(SIS S1 E7) Human Freedom, Divine Knowledge, and Mere Molinism (w. Dr. Tim Stratton)

By: Brian G. Chilton and Curtis Evelo | August 8, 2021

Through the summer, the Bellator Christi Podcast features a new series entitled the “Summer Interview Series” which engages the top Christian scholars and experts in their chosen fields. On the seventh episode of the Summer Interview Series’ first season, Brian and Curtis speak with Dr. Tim Stratton about his book Human Freedom, Divine Knowledge, and Mere Molinism: A Biblical, Historical, Theological, and Philosophical Analysis. Buckle up, because this podcast features several mic drop moments in addition to some deep philosophical and theological material. It’s all about Molinism as we speak with Dr. Tim Stratton.

What is the aim of your book, and who is your intended audience?
What is “Mere Molinism”?
What biblical support do you find for the Molinist perspective?
You engage the historical side of Molinism from the pre-Reformational period onward. Who are some of the more influential theologians of the pre-Reformational period that you cover and how do they relate to the Molinist perspective?
Do you think Aquinas would have accepted the doctrine of middle knowledge?
Who are some of the more prominent Reformational thinkers, and how do they relate to Molinism?
What are some of the best philosophical arguments for libertarian free will?
What are some of the best theological arguments for LFW?
What apologetic value does Molinism hold?

About our Guest: Dr. Tim Stratton

Dr. Tim Stratton is the founder of Free Thinking Ministries (https://freethinkingministries.com) and is a professor at Trinity College of the Bible. He received his PhD in Theology from North-West University. As a former youth pastor, Tim is devoted to answering questions that he first encountered from the teenagers of his youth group. FreeThinkingMinistries.com is a web-based apologetics ministry devoted to the promotion of “Mere Molinism,” libertarian free will, in addition to other apologetic based issues. Tim regularly speaks at college and church campuses and offers frequent videos on his FreeThinking Ministries’ YouTube channel. Tim recently wrote the book “Human Freedom, Divine Knowledge, and Mere Molinism” which is derived from his dissertation.

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 a Ph.D. Candidate of 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 served in pastoral ministry for nearly 20 years and currently serves as a clinical chaplain, an editor for the Eleutheria Journal, and an Associate Editor for MoralApologetics.com.

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.