & Possible Worlds
Spoiler Alert! Spoiler Alert!! Spoiler Alert!!! Seriously, if you have not yet seen the movie, Avengers: Infinity War, stop reading this and go to the movie theatre and buy a ticket! Then come back and read this article. Consider yourself warned!
Responding to James White’s Anti-Molinist Critiques: Creaturely Essences
Summary: In The Dividing Line episode Behold the Secular Woman & WLC on Molinism (Once Again) James White argues that Molinism is false because it prohibits God from creating creaturely essences. Here, I offer several interpretations of White’s argument and demonstrate that regardless of which interpretation White prefers his argument can be shown to have an unargued premise. Video … Continue reading Responding to James White’s Anti-Molinist Critiques: Creaturely Essences
Whoever Reads John 3:16 Can Know that “Whoever” Is Really There
There is an untenable grammatical argument contending that John 3:16 supports limited atonement that has recently received some attention. James White has made the argument for some time. But his use of it in response to Arminian philosopher Rich Davis’ argument against limited atonement from John 3:161 has now surprisingly received some approval from two respectable Calvinist … Continue reading Whoever Reads John 3:16 Can Know that “Whoever” Is Really There
What in the Possible Worlds is Molinism?
What might come as a surprise to many today is that Christ followers have a rich history of grappling with big questions. One question in particular has consumed the minds of Christians for centuries: “If God is in control over all things, how are humans really free and responsible for anything, and if humans are … Continue reading What in the Possible Worlds is Molinism?