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
Satan at the Grammy’s?
The Grammy’s have long been a cultural symbol of transgression. The goal of the Grammy’s used to be to celebrate the best music artists in the world. It was an awards night. Or, at least, it used to be. They have always been edgy and culturally progressive. For instance, in 1973 Helen Reddy thanked God … Continue reading Satan at the Grammy’s?
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
God and Race: Book Review
I have spent many years wading through the history and ugliness of race relations in our culture and throughout the church. There are some ugly moments, especially in America, for the church to deal with in regard to racism. The evangelical support for Slavery in the mid and late 1800s[1] and of segregation thereafter are … Continue reading God and Race: Book Review
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
A Tribute to Dr. Michael Heiser
With tears welling up in my eyes, I read the Facebook post written by Dr. Michael Heiser; the effects of stage 4 pancreatic cancer were getting worse. This was heart-breaking news. Many of us had been prayerfully hopeful for Dr. Heiser’s healing over the past few months. Our prayers are still with him and his … Continue reading A Tribute to Dr. Michael Heiser
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
In Defense of Marriage
Language is complex. Language provides the building blocks for communication in society. What certain words or phrases mean within a given context helps to shape the understanding of the culture at large. Words, and their definitions, are what organize society. Words that define a culture’s foundational institutions most of all. Concise language provides clarity and … Continue reading In Defense of Marriage
Is the God of EDD Deceptive?
Question Dr. Stratton, If you say if God determines all things and some believers have false theological beliefs would that mean God determined them to believe false things and that makes God deceptive? And if you would say yes to that.. if you think that God determined Jesus to die on the cross does that … Continue reading Is the God of EDD Deceptive?
Paul Manata’s Objection to Stratton and Moreland: A Rejoinder
Paul Manata has raised objections to my arguments against exhaustive divine determinism over the past few months. In fact, Manata seems to have made it his mission to personally lead the charge against An Explanation and Defense of the Free-Thinking Argument which I coauthored with JP Moreland. Below, Manata’s concerns will be quoted and addressed.[1] Paul … Continue reading Paul Manata’s Objection to Stratton and Moreland: A Rejoinder
Are Determinists Guilty of Begging Questions?
Objection! “Over and over and over again, Stratton claims that Paul Manata is question-begging against “epistemic” incompatibilism. [See this link for details]. But, I don’t understand. Who’s [sic] argument is being presented? Is it Manta’s [sic]? Is it the compatibilist’s? Who has the burden here to show that epistemic compatibilism is false? It is clearly … Continue reading Are Determinists Guilty of Begging Questions?
The TAG vs EDD
Recently, on Eli Ayala’s Revealed Apologetics website, author Joshua Pillows published a blog article entitled TAG summarized & Explained: An Absolute Proof of God. I found Pillow’s article to be a clear and well-written account of the transcendental argument for God (TAG). Because of his clarity, it also provides reason as to why most Calvinists and … Continue reading The TAG vs EDD
The Right Christian Nationalism
Are you a Christian Nationalist? The midterm elections are upon us. People will go out in mass to vote on Tuesday (many have already voted in early voting states) and the national rhetoric around how we ought to run the country has reached a fever pitch. It always does. Relentless attack ads, mudslinging, misrepresenting an … Continue reading The Right Christian Nationalism
Has Paul Manata Defeated My Argument?
Paul Manata is known to be an aggressive but intellectual defender of exhaustive divine determinism (EDD) on social media. He is also more than willing to attack a fellow Christian’s character in the process. He has recently taken issue with my arguments against EDD and my arguments for libertarian freedom. He took to social media … Continue reading Has Paul Manata Defeated My Argument?
The Generally Reliable Liar and the Transfer of Untrustworthiness Principle
Most of us know someone who is a known liar. I have known several people over the years who could not be trusted. It seems as if some folks always lie. They even seek to deceive when there seems to be no need to do so. The worst kinds of liars, however, are those who … Continue reading The Generally Reliable Liar and the Transfer of Untrustworthiness Principle