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.
About the Author :
Timothy A. Stratton is a professor at Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary. As a former youth pastor, he is devoted to answering questions he first encountered from inquisitive teens in his church. Stratton is the founder of FreeThinkingMinistries.com, a web-based apologetics ministry providing supplementary materials to this edition of Mere Molinism. Stratton speaks on church and college campuses around the country and offers regular videos on FreeThinking Ministries' YouTube channel.
Review :
"While discussions and debates about the nature and preconditions of rationality are gaining attention, the relationship between rationality and various forms of agency remains underdeveloped in the literature. This book fills a significant lacuna. More than that, it integrates worldview considerations--especially how these issues intersect with philosophical naturalism and theological determinism. Dr. Stratton is an expert in these matters, and this book will be a leading resource for years to come."
--J. P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
"For the person wanting to understand Molinism, Mere Molinism is an excellent one-stop-shop. Tim Stratton gives a spirited biblical defense of Molinism, an excellent historical survey of the debate between proponents of determinism and those of libertarianism, and a clear presentation of middle knowledge and its distinctive features. And he does so winsomely and charitably. The chapter on the Free Thinking Arguments is worth the price of the book by itself."
--Kenneth Keathley, Research Professor of Theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina
"This book helpfully explains a very wide range of considerations to show how mere Molinism is indeed a very fruitful theological concept that is able to answer many of the biggest questions and objections to Christian theism that have troubled many believers throughout the ages, as well as offer insightful and practical motivations to prayer and other aspects of Christian living. Highly recommended."
--Andrew Loke, Associate Professor, Department of Religion and Philosophy, Hong Kong Baptist University
"Dr. Tim Stratton's Mere Molinism offers a fresh, biblical take on divine sovereignty and human freedom, countering exhaustive determinism with God's middle knowledge. It upholds God's justice, love, and a genuine gospel invitation for all--essential reading for bridging Calvinist and non-Calvinist views."
--Leighton Flowers, Professor of Theology, Trinity Seminary
"As a Christian apologist who has been serving as a defender of the Christian faith for many years, I found that a proper understanding of middle-knowledge helped to untangle a great deal of confusion and aided me in thinking through arguments from suffering. As a theologian, it helped me make sense of God's providence. However, as a pastor I noticed the difficulty many had in grappling with discussions of possible worlds, and counterfactuals of creaturely freedom. Tim Stratton has supplied this vital resource that would have saved me months or years. More importantly, it's exactly what I needed to help my brothers and sisters understand the value that I see in Molinism."
--Braxton Hunter, President, Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary
"While discussions and debates about the nature and preconditions of rationality are gaining attention, the relationship between rationality and various forms of agency remains underdeveloped in the literature. This book fills a significant lacuna. More than that, it integrates worldview considerations--especially how these issues intersect with philosophical naturalism and theological determinism. Dr. Stratton is an expert in these matters, and this book will be a leading resource for years to come."
--J. P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
"For the person wanting to understand Molinism, Mere Molinism is an excellent one-stop-shop. Tim Stratton gives a spirited biblical defense of Molinism, an excellent historical survey of the debate between proponents of determinism and those of libertarianism, and a clear presentation of middle knowledge and its distinctive features. And he does so winsomely and charitably. The chapter on the Free Thinking Arguments is worth the price of the book by itself."
--Kenneth Keathley, Research Professor of Theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina
"This book helpfully explains a very wide range of considerations to show how mere Molinism is indeed a very fruitful theological concept that is able to answer many of the biggest questions and objections to Christian theism that have troubled many believers throughout the ages, as well as offer insightful and practical motivations to prayer and other aspects of Christian living. Highly recommended."
--Andrew Loke, Associate Professor, Department of Religion and Philosophy, Hong Kong Baptist University
"Dr. Tim Stratton's Mere Molinism offers a fresh, biblical take on divine sovereignty and human freedom, countering exhaustive determinism with God's middle knowledge. It upholds God's justice, love, and a genuine gospel invitation for all--essential reading for bridging Calvinist and non-Calvinist views."
--Leighton Flowers, Professor of Theology, Trinity Seminary
"As a Christian apologist who has been serving as a defender of the Christian faith for many years, I found that a proper understanding of middle-knowledge helped to untangle a great deal of confusion and aided me in thinking through arguments from suffering. As a theologian, it helped me make sense of God's providence. However, as a pastor I noticed the difficulty many had in grappling with discussions of possible worlds, and counterfactuals of creaturely freedom. Tim Stratton has supplied this vital resource that would have saved me months or years. More importantly, it's exactly what I needed to help my brothers and sisters understand the value that I see in Molinism."
--Braxton Hunter, President, Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary
"Tim Stratton has written a tour de force of divine sovereignty and human freedom in support of Molinism. His biblical, historical, and philosophical approach to this theological topic is without precedent in contemporary theology and demands the attention of every student of divine providence and human action. Although some theologians may disagree with Stratton's Molinist perspective, it will not be because Stratton has left a stone unturned. It will be because they think they have provided good counterarguments to Stratton's exhaustive presentation. Readers have their work cut out for them."
--Peter J. Rasor II, Adjunct Professor of Philosophy, Grand Canyon University
Praise for the first edition:
"For years I've hoped to see someone take my work, expand upon it, make it their own, and run with it. This is exactly what Dr. Stratton has done in
