In the Arena: The Debates and Lectures of William Lane Craig

Free Will and Molinism

5 snips
Sep 20, 2024
William Lane Craig, a renowned philosopher and theologian, delves into Molinism, a concept blending divine sovereignty with human freedom. He explores how middle knowledge allows God to understand free choices in possible worlds while maintaining control. Craig addresses the implications of divine influence on human decisions, the nature of sin, and the relationship between God's foreknowledge and libertarian free will. Engaging with philosophical debates, he sheds light on truth in relation to divine knowledge, offering a rich discussion for those intrigued by such theological intricacies.
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ANECDOTE

Molina's Struggle

  • Molina, a Catholic counter-reformer, faced Inquisition and threats for his views on divine sovereignty and human freedom.
  • The Pope eventually deemed Molinism a legitimate theological alternative, exonerating Molina.
INSIGHT

God's Knowledge

  • God's natural knowledge encompasses necessary truths, independent of His will, like possible worlds.
  • His free knowledge concerns the actual world, including its past, present, and future, after his decree.
INSIGHT

Middle Knowledge

  • Middle knowledge sits between natural and free knowledge.
  • It's God's knowledge of what free creatures would do in any circumstance.
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