(SIS S1 E03) Slipping Through the Cracks-Part 2 (w. Dr. Zach Breitenbach)

By: Brian G. Chilton, Curtis Evelo, and Zach Breitenbach | July 4, 2021

Brian Chilton and Curtis Evelo are joined by Dr. Zach Breitenbach. On this second of a of two-part series, they discuss his recently published book Slipping Through the Cracks: Are Some Lost Who Would Have Been Saved in Different Circumstances. Dr. Breitenbach discusses Molinism, the problem of the contingently loss, and three Molinist theodicy interpretations, before defining and defending his newly developed fourth way. While this series is heavily philosophical and theologically centered, your mind will be stretched and expanded in this thought provoking discussion.

Part One

Could you tell us how you came to Christ?
How would you summarize the primary aim of the book? What is the “problem of the contingently lost,” and how is it different from the “problem of the unevangelized”?
What are the key features/benefits of the book that may be of interest to a reader?
Why is the problem of the contingently lost such a significant one? Does it call God’s justice into question?
In the book, you spend a chapter explaining Molinism and its history and defending that it is biblical and philosophically viable. What is Molinism?
Why do you think Molinism is consistent with the Bible and reasonable to believe?
Did Molina himself have a particular view about how God uses his middle knowledge with regard to predestining who would be saved and lost?

Part Two

You identify three categories of Molinist theodicies concerning the problem of the contingently lost that have been proposed. The first category involves combining Molinism with postmortem opportunities for salvation. Examples of this type are the similar theodicies of Donald Lake and Jerry Walls as well as the theodicy of Jason Marsh. What do these theodicies look like, and why do you reject them?
Could you define the second category called the “Lost Lack a Soul” by David Hunt? What does Hunt argue and why do you reject it?
The third category involves God using His middle knowledge to optimize the balance of saved versus lost through His providential ordering of human history. William Lane Craig’s famous theodicy falls into this category, as does a recent theodicy from Kirk MacGregor. Your critique of Craig is especially important, since you draw upon some of his core ideas in your own theodicy but reject some of his ideas. What are the key points of Craig’s theodicy, and what do you see as its pros and cons?
How would you summarize your own theodicy concerning the problem of the contingently lost?
How might your theodicy help us respond to the claim that God’s existence is unlikely because some evil seems so pointless?

About our Guest: Dr. Zach Breitenbach

Dr. Zach Breitenbach is a recent graduate of the PhD program in Theology and Apologetics at Liberty University. In addition to his duties as an Adjunct Professor at Lincoln Christian University, he also operates Room for Doubt Ministries at https://www.roomfordoubt.com. He recently published the book “Slipping Through the Cracks” which can be found at https://www.amazon.com/Slipping-Through-Cracks-Different-Circumstances/dp/1725294699/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=slipping+through+the+cracks&qid=1624587654&sr=8-1.

Brian Chilton: Founder of Bellator Christi Ministries

Brian G. Chilton is the founder of BellatorChristi.com, the host of The Bellator Christi Podcast, the author of the Layman’s Manual on Christian Apologetics, and is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Theology and Apologetics program at Liberty University. He received his Master of Divinity in Theology from Liberty University (with high distinction); his Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies and Philosophy from Gardner-Webb University (with honors); and received certification in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Brian is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Evangelical Philosophical Society. Brian has nearly 20 years of pastoral experience and currently serves as a clinical chaplain.

https://www.amazon.com/Laymans-Manual-Christian-Apologetics-Essentials/dp/1532697104

Curtis Evelo: Co-Host and Producer of the Bellator Christi Podcast

Curtis Evelo is a cattle rancher at the E6 Hereford Ranch in St. Ignatius, Montana. Curtis is the Co-Host and Producer of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He often teaches and speaks at his church Cornerstone Faith Center in St. Ignatius. Curtis provides a common-sense approach to Christianity as he contemplates the wonders of God’s creation in Big Sky Country.