Human Freedom, Divine Knowledge, and Mere Molinism

Human Freedom, Divine Knowledge, and Mere Molinism
Author: Timothy A. Stratton
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Total Pages: 386
Release: 2020-10-02
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 1725276135

Does humanity possess the freedom to think and act, or are we always caused and determined to think and act--exactly how we think and act--by things outside of our control? If we are always causally determined to think and act by things outside of our control, then how can humans be genuinely responsible for any of our thoughts or following actions? However, if humanity is genuinely free and responsible for at least some of our thoughts and actions, then how can the Christian rationally affirm the doctrine that God is totally sovereign and predestines all things? In Human Freedom, Divine Knowledge, and Mere Molinism, Timothy A. Stratton surveys the history of theological thought from Augustine to Edwards and reaches surprising historical conclusions supporting what he refers to as "limited libertarian freedom." Stratton goes further to offer multiple arguments appealing to Scripture, theology, and philosophy that each conclude humanity does, in fact, possess libertarian freedom. He then appeals to the work of Luis de Molina and offers unique arguments concluding that God possesses middle knowledge. If this is the case, then God can be completely sovereign and predestine all things without violating human freedom and responsibility.

Human Freedom, Divine Knowledge, and Mere Molinism Study Guide

Human Freedom, Divine Knowledge, and Mere Molinism Study Guide
Author: Timothy A. Stratton
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Total Pages: 92
Release: 2021-12-21
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 166671786X

This study guide will help everyone from laypersons to theology students navigate Human Freedom, Divine Knowledge, and Mere Molinism, by Timothy A. Stratton. Timothy Fox walks readers through each chapter, identifying key terms and asking pertinent questions. Stratton adds multiple “Going Deeper” sections to clarify and expand his case. This companion is a vital resource for the aspiring theologian.

Middle Knowledge

Middle Knowledge
Author: John D. Laing
Publisher: Kregel Academic
Total Pages: 353
Release: 2018-04-04
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 082544330X

Most Christians believe God is in control, but they are unsure of how to reconcile that control with their struggles with sin, the command to evangelize, and the immense suffering in the world and their own lives. Laing offers an introduction to the doctrine of providence based on the theory of middle knowledge, first articulated in the sixteenth century. This view describes how creatures have true free will and God has perfect knowledge of what each creature could and would do in any circumstance. Middle knowledge helps answer the most perplexing theological questions: predestination and salvation, the existence of evil, divine and human authorship of Scripture, and science and the Christian faith. Laing provides extensive biblical support as well as practical applications for this theology.

God and Human Freedom

God and Human Freedom
Author: Leigh C. Vicens
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2019-07-04
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1108631657

This Element considers the relationship between the traditional view of God as all-powerful, all-knowing and wholly good on the one hand, and the idea of human free will on the other. It focuses on the potential threats to human free will arising from two divine attributes: God's exhaustive foreknowledge and God's providential control of creation.

Luis de Molina

Luis de Molina
Author: Kirk R. MacGregor
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2015
Genre: God (Christianity)
ISBN: 9780310516972

Spanish theologian Luis de Molina is enjoying a quiet resurgence among Protestant scholars, a late appreciation for the Reformation-era Jesuit and contemporary of Calvin and Arminius. In the first full work ever on Molina, author Kirk R. MacGregor explores the life and original contributions of the brilliant philosophical theologian.

Salvation and Sovereignty

Salvation and Sovereignty
Author: Kenneth Keathley
Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
Total Pages: 248
Release: 2010-01-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1433669633

In Salvation and Sovereignty, Kenneth Keathley asks, “What shall a Christian do who is convinced of certain central tenets of Calvinism but not its corollaries?” He then writes, “I see salvation as a sovereign work of grace but suspect that the usual Calvinist understanding of sovereignty (that God is the cause of all things) is not sustained by the biblical witness as a whole.” Aiming to resolve this matter, the author argues that just three of Calvinism’s five TULIP points can be defended scripturally and instead builds on the ROSES acronym first presented by Timothy George (Radical depravity, Overcoming grace, Sovereign election, Eternal life, Singular redemption). In relation, Keathley looks at salvation and sovereignty through the lens of Molinism, a doctrine named after Luis Molina (1535-1600) that is based on a strong notion of God’s control and an equally firm affirmation of human freedom.

On Divine Foreknowledge

On Divine Foreknowledge
Author: Luis de Molina
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Total Pages: 306
Release: 2004
Genre: Free will and determinism
ISBN: 9780801489358

Luis de Molina was a leading figure in the remarkable sixteenth-century revival of Scholasticism on the Iberian peninsula. Molina is best known for his innovative theory of middle knowledge. Alfred J. Freddoso's extensive introductory essay clears up common misconceptions about Molina's theory, defends it against both philosophical and theological objections, and makes it accessible to contemporary readers.

Our Idea of God

Our Idea of God
Author: Thomas V. Morris
Publisher: Regent College Publishing
Total Pages: 200
Release: 2002
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 9781573831017

Reasonable Faith

Reasonable Faith
Author: William Lane Craig
Publisher: Crossway
Total Pages: 418
Release: 2008
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1433501155

This updated edition by one of the world's leading apologists presents a systematic, positive case for Christianity that reflects the latest work in the contemporary hard sciences and humanities. Brilliant and accessible.