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All Papers © 2006
Alvin Plantinga's Philosophical and Apologetic System - Evan Rowell
Evan explains and evaluates the Philosophical and Apologetic System of Alvin Plantinga.
Christian Occultism: Part 1 - John D. Ferrer
" Understanding occultism hinges on the fact that it is not like 'cult' or 'new religion' or 'world religion.' In fact the phrase 'the occult' is itself misleading. It is misleading because by saying 'the occult' one gives the indication that occultism is a singular entity, a monolithic category that is easily distinguished in reality from 'the cults' or 'World Religions.' In fact, 'occult' is better understood as an adjective rather than a noun.2 That is, 'occult' is descriptive, be it of Satanism or Christianity, or anything in between."
Christian Occultism: Part 2 - John D. Ferrer
"Occult practices and Christian practices, while very different, do have some similarities. This fact is no accident. Just as Satan can masquerade as an angel of light, it is to be expected that the occult will try to earn a hearing by counterfeiting its more respectable counterparts (2 Cor. 11:13-15)."
Defense of the Objectivity of Morals - Matthew Graham
This article defends the second premise of the moral argument. The second premise of that argument is that an objective moral law exists. Are morals objective? Are morals simply expressions of our desires? Where does the notion of morality come from? How do we come to know moral principles?
Documentary Hypothesis: A Subjective Approach to Biblical Criticism - Matthew Graham
Many evangelicals are not aware of what the Documentary Hypothesis is. However, if you or your kids take any bible classes at a secular university you will become familiar with it. That is because it is the prevailing view on the authorship of the first five books of the Bible. The documentary view, if true, discards the doctrine of inerrancy.
The Historical Reliability of the New Testament - Jill Graham
This article give arguments for the historical reliability of the New Testament. Both lower and higher criticism are used to discover whether or not the New Testament compares with other works of antiquity. A short section on methodology is included.
"Knowing" Mormon Style - John D. Ferrer
This article looks into the fideism of the Mormon Church. John makes some very important observations about the Mormon mindset that are very helpful in reaching Mormons.
The Problem of Evil in the Writings of C.S. Lewis - Jill Graham
This article looks at how C.S. Lewis resolves the problem of evil. Particular attention is given to the free will defense and the soul making theodicy.
Prooftexts We Know and Love - John D. Ferrer
This article shows the need for solid exegesis. Prooftexts are used by all cults and many Christians. John reminds us of the necessity of solid Biblical study and sound thinking.
The Thought of Martin Heidegger - Michael Hipsley
It will be the purpose of this article to examine: 1) Heidegger's thought and methodology pertaining to ontology; 2) the resulting hermeneutic influences exerted by this thought and methodology; and 3) the foundational philosophic assumptions upon which they are based. It is not within the scope of this query to present a comprehensive analysis the whole of Heidegger's thought. Therefore, we will seek to identify what is most essential to Heidegger's system and methodology; an approach that should suffice both to bring to light a sufficient understanding of Heidegger's system, and reveal the crucial areas wherein his system destroys itself.
Interpretation and Symbols: Hermeneutics and the Philosophy of Language - Lanny Wilson
"The sign is relevant to the whole extent of knowledge and of human life; it is a universal instrument in the world of human beings. Yet, 1 what constitutes a 'sign?' What is the function of a 'sign?' How are 'signs' used? When are 'signs' employed? Is there a difference between 'signs,' 'symbols,' and things signified, called 'signatum?' These questions are fundamental to the interpretive process. For, if the majority of meaning and knowledge gained by humans is through signs, then it is beneficial, even necessary, to understand how signs function."
Plato and Aquinas: Thought and Reality - Lanny Wilson
"Both Plato and Aquinas needed to answer two basic questions. What is real? And how do we know? In the background of their thought is the work of Parmenides. Parmenides claimed that all of reality was one. This, he claimed, is because the principle that ties all of reality together is 'being.'"
Divine Essentialism and the Definition of Good - Lanny Wilson
"This project seeks to discover an adequate definition of good with the realization that this can only be done by noting what things are good. G. E. Moore, who himself did not think that good was definable, remarked, "That which is meant by 'good' is, in fact, except its converse 'bad,' the only simple object of thought which is peculiar to Ethics. Its definition is, therefore, the most essential point in the definition of Ethics." That is, the defining characteristic of an ethical system is its definition of good."
J.P. Moreland on Universals: A Neo-Thomistic Critique - Matthew Graham
This paper contains a brief explanation and response to Dr. Morelands view of universals. Like my other papers on this site, this paper is not to be considered an attempt at a comprehensive response to Moreland. Rather it is an introductory paper on his view and a brief response.
A Theological and Philosophical Defense of Divine Simplicity Against the Criticisms of William Lane Craig - Lanny Wilson
While simplicity has enjoyed creedal status since the dawn of Christianity, it has fallen out of favor with Christian philosophers and theologians over the past century. So while simplicity has had an illustrious past, the question arises "does simplicity have a future?" This project seeks to explore that question. The first task is to establish whether or not there is any theological and philosophical reason to support belief in the doctrine of simplicity. The second undertaking will be to assess popular criticisms of the doctrine and evaluate if they have any merit. This project will primarily focus in on the criticisms adopted by Christian philosopher and theologian William Lane Craig.
Doctrine of Analogy - Matthew Graham
This is the first paper I wrote at seminary, so it is pretty rough. It compares three different views of God-talk. God can be spoken of univocally, equivocally, or analogically. The analogical position will be argued for in this article.
Two Accounts of Divine Foreknowledge: Molinism and a Thomistic Account - Matthew Graham
This article compares the Molinism of William Lane Craig with a Thomistic account of divine foreknowledge. The Thomistic position is argued for in this article.
The Metaphysical Implications of Unconditional Election - Lanny Wilson
"Those in the Reformed tradition usually have at-least two axioms that are merely assumed, but seldom defended or explained. These two foundational axioms are 'that which brings God the most glory is true' and 'God cannot know that which He does not determine.' The latter is perhaps more foundational to the overall issue, but the former is usually the first cited as the guiding principle of interpretation."
Towards a Defense of the Cessation of the Sign Gifts - Matthew Graham
This paper is a brief defense of the Cessationist position. I should note that I do not agree with the conclusion of this paper. I wrote it because I wanted to make sure that I understand the position. If you read this paper and find it to be inaccurate or if you see where it may be improved, please email me.
Divine Hiding in the Gospel of John - Matthew Graham
This brief article explores the apparent hiding of God throughout the Gospel of John. Was God "hiding" Himself from those who did not believe?
William of Ockham and Limited Atonement - Michael Hipsley
In this article, Michael Hipsley argues that Limited Atonement ultimately is founded not upon the evidence of scripture, but in the voluntarist and nominalist philosophy of the Fourteenth Century Scholastic William of Ockham (1280-1347)
