Reformed, Romanist, or Rumor? A Response to Dr. Scott Oliphint
Jun 9, 2016
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Dr. J. Thomas Bridges, the Academic Dean for Southern Evangelical Seminary, joins the discussion to clarify misconceptions raised by Dr. Scott Oliphint regarding SES's theological stance. They dive into the implications of Thomas Aquinas's philosophy in the Reformed tradition. The conversation critiques theological misunderstandings about dispensationalism and soteriology, emphasizing the nuanced relationship between faith, scripture, and reason. They also differentiate Thomistic philosophy from Roman Catholicism, reinforcing SES's dedication to Protestant beliefs.
Dr. J.T. Bridges clarifies that Southern Evangelical Seminary's Thomistic philosophy does not align with Arminianism or Molinism, countering Dr. Oliphint's claims.
The podcast emphasizes that faith, birthed by the Holy Spirit, transcends mere intellectual evaluation and requires a multifaceted apologetic approach.
Deep dives
Dr. Oliphant's Critique of Southern Evangelical Seminary
Dr. K. Scott Oliphant criticizes Southern Evangelical Seminary (SES) for its approach to philosophical theology, particularly its teachings that align with the works of Thomas Aquinas. He argues that such teachings may inadvertently lead students toward Catholicism, as evidenced by Doug Beaumont's book on his conversion and others associated with SES. Oliphant’s critique suggests that SES lacks a robust engagement with Reformed doctrines, which he believes are essential for a proper theological foundation. He perceives a significant concern with the seminary's philosophical leanings, alleging that they misrepresent core theological perspectives.
Response to Oliphant's Critique
Dr. J.T. Bridges, academic dean of SES, counters Oliphant's critiques by asserting that the lecture was characterized by misinterpretations of SES's positions. He emphasizes that the seminary’s philosophical commitments, including a Thomistic approach, do not equate to Arminianism or Molinism, as Oliphant suggested. Bridges underscores the responsibility of scholars to accurately portray the positions they critique, which he believes Oliphant failed to do. He acknowledges the feedback from students regarding the need for broader exposure to Reformation thought but urges for a careful assessment of SES's unique theological framework.
Mischaracterizations in Theological Debate
The discussion highlights Dr. Oliphant's tendency to conflate various theological concepts, such as collapsing Thomism with Molinism and labeling SES as Arminian. Bridges explains the nuanced differences between these frameworks and points out that applying contemporary theological labels retroactively to thinkers like Aquinas can lead to misunderstanding. He asserts that the complexities of salvation and free will in theological discourse cannot be neatly categorized within the Calvinist-Arminian dichotomy. By failing to accurately represent SES’s teaching, Oliphant inadvertently overlooks the distinct perspectives that the seminary maintains.
The Role of Reason and Faith
The podcast also addresses the relationship between faith and reason in the context of apologetics, with Bridges explaining that faith is not merely intellectual assent. He argues that while faith does involve rational evaluation, it is ultimately birthed through the Holy Spirit’s work in an individual's life. The discussion emphasizes that apologetics aims to provide rational grounds for belief, not to create faith, which is a divine work. Bridges critiques the notion of self-authenticating scripture as insufficient, advocating instead for a multifaceted approach that considers historical and textual evidence in establishing the Bible's authority.
Recently Dr. Scott Oliphint misrepresented Southern Evangelical Seminary in a talk given at ReformCon2016. Academic Dean for SES, Dr. J. Thomas Bridges, is interviewed and clarifies the misunderstandings in Dr. Oliphint's talk and gives a clear description of the actual philosophical and theological convictions held by SES and its faculty.
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