Truth Unites

The Ontological Argument: Christian and Agnostic Dialogue (Joe Schmid and Gavin Ortlund)

Jan 27, 2025
Gavin Ortlund, President of Truth Unites and theologian, teams up with Joe Schmid, a Princeton PhD student and philosopher. They delve deep into the ontological argument, revealing its historical journey from Anselm to modern thinkers. The dialogue examines the tension between existence and conceptual greatness using whimsical superheroes as a backdrop. They also tackle the complexities of divine attributes like justice and mercy, questioning whether God's essence can be reasoned. The conversation is rich with insights for both believers and skeptics.
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ANECDOTE

Ortlund's Ontological Awakening

  • Gavin Ortlund encountered Plantinga's ontological argument at 17.
  • This sparked a fascination, calling it his "favorite idea ever."
INSIGHT

Ontological Arguments: A Priori Reasoning

  • Ontological arguments are a priori, meaning they rely on reason, not experience.
  • They focus on God's nature or concept to deduce existence.
INSIGHT

Ontological Argument's True Value

  • Gavin Ortlund finds the ontological argument rationally avoidable.
  • Its value lies in reflecting on God's nature, not converting atheists.
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