Middle Knowledge: Human Freedom in Divine Sovereignty

Most Christians believe God is in control, but they are unsure of how to reconcile that control with their struggles with sin, with the command to evangelize, and with 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.

About the Author :
John D. Laing is associate professor of systematic theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He is the author of many articles and books, including In Jesus’ Name: Evangelicals and Military Chaplaincy.

Review :
"The relation of human freedom to divine sovereignty is likely the most difficult issue in philosophical theology for a host of reasons. In recent decades, the subject has been thoroughly explored from a variety of angles. Of course, widespread agreement on solutions remains as elusive as ever. Perhaps this is just why John Laing's new treatment is such a gift. Those desiring to understand the complexities will find much needed help in his wide-ranging analysis. As anyone working in this area knows, staking a position will make some individuals unhappy. Inevitably, those who disagree will wish their views were represented differently. But Laing's robust defense of Molinism is especially refreshing with its heart for biblical faithfulness coupled with personal sensitivity to the human questions raised. I enthusiastically recommend this volume to everyone with an interest in the subject."--Ted Cabal, Professor of Christian Apologetics, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (2/7/2018 12:00:00 AM) "This book is an outstanding introduction to the doctrine of middle knowledge and its applications. To the lay reader, Laing clearly explains unfamiliar concepts like possible worlds and uses a wealth of straightforward examples to illustrate aspects of Molinism that some find confusing. Laing's biblical case for Molinism effectively silences the Reformed criticism that Molinism is simply a philosophical position superimposed onto the scriptural text. Moreover, Laing carefully defuses the standard philosophical objections to middle knowledge, including the grounding objection and the charge of circularity. Laing unveils to the lay reader the importance of middle knowledge to such issues as predestination, salvation, petitionary prayer, discipleship, spiritual growth, spiritual gifts, and eschatology. Finally, Laing discloses the power of middle knowledge to answer Christians' perennial questions about evil, inspiration and inerrancy, and modern science. I highly recommend this book to the lay reader and scholar alike."--Kirk R. MacGregor, Professor, Chair of the Department of Philosophy & Religion, McPherson College (2/7/2018 12:00:00 AM) "John Laing's Middle Knowledge: Human Freedom in Divine Sovereignty offers an outstanding step-by-step explanation of middle knowledge and the objections to it. In doing so, he unravels the often mysterious language of 'counterfactuals' and 'possible worlds' in which certain situations are 'actualized' and God's will is somehow mysteriously accomplished. Laing succeeds in explaining all of these terms and many more, in a way that the non-specialist can appreciate, while building a solid case for middle knowledge. He is never in a hurry, willing to explain in detail the terminology of this debate, and carefully delineate each part of the argument. At the same time, one never feels that Laing is belaboring a point or taking too long to explain himself. "He begins with an essay distinguishing the various options--open theism, middle knowledge, classical theism, etc. Within this essay, he clarifies differences between similar thinkers and similar conceptions of God's relationship to the future and to free will. In so doing, he sets the 'tone' for the entire book, which maintains the same sense of clarity as he examines each aspect of the argument for middle knowledge and each objection. Laing is especially clear when dealing with objections to middle knowledge. Laing explains objections carefully, in ways that may help those who object understand their own view better. "This is a book that will attract readers of all kinds. Advocates for middle knowledge will be grateful for such a complete and understandable treatment of the position, and especially for the treatment of various shades of objections to it. Advocates for divine omniscience within the framework of traditional theism will welcome the availability of a source that makes the argument understandable for ourselves and for our students. This book will find a ready place in courses on the Doctrine of God and will be an essential reference work on middle knowledge and related subjects for many years to come."--C. Fred Smith, author of Developing a Biblical Worldview: Seeing Things God's Way (2/7/2018 12:00:00 AM) "Here is a book long overdue. Laing explains the concept of middle knowledge thoroughly and comprehensively, yet at a level that is accessible to students and pastors. I expect that Middle Knowledge: Human Freedom in Divine Sovereignty will become a standard textbook for classes on the subject."--Ken Keathley, author of Salvation and Sovereignty: A Molinist Approach (2/7/2018 12:00:00 AM)