How Should a Molinist Understand 1 Peter 1:3?

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. . .” 1 Pet. 1:3 (ESV) For the determinist, this verse would seem to pose a problem for … Continue reading How Should a Molinist Understand 1 Peter 1:3?

Does “Draw” Only Mean “Irresistible Dragging”?

Tim Stratton’s two recent articles entitled, Confusing Bible Verses, Free Will, & Determinism (Part 1, and Part 2) have sparked much discussion among the theologically inclined on social media over the past couple of weeks. Here is a conversation I had providing further illumination: Calvinist: What about John 6:44 that specifically says that no one can … Continue reading Does “Draw” Only Mean “Irresistible Dragging”?

Confusing Bible Verses, Free Will, & Determinism (Part 2)

Question: Tim, I can’t say I admire your exegesis in your article Confusing Bible Verses, Free Will, & Determinism (Part 1), explaining the biblical texts. Within the context of John 6:44 it’s clear the key is not the word “can” but the statement as a whole that those who come to Jesus (believe in him) … Continue reading Confusing Bible Verses, Free Will, & Determinism (Part 2)

Confusing Bible Verses, Free Will, & Determinism (Part 1)

Question: Hey Tim, after reading pretty much everything on your website, it has reaffirmed my belief in free will. Although there are a few Bible verses that are troubling me… this may just be bad interpretation, but if you could explain how these play into the free will mindset, that would be great: John 6:44 … Continue reading Confusing Bible Verses, Free Will, & Determinism (Part 1)

Incoherent Questions

It has been said that there is no such thing as a stupid question. Consider the following: How much does the color purple weigh? Can God create something that is not contingent upon Him? Is the fourth corner of the triangle an obtuse, acute, or right angle? Where do the vast majority of married bachelors live? … Continue reading Incoherent Questions

Captain America, Bucky, and Moral Responsibility

Heads up: This post contains minor spoilers for Captain America: Civil War (Winter Soldier too). Do we have moral responsibility for our actions if they have been predetermined for us? This question has massive implications on our view of reality and is briefly touched on in Captain America: Civil War. In Captain America: Winter Soldier, … Continue reading Captain America, Bucky, and Moral Responsibility

Compatibilistic Free Will: Can you have your cake & eat it too?

I have spent the majority of my academic career contemplating free will. For over a decade I held the view of theological determinism and labeled myself as a “Calvinist.” For years I rejected the notion that humans were free to think or act in a libertarian sense. I found it interesting that when I began to … Continue reading Compatibilistic Free Will: Can you have your cake & eat it too?