Molinist Philosophical and Theological Ventures
Ebook
This volume represents a significant advance of the philosophical and theological conversation surrounding Molinism. It opens by arguing that Molinism constitutes the best explanation of the scriptural data on divine sovereignty, human freedom, predestination, grace, and God's salvific will. The alleged biblical prooftexts for open theism are better explained, according to Kirk MacGregor, by Molinism. Responding to philosophical critics of Molinism, MacGregor offers a novel solution to the well-known grounding objection and a robust critique of arguments from explanatory priority. He also presents a Molinist interpretation of branching time models as heuristic illustrations of the relationship between possibility and feasibility. Seeking to push Molinism into new territories, MacGregor furnishes a Molinist account of sacred music, according to which music plays a powerful apologetic function. Finally, regarding the nature of hell, MacGregor contends that Molinism is compatible with both eternalism and eventual universalism.
“MacGregor’s aims for this book are high: to demonstrate that
Molinism is grounded in Scripture, to offer rebuttals to its
critics, and to broaden its scope. In standard MacGregor fashion,
utilizing the tools of philosophy and theology, he brilliantly
achieves his aims. . . . Anyone interested in learning
more about the workings of God in the world would benefit from this
book!”
—Chad Meister, Bethel University
“MacGregor, a leading advocate for Molinism, provides a
biblical-philosophical defense of the perspective. He argues that
Molinism provides the best explanation of the biblical data for
difficult topics such as divine sovereignty, human freedom,
predestination, and God’s universal salvific will. . . .
Even readers not persuaded to affirm Molinism must grapple with the
strong case MacGregor has constructed in his book.”
—Adam Harwood, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
“Is Molinism biblical? Scripture does not explicitly present God’s
knowledge of creaturely freedom as residing logically in a middle
category between his natural knowledge and his free knowledge.
Nothing so thorough can be found. But the Bible does affirm various
truths, principles, and concepts that, when put together, fit very
well in the Molinist system. MacGregor demonstrates that yes,
Molinism is indeed very biblical.”
—Kenneth Keathley, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
“MacGregor elevates theological and philosophical discourse to the
level of an art form. In an elegant synthesis of intellect and
inspiration, this book presents a collection of eight essays
addressing key issues central to Molinist studies. Whether you are
a Molinist scholar or a connoisseur of inspired theological
arguments, you will find these essays to be masterpieces worthy of
hanging in the art gallery of your soul.”
—John K. Simmons, Western Illinois University, emeritus
“MacGregor has something important to say, and he does so with his
customary aplomb in eight scholarly essays. First, he shows
convincingly that Luis de Molina’s reconciliation of divine
sovereignty with human liberty emerges from the sacred text rather
than being imposed upon it. He then dismantles several related
arguments from Molina critics and creatively extends Molinism to
aesthetic philosophy. This is an innovative must-read for all
systematic theologians and Reformation historians.”
—Romwald Maczka, Carthage College, emeritus
- Title: Molinist Philosophical and Theological Ventures
- Author: Kirk R. MacGregor
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications
- Print Publication Date: 2022
- Logos Release Date: 2022
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666721614, 9781666721607, 9781666730302, 1666721611, 1666721603, 1666730300
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666721614
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-10-22T20:35:18Z