Parker's Pensées

Perry Hendricks, a newly minted doctor of philosophy, dives into the common sense problems of evil. He expertly critiques conventional views on how evil exists in relation to a benevolent God. The conversation navigates skeptical theism, the subjective nature of evil, and the complexities of moral evaluations. Perry also shares insights on transforming dissertation work into a scholarly book and reflects on the philosophical nuances of divine reasoning. It's a thought-provoking and humorous exploration of profound questions.

In this discussion, Dr. Owen Anderson, a philosopher at Arizona State University, delves into the fascinating intersections of classical philosophy and Christianity. He explores the Great Commission's role in shaping Christian philosophy, critiques the application of analytic methods, and examines the relationship between knowledge and belief. Anderson also shares insights on the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt system, drawing analogies between martial arts and philosophical discourse. This engaging conversation highlights the importance of integrating philosophical inquiry with faith.

In this episode of the Parker's Pensées Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Yannick Imbert to discuss his new book, From Imagination to Faerie: Tolkien's Thomist Fantasy. We go in deep on Tolkien as a philologist, philosopher, and theologian.  Grab the book here to support the podcast: https://amzn.to/3QHFyTw If you like this podcast, then support it on Patreon for $3, $5 or more a month. Any amount helps, and for $5 you get a Parker's Pensées sticker and instant access to all the episode as I record them instead of waiting for their release date. Check it out here:   Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parkers_pensees If you want to give a one-time gift, you can give at my Paypal:  https://paypal.me/ParkersPensees?locale.x=en_US  Check out my merchandise at my Teespring store: https://teespring.com/stores/parkers-penses-merch  Come talk with the Pensées community on Discord: dsc.gg/parkerspensees Sub to my Substack to read my thoughts on my episodes: https://parknotes.substack.com/  Check out my blog posts: https://parkersettecase.com/ Check out my Parker's Pensées YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYbTRurpFP5q4TpDD_P2JDA  Check out my other YouTube channel on my frogs and turtles:  https://www.youtube.com/c/ParkerSettecase Check me out on Twitter: https://twitter.com/trendsettercase Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkers_pensees/

Dr. Daniel J. Hill, a senior lecturer at the University of Liverpool and co-author of "Does God Intend That Sin Occur?", joins the discussion on the philosophical implications of sin and divine intention. They dive into whether God’s knowledge of sin makes Him culpable and examine the distinctions between acts of commission and omission. The conversation unveils complex theological ideas about God's foreknowledge and intention, with engaging examples like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and tackles the challenges of moral accountability in the context of divine sovereignty.

Joe Schmid, co-author of "Existential Inertia and Classical Theistic Proofs," dives deep into the philosophical nuances of existential inertia and its implications for the existence of God. He explores the historical roots of the concept, discussing how persistence and metaphysical perspectives shape our understanding of divine intervention. The conversation also covers Neoplatonic arguments for a non-composite first cause and critiques various proofs for God's existence. With engaging banter, they simplify complex ideas, making philosophy accessible and thought-provoking.

Dr. Christopher Watkin, an author and expert on integrating faith with cultural critique, discusses his book, Biblical Critical Theory. He explores how biblical teachings can inform modern societal critiques, emphasizing the importance of dialogue between faith and critical theory. Watkin highlights the complexities of culture and argues for a nuanced understanding of human identity through a biblical lens. Additionally, he advocates for respectful environmental stewardship and examines the balance of order and chaos in understanding community and purpose.

Dr. Nikk Effingham, a philosopher specializing in the ontology of time and time travel, dives into his innovative wave theory of time. He draws distinctions between presentism and eternalism, reshaping our understanding of temporal reality. The discussion unveils the complexities of personal identity, exploring how time travel challenges our concepts of existence and morality. Effingham also tackles ethical dilemmas surrounding 'personites' and the potential consequences of altering timelines, stimulating thought on the responsibilities of hypothetical time travelers.

Join Dr. Thomas Ward, a philosopher and historian specializing in John Duns Scotus, as he unpacks Scotus's unique philosophical arguments for God's existence and the nature of the Trinity, juxtaposed with Aquinas's views. The conversation touches on the principle of individuation, exploring 'thisness' and its relevance today, including links to modern concepts like NFTs. They also delve into the intriguing interplay of free will and divine influence, revealing Scotus's lasting impact on contemporary discussions of identity and theology.

Dr. Austin Freeman, author of *Tolkien Dogmatics* and theology expert at Houston Christian University, dives deep into J.R.R. Tolkien's complex relationship with faith and myth. He discusses how Tolkien's Catholic beliefs shape his narratives, the portrayal of evil, and the concept of sub-creation in storytelling. Discover how mythology reveals deeper realities and the significance of divine intervention in Tolkien's work. Freeman also explores the theological links between Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, enhancing our understanding of the moral dimensions in their stories.

Dr. Paul Copan, a professor and author renowned for his work in Christian apologetics, joins the conversation to tackle the complexities of God's character. They explore the contradictions between the Old and New Testaments, shedding light on Marcionism and its implications. Ethical challenges in biblical narratives are dissected, as well as the role of apologetics in shaping modern understandings of morality. The duo also examines Christ's dual nature of kindness and severity, urging listeners to engage with challenging texts thoughtfully.