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.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Lorraine Juliano Keller, a philosopher known for her work on the existence of God and intentionality, dives into compelling topics. She elaborates on how the mind's representation can ground truth in understanding divine concepts. The discussion spans divine conceptualism, propositional naturalism, and the intricate connections between philosophy and mathematics. Dr. Keller also addresses free will and divine simplicity, challenging listeners to consider the depth of theological discourse and the implications for understanding God.

In this chat, Dr. Paul Gould, a philosopher and author, dives into his book, 'A Good and True Story.' He explores the essence of life and the philosophical dimensions of happiness, challenging conventional views by drawing on Boethius. Gould also discusses the complexities of defining species and the distinctions between living beings and artificial intelligence. Through rich storytelling, he emphasizes how narratives shape our understanding of existence, morality, and true fulfillment, inviting us on a journey of philosophical and spiritual inquiry.

In this engaging discussion, philosopher Dr. Michael Huemer sheds light on the nature of human rights and their moral implications. He tackles the intricate philosophy behind the right to bear arms, examining ethical naturalism and the balance between individual freedoms and social responsibilities. With humor, he explores hypothetical scenarios about rights for pets and challenges the concept of moral absolutism through real-world dilemmas. Huemer ultimately navigates the complexities of self-defense and ethical considerations regarding gun ownership.

Tim McGrew, a philosopher and co-author of "Internalism and Epistemology: The Architecture of Reason," dives deep into the nuances of internalism and externalism in epistemology. He shares insights from his philosophical journey, addressing foundationalism, justification, and the complex relationship between beliefs and knowledge. The conversation highlights intriguing examples like non-verbal creatures and critiques the unrealistic demands placed on spiritual experiences. McGrew’s exploration offers a fresh perspective on classic philosophical debates and their relevance to personal faith.

Dr. C. Stephen Evans, a professor of philosophy at Baylor University, dives into the intricate nature of wisdom, contrasting it with mere cleverness. He critiques contemporary philosophy's neglect of this essential concept while drawing on insights from Kierkegaard and Plato. The conversation explores the relationship between wisdom, community, and emotions, emphasizing personal transformation through philosophical inquiry. Evans rightly connects moral understanding to practical steps, advocating for empathy and humility in our quest for genuine insight.

In this discussion, Dr. Lane Tipton, an authority on Reformed theology and author of "The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til," delves into the complex world of the Trinity. He unpacks Van Til's unique insights, exploring the intertwining of Reformed Trinitarianism and Federalism. Key topics include Calvin's doctrine of Autotheos and the significance of perichoresis in understanding divine relationships. Tipton also highlights the roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, while addressing issues like modalism and tritheism to clarify these theological dynamics.

Dr. Linda Zagzebski, a prominent philosopher and author of 'The Two Greatest Ideas,' dives into the intertwining of our understanding of the universe and individual consciousness. She discusses how ancient thinkers like Thales laid the groundwork for modern thought. Zagzebski explores the analogy of God as an author and its impact on literature. The conversation also addresses the complexities of self-awareness, autonomy, and the tension between individual rights and the common good, showcasing philosophy's vital role in shaping our cultural landscape.

In this episode of the Parker's Pensées Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Tim Pickavance to discuss his new book, Knowledge for the Love of God. We also spend a good amount of the episode discussing affective reason and what role emotions play in epistemology.  Grab the book here to support my podcast: https://amzn.to/3R7s1nJ Find more from Tim here: https://philpeople.org/profiles/timothy-pickavance  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 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/ Time Is Running by MusicLFiles Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/6203-time-is-running License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/