Calvinism and Middle Knowledge: A Conversation
Overview
Calvinism and Middle Knowledge is an anthology of essays that moves the discussion of Molinism/middle knowledge out of the philosophical arena, where it has almost exclusively remained, and into the broader theological community. In particular, it sparks a conversation between Calvinists and Molinists regarding the fruitfulness or deficiencies of middle knowledge and the feasibility or infeasibility of Calvinist use of middle knowledge without acceptance of libertarian human freedom. To this end, nine distinguished experts address such topics as the history of the doctrine of middle knowledge, the potential role of Molinism in discussions of evolution and intelligent design, Calvinist concerns with Molinism, and Calvinist appropriation of middle knowledge. This book empowers theologians, historians, biblical scholars, and pastors to join the ongoing conversation and to judge for themselves what explanatory role middle knowledge may or may not play in accounts of providence and practical theology.
- Moves the discussion of Molinism/middle knowledge out of the philosophical arena
- Examines the fruitfulness or deficiencies of this model of divine knowledge/providence
- Introduces readers to the discussion of Molinism and to spur further conversation between Molinists and Calvinists
- Molinism, Evolution, and Intelligent Design
- Calvinist Concerns with Molinism
- Calvinist Appropriation of Middle Knowledge
- Calvinism and Molinism: The Ongoing Conversation
The significance of this book goes beyond what one might infer from its title. Brilliant in content, readable in style, and gracious in tone, this edited volume even-handedly examines the philosophical vitality and the theological possibilities and concerns of middle knowledge when brought into conversation with other important theological issues. Well done.
—Bruce A. Little, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
The essays contained in this volume are both creative and thought-provoking. Calvinism and Middle Knowledge offers a fresh perspective on the utility of middle knowledge and whether Calvinists can rightfully make use of it. Laing, MacGregor, and Welty have done a fine job. This is a must have for those interested in the foreknowledge debate.
—Tyler Dalton McNabb, Houston Baptist University
- Title: Calvinism and Middle Knowledge: A Conversation
- Editors: John D. Laing, Kirk R. MacGregor, and Greg Welty
- Publisher: Wipf & Stock
- Publication Date: 2019
- Pages: 310
- Resource Type: Collected Essays
- Topic: Theology
John D. Laing is Assistant Professor of Theology & Philosophy at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s Havard School in Houston, Texas.
Kirk R. MacGregor is Assistant Professor of Religion at James Madison University. His is the author A Molinist-Anabaptist Systematic Theology (2007) and A Central European Synthesis of Radical and Magisterial Reform (2006).
Greg Welty is a Pastor at Grace Baptist Church of Wake Forest, North Carolina. He is also Professor of Philosophy and Program Coordinator for the MA in Apologetics and Christian Philosophy at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.