Human Freedom, Divine Knowledge, and Mere Molinism: A Biblical, Historical, Theological, and Philosophical Analysis
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.
Reviews (24)
Haven't read this yet...but
Tim Stratton ranks high on the list of prominent Molinists in the contemporary academic scene along the likes of WLC, Kirk McGregor, Thomas Flint, Jonathan Laing, Ken Keathley, to name a few. Speaking strictly in terms of releasing material on the internet, however, Stratton probably takes the cake. I am eager to get started with this book: I've heard from reliable sources that this book, which is Tim's PhD dissertation, could be read and understood with ease, almost like a non-scholarly work. Considering that this book discusses at length one of (if not the) greatest conundrums in both theology and philosophy, being able to grasp basic definitions and concepts is crucial in understanding the higher level arguments and articulation of nuanced points. So, accessibility/readability is always a plus!
Very convincing!
Well written and very convincing. The author explains Molinism well; but before doing so, he gives an excellent overview of the scriptures that seem to confirm (1) free will of man, (2) determinism by God and (3) both 1 and 2. (Very thorough!) He then walks you through the 2000 Year history of arguments for and against free will. (Very informative!) Then he argues that Molinism is the answer to reconcile this apparent conflict and explains how in detail. (Very convincing!) He concludes with an excellent chapter on how the Molinist viewpoint is practically helpful in ministry and apologetics. (My favorite chapter!) All and all, the book was great. I couldn’t put it down. I finished it much faster than normal notwithstanding the dense subject matter.
Essential Reading For The Overly Analytical Christian
I cannot overstate how amazing this book is! No matter if you are a Calvinist, Arminian or something else, you will greatly benefit from reading this book. The author makes some fascinating points in this book including that one can hold to any soteriological position and still be a Molinist as well as how Molinist arguments can strengthen our apologetic encounters with skeptics and atheists alike. My only complaint is that this book is very hard to comprehend at times because the topics it addresses are so deep, at least for a layman like me. lol But don't let that stop you! This book is worth the read!
Out of all the possible worlds, I'm glad God created the one in which Dr Stratton wrote this book.
Mere Molinism explained and defended.
A great...potentially classic....tome
Dr. Stratton’s ministry is a powerful force against the growing trend of naturalistic/atheistic ideas in the culture today. This book helps one navigate the ideas of predestination, free will, determinism, and other ideas related to God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. One will learn more from this book than most 4year colleges will ever teach you (well...most!).
Divine Sovereignty and Human Freedom Explained
Dr. Stratton does an amazing job of explaining the Biblical, historical, and philosophical evidence for Divine Sovereignty and Human Freedom. The solution to this dilemma is mere molinism and God's middle knowledge. This book is Dr. Stratton's PHD dissertation and can be complicated but it is very readable. This is a must read for anyone wanting to deeply understanding the relationship between God's knowledge and humanity.
Excellent!
I’m a layperson who likes and studies apologetics. I follow Dr Stratton in social media and was excited when his book came out because he always presents material, hard material, in a way that I can digest it. I tried to read Molinas original work about 7 years ago and struggled with a deep comprehension of it. Since then WLC, Dr Stratton and a few others have really fleshed our Molinisn for me in amazing ways; this book really nails home the concepts.
Amazing book from Stratton!
I just wrapped up this book this morning. I have loved every chapter and recommend it to any believer seriously considering theology and philosophy within the same context. Tim does a great job at bridging these two areas of study into one concise and well written book. If you’re considering purchasing this book, DO IT. You won’t regret getting a copy!
Best text I’ve read regarding Molinism
Real talk: all my friends who care about theology and apologetics should pick up this book. Dr Stratton has worked hard at putting together this great one-stop-shop of Molinism and if you’re curious about things like sovereignty and free will - I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
Excellent book!
Excellent book!
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