Scott Oliphint, a leading voice in Reformed theology and author, tackles misconceptions about Cornelius Van Til in a new book aiming to reshape Reformed apologetics. Joined by Brandon McLean Smith, they dive into the importance of human knowledge and our innate understanding of God. They analyze theological arguments within covenantal apologetics and the necessity of engaging with scripture over tradition. The discussion highlights historical conflicts in the Presbyterian Church and the impact on today's theological landscape.
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Quick takeaways
The future of Reformed apologetics hinges on faithfully upholding core Christian doctrines rather than relying on innovative but unreliable methods.
Recognizing that faith is foundational to understanding positions Christianity against cultural assumptions that demand empirical evidence prior to belief.
Deep dives
The Future of Reformed Apologetics
The conversation centers around the concept that the future of Reformed apologetics does not rest on new ideas but rather on a faithful defense of the nature of Christianity as highlighted by Cornelius Van Til. Van Til emphasized that apologetics should align with the core teachings of Christian doctrine, which many modern debates distract from by introducing innovative but unreliable methods. This approach invites a return to foundational theological principles and the acknowledgment of a universal knowledge of God as affirmed in Scripture, particularly Romans 1, which many theologians are urged to engage with to challenge contemporary critiques. The podcast distills how Reformed apologetics must maintain fidelity to historical truths while navigating modern critiques to effectively communicate the Christian faith.
Faith Seeking Understanding
A significant insight discussed is the relationship between belief and knowledge, capturing the idea that faith is foundational to understanding rather than the other way around. The phrase 'faith seeking understanding' suggests that belief in God precedes rational comprehension, countering cultural assumptions that insist on empirical evidence before belief. The podcast underscores that this approach is not only rooted in historical Christian thought but also addresses the inherent knowledge of God instilled in all humans, which sets a framework for apologetics. As biblical and theological claims about God's existence and the life of Jesus are intertwined with this concept, the discussion pushes back against the cultural narrative that knowledge must predate faith.
Engaging Historical Critiques
The dialogue also addresses the long-standing critiques of Van Til's methodology, particularly the accusation of circular reasoning within his apologetic framework. Scott Oliphant highlights that many of these objections are not new and often stem from misunderstandings or oversimplifications of Van Til’s position, with critics frequently unwilling to thoroughly engage with the foundational responses provided by Van Til and his followers. The podcast emphasizes the necessity for a serious academic approach to these criticisms, suggesting that many critiques are rooted in historical biases against Reformed theology rather than genuine theological inquiry. By advocating for a deeper exploration of these objections, the participants call for a renewed scholarly rigor that acknowledges both the past contributions of Reformed thinkers and the importance of substantiating claims with careful exegesis.
Scott Oliphint has had enough of the bad caricatures of Cornelius Van Til. . . but a brand new book is on the way that might change things. The Future of Reformed Apologetics gathers nine essays from the eponymous 2023 conference, and addresses the state and future of the Reformed apologetic that Van Til developed. In this first episode of our podcast companion series, Brandon McLean Smith and K. Scott Oliphint reflect on the conclusion of Scott's lecture titled "The Sensus Divinitatis." Visit Westminster Seminary Press's website and find out more about the book The Future of Reformed Apologetics, which contains the full essay "Van Til and the Sensus Divinitatis" by K. Scott Oliphint: https://wtspress.com/products/the-future-of-reformed-apologetics-collected-essays-on-applying-van-til-s-apologetic-method-to-a-new-generation. It is also available wherever sound Christian books are sold.
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