Philosophy for Theologians opens up the subject of universals by discussing the basic approaches to reality found in thinkers such as Plato and Aristotle. After laying an introductory foundation, the panel discusses Bavinck’s approach to the subject and his views of how theology relates to disciplines.

Participants: Bob LaRocca, Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Paul Maxwell

For Reformed theologians it can be rather difficult to articulate the relationship between philosophy and theology. Is philosophy simply theology asking different questions? Is it a distinct discipline that can be differentiated from theological inquiry? Bob LaRocca drives a discussion pertaining to these difficult questions.

Participants: Bob LaRocca, Camden Bucey, Daniel Schrock, Jared Oliphint

Bob LaRocca leads a discuss on Thomas Aquinas’ Second Way. The Second Way is an argument for the existence of God from efficient causes. The flow of the argument is as follows:

1. We perceive a series of efficient causes of things in the world.
2. Nothing exists prior to itself.
3. Therefore nothing is the efficient cause of itself.
4. If a previous efficient cause does not exist, neither does the thing that results.
5. Therefore if the first thing in a series does not exist, nothing in the series exists.
6. The series of efficient causes cannot extend ad infinitum into the past, for then there would be no things existing now.
7. Therefore it is necessary to admit a first efficient cause, to which everyone gives the name of God.

Visit this site for more information regarding Thomas’ Five Ways.

Participants: Bob LaRocca, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack, Nate Shannon

Bob LaRocca brings Thomas Aquinas’ famous first way to the table. Thomas’ ways have become staples in apologetic discussions.

Participants: Bob LaRocca, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack

Daniel Schrock stops by to discuss Hume and his philosophical position on miracles. This is part two of a two part discussion. Download Daniel Schrock’s paper Hume’s Argument Against Miracles.

Participants: Bob LaRocca, Camden Bucey, Daniel Schrock, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack

Daniel Schrock stops by to discuss Hume and his philosophical position on miracles. This is part one of a two part discussion.

• Daniel Schrock Hume’s Argument Against Miracles
• Hume entry on Wikipedia
• Hume’s works on the Gutenberg Project

Participants: Bob LaRocca, Camden Bucey, Daniel Schrock, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack

Bob LaRocca and Jared Oliphint lead a critical discussion of John Franke’s book Manifold Witness: The Plurality of Truth. Franke argues plurality and diversity are intrinsic elements of Christianity as he develops a corresponding system of truth and meaning.

Participants: Bob LaRocca, Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack

The crew spends a few minutes discussing the metaphysical system of Aristotle, one of philosophy’s greatest minds.

Participants: Bob LaRocca, Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack

We realized many of our discussions on the Reformed Media Review were drifting toward the philosophical.  And we also believe there is a general lack of good philosophical resources – at least from people working from a Reformed theological framework.  As a result, we bring you Philosophy for Theologians. Our goal in this program is to provide an overview of a particular philosophical figure or an idea and to analyze it critically through the lens of Scripture.  That doesn’t mean proof-texting Kant’s views, but it does mean that we consider everything in light of God’s revelation.   We not only want to address philosophical questions on Philosophy for Theologians, but we want to equip you with a way to think about these questions. In this wide-ranging discussion, the panel begins with a discussion between Nate Shannon and Bob LaRocca regarding the role of realism in Herman Bavinck and the consistency thereof.   The discussions moves on and touches, among other things, upon Thomas Reid, Alvin Plantinga and possible worlds semantics.

Participants: Bob LaRocca, Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack, Nate Shannon

Jared Oliphint leads a review discussion of God Is Great, God Is Good: Why Believing in God Is Reasonable & Responsible. Jared recently reviewed the book for TGCReviews.com. The book includes contributions from several notable philosophers and theologians including

• J. P. Moreland
• Paul Moser
• John Polkinghorne
• Michael Behe
• Alister McGrath
• Scot McKnight
• Gary Habermas
• Chad Meister
• William Lane Craig

Join us for a reformed look at philosophy of religion.

Participants: Bob LaRocca, Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack

Bob LaRocca details the critical realism found in the first few chapters of N.T. Wright’s The New Testament and the People of God. Christ the Center has spoken about Wright’s doctrine of justification with Guy Waters. Part 1 and Part 2 are available.

Participants: Bob LaRocca, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack

The panel continues to examine the theological foundations for engaging culture.

Participants: Bob LaRocca, Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack

Participants: Bob LaRocca, Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jonathan Brack

Participants: Bob LaRocca, Camden Bucey, Jared Oliphint, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Jonathan Brack