Free Will

In my last post, I argued that future-tensed propositions involving libertarian agents can have truth-values. That knocked over the first domino in a logical sequence refuting the assertions of many in the Dynamic Omniscience and Open Theism (DO/OT) camp. Now it’s time for domino number two: the claim that counterfactuals of creaturely freedom (CCFs) also have truth-values . This is where things heat up. Dr. Alan Rhoda, a leading Open Theist philosopher, claims that “there i

The core claim of compatibilism—that moral responsibility is compatible with determinism—is crushed under the pressure of a simple but inescapable argument. If a person is morally responsible, then it must be the case that the person could have  chosen  otherwise. This is the essence of the Principle of Alternative Possibilities (PAP). But if exhaustive divine determinism is true, no one ever could have chosen otherwise, for every choice would be the inevitable result of divi

As a Mere Molinist, I've always considered Open Theists to be my theological allies in the battle against exhaustive divine determinism (EDD). Of course, I knew why I wasn't an Open Theist and knew the problems with the view, but I had no desire to fight my friends in public. This is the case because I sincerely believe that EDD is far more dangerous than Open Theism. But then my Open Theist friends, such as Warren McGrew and Pat Patel, started coming after Molinism in genera

Open Theists often argue that God does not know future free decisions—not due to any lack of power or intelligence, but because, on their view, there is simply nothing there to be known. On this model (especially in its “Dynamic Omniscience” form), God knows all truths—but future-tensed propositions about libertarianly free choices are simply not true yet. They don't exist. As a result, God doesn’t have beliefs about them and can’t be wrong. But here’s the dilemma: Scripture

Can God really know the future, or does He just make really good predictions? Some Open Theists claim God “knows” the future—not because He sees it as it truly is, but because He exhaustively understands all possibilities, necessities, and creaturely tendencies. That might sound impressive, but is it really knowledge—or is it just a glorified divine guess? That question was insightfully raised by Taylor, a commenter on my recent blog. He wrote: "When I think of God ‘knowing’

Introduction: The Future in Question Can God know the future? Not just what could or might happen—or even what’s likely to happen—but what will happen? This question cuts to the heart of theology and metaphysics. It impacts how we think about God’s sovereignty, omniscience, providence, and trustworthiness. It’s also a central dividing line between Calvinism, Molinism, and Open Theism. In a recent article critiquing certain forms of Open Theism , I argued that a God who doesn

Many are drawn to Open Theism because they believe it helps with the problem of evil. After all, if God doesn’t know what free creatures will do in the future, then He cannot be blamed for their choices—right? If God didn’t foresee the horrors that awaited, then perhaps He’s off the moral hook. At first glance, this seems like a promising solution. It paints a picture of a well-meaning deity doing His best in a dangerous world filled with free creatures. But upon closer exami

Dr. Alan Rhoda recently published a blog post listing seven serious objections to Molinism. While I respect Alan and appreciate his philosophical rigor, I believe that each of his objections either misunderstands core distinctions, rests on controversial assumptions, or misrepresents what Molinists actually affirm. In this response, I will address each of his seven critiques in turn, defending the coherence and theological power of Mere Molinism. 1. Internal Inconsistency? N

In recent days, I’ve found myself in the crosshairs of both Calvinists and Open Theists . And honestly? I consider that a good sign. When two opposite extremes are each trying to pull you in their direction, there’s a decent chance you’re standing on a solid middle high ground. That middle high ground, for me, is Mere Molinism. What Is Mere Molinism? Mere Molinism affirms just two key claims: The omniscient God possesses middle knowledge —that is, knowledge of what any pos

My friend recently shared a common defense of Irresistible Grace (the "I" of TULIP), quoting Philippians 1:6: "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." She concluded that if God begins to draw someone, He must irresistibly finish that work. That sounds reassuring at first glance. But there are some significant theological and philosophical issues that must be addressed. In this blog post, I

Let me begin with sincere thanks to my good friend Warren McGrew (aka Idol Killer ) for his recent video response to my blog, Does Molinism Collapse into Determinism? A Friendly Response to Idol Killer . Warren is one of the most thoughtful and articulate critics of Calvinism and divine determinism on YouTube today. I absolutely love his material, even though he occasionally takes friendly shots at Molinism. Most importantly, Warren is a godly man, a brother in Christ, and

“If God loves His enemies, does He love the devil?” That’s what one of my friend’s kids asked her recently—and I think it’s one of the most profound theological questions I’ve ever heard. For many Christians—especially those shaped by deterministic frameworks like EDD-Calvinism—this question feels confusing. Some theologians (like Arthur Pink) argue that God does not love all people. He only loves the elect—those predestined for salvation. Others insist that God’s love is on

“Congratulations. You Are Being Rescued. Please Do Not Resist.” May the Fourth is widely known as Star Wars Day . And as a lifelong fan of the franchise— with a love/hate relationship that many of you know well—I can’t resist taking this opportunity to reflect on one of the saga’s most memorable moments and the powerful theological truth it helps illustrate. In Rogue One: A Star Wars Story , there’s a scene where the droid K-2SO and a group of rebels go to rescue Jyn Erso. B

There was a time, back in 2017, when I wrote a blog article that stirred up some controversy — especially among my Calvinist brothers and sisters. It was called “ A Revised Free Thinking Argument: Two Birds with One Stone .” At the time, I wasn’t yet a PhD or trained to have philosophical precision. I was an eager apologist, deeply convinced that both naturalistic determinism and theological determinism posed serious problems for rationality. What I lacked in philosophical p

Author's Note : The blog we are revisiting was originally published in 2017 after I was first introduced to the work of compatibilists John Martin Fischer and Mark Ravizza. Since then, I’ve earned a PhD in theology and read their book, Responsibility and Control, twice. I’ve also developed several formal arguments that further clarify and reinforce the ideas explored here. While this piece remains accessible and full of Star Wars analogies, I’ve updated a few sections to ref

“. . . Before I made those stars, I already hated you." “. . . Before I made those stars, I already hated you." -- Calvinist Jesus Setting the Scene I recently shared a meme that sparked a flurry of responses across social media. It was a simple graphic. A young boy standing with Jesus under the night sky, with Jesus saying: “Just think, before I made those stars I already hated you.” The image, though stark, was not meant to mock or misrepresent Calvinists. It was a theolog

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” — 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) One of the clearest affirmations of human freedom in Scripture is found in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church. Here, the apostle addresses a body of already saved believers—not unbelievers in need of regenerat

I count it one of life’s great blessings to call Dr. Owen Anderson a friend. As a well-respected professor of philosophy at Arizona State University, Dr. Anderson is a sharp thinker, a principled man of faith, and someone with whom I agree on nearly every major theological and philosophical issue. In fact, Owen and I have found especially strong common ground when it comes to the intersection of theology and politics. We both believe that sound doctrine should shape how we en

Under exhaustive divine determinism (EDD), man has no libertarian freedom, and all decisions human beings make are causally predetermined based on God's (causal) will. In other words, all decisions and actions of human beings are the result of God's immutable decree. And as we have seen, this means God forces (Calvin's word) all the actions of human beings and they cannot possibly do otherwise. What does this do to prayer? We are all familiar with the common story of Christ

What exactly is the Bullet Bill objection, and does it land a fatal blow against Molinism—or backfire on Calvinism? If you've spent much time in online theological circles, you've likely heard someone invoke Greg Welty’s so-called “Bullet Bill” objection to Molinism. The name might remind you of a fun Nintendo video game from your childhood, but the philosophical challenge it raises is serious. So what is this Bullet Bill objection, and does it land a fatal blow against Moli