Episode 92: Dr. William Lane Craig "Rational Arguments for God's Existence"

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with renowned philosopher and theologian Dr. William Lane Craig to navigate the intricate intersections of faith, science, and philosophy. Our conversation opens with Dr. Craig elucidating his stance on 'Creation Ex Nihilo,' integrating theological doctrine with contemporary scientific understanding, particularly in relation to the Big Bang theory. He explains why 'Creation Ex Deo' is in direct opposition to the biblical narrative, challenging the notion that the universe emerged from God and is inherently united with his own being. Dr. Craig makes a case that aligns with the Maimonidean worldview, showcasing why panentheism and pantheism contradict the core tenets of our respective faiths. The conversation takes a philosophical turn as Dr. Craig discusses his agreement with the Kalam cosmological argument, a perspective shared across Jewish and Islamic traditions, highlighting the universal quest for understanding the origins of the universe. Addressing criticisms from atheistic circles, Dr. Craig confronts the "God of the gaps" argument and the counter notion of a "science of the gaps," particularly in relation to the Multiverse Theory and the complexity of DNA. He presents a compelling case for theism, challenging the atheistic critiques with reasoned arguments and evidence. Our dialogue also ventures into the realms of mathematical harmony and the laws of nature, with Dr. Craig articulating how these elements inherently point to a Creator, offering a profound reflection on the order and intelligibility of our world. Dr. Craig also addresses the challenges posed by skeptics of evolution, such as Dr. David Berlinski, and defends the scientific validity of an evolutionary perspective within a theistic framework. Lastly, Dr. Craig addresses the topic of the universe's age, which has been a point of contention among our respective coreligionists. This fascinating interview will not disappoint. (Co-hosted by friend-of-the-podcast Zev Gotkin)

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• Bio: Dr. William Lane Craig is Visiting Scholar of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology and Professor of Philosophy at Houston Christian University. Dr. Craig pursued his undergraduate studies at Wheaton College (B.A. 1971) and graduate studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (M.A. 1974; M.A. 1975), the University of Birmingham (England) (Ph.D. 1977), and the University of Munich (Germany) (D.Theol. 1984). From 1980-86 he taught Philosophy of Religion at Trinity, during which time he and his wife Jan started their family. In 1987 they moved to Brussels, Belgium, where Dr. Craig pursued research at the University of Louvain until assuming his position at Talbot in 1994. He has authored or edited over thirty books, and in 2016, Dr. Craig was named by The Best Schools as one of the fifty most influential living philosophers.

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• Check out his fascinating discussion with Dr. Roger Penrose here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wLtCqm72-Y

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