Reformed Theology, God’s Knowledge, and the Possibility of Alternative Possibilities
Question Hey Tim, I hope you are doing well. At the church I pastor, we are going through Ken Keathley’s “Salvation and Sovereignty” book with our leaders. Some lean toward the Reformed view of providence. A question was raised last night that I’m needing help with. I thought you may be able to lend a … Continue reading Reformed Theology, God’s Knowledge, and the Possibility of Alternative Possibilities
Tim Stratton vs James White: The Written Transcript of the Debate
Reading the transcript of a debate is beneficial. It allows one to analyze what arguments have been offered in support of the resolution and to see if these arguments were properly engaged. It also helps the reader not to be distracted by rhetoric and style (or lack-thereof), but to focus on the actual arguments, content, … Continue reading Tim Stratton vs James White: The Written Transcript of the Debate
Stratton’s Closing Statement vs James White
I want to thank Dr. White for a stimulating debate tonight. I hope that you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have.[1] In closing, I’d like to draw together some threads of this debate to see if we can reach some final conclusions. Recall that I began my case by providing carefully defined key terms … Continue reading Stratton’s Closing Statement vs James White
Stratton vs White: Is Molinism Biblical? (Opening Speech & Post-Debate Reflections)
Good evening![1] To everyone watching this debate, thank you for taking theology seriously. And to Dr. James White, it’s an honor to have this conversation with you. Thank you, sir! James and I disagree on tonight’s topic, but we have two things in common: (i), we are brothers in Christ . . . and (ii), … Continue reading Stratton vs White: Is Molinism Biblical? (Opening Speech & Post-Debate Reflections)
A Meme Is Worth 1000 Words
Dr. James White claims that Psalm 33 is biblical evidence of exhaustive divine determinism (EDD) and reason to reject the idea that humans possess libertarian freedom. In 2018 Tyson James published an article here on the FreeThinking Ministries website suggesting otherwise. At the end of 2021 James White made two videos in response to Tyson’s … Continue reading A Meme Is Worth 1000 Words
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
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
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
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
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
Once Saved Always Saved
Question Hey Dr. Stratton, I love your site and content. I am planning on reading your book soon. In the meantime I need your perspective on something. I love the MMA syllogism and the articles you’ve written on the subject of Molinism making the most sense of all the biblical data. But as someone who … Continue reading Once Saved Always Saved