Middle Knowledge by Laing, John D. -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Cover Page Title Page Copyright Dedication Contents Introduction

The Doctrine of Providence The Models of Providence

Process Theology Open Theism Calvinism Theological Fatalism Middle Knowledge

Assumptions

The Nature of God Divine Omnipotence Divine Omniscience

Divine omniscience and propositional knowledge Logical order of divine thoughts

The Nature of Human Freedom The Nature of Divine Freedom

Conclusion

Chapter 1: The Doctrine of Middle Knowledge

Introduction Middle Knowledge or Scientia Media Counterfactuals Possible Worlds Semantics

Actualization of Worlds Feasibility of Possible Worlds, Creaturely World-Types, and Galaxies Comparative Similarity among Possible Worlds

Conclusion

Chapter 2: The Grounding Objection

Introduction Conditional Excluded Middle

Counterexamples to CEM Molinist Responses

Counterfactuals and Determinism

Counterfactuals, Determinism, and Risk Molinist Responses Counterfactuals, Determinism, and Individual Power Molinist Responses

Counterfactuals, facts, and relative similarity among worlds Rejection of the power entailment principle

Counterfactuals, Determinism, and the Causal History of the World Molinist Responses

Grounding

The No-Grounds Objection

Grounding and God Grounding and the individual

Molinist Responses

No need for grounding Hidden assumptions Antirealism, the future, and divine foreknowledge Other-worldly occurrence Grounding and the mind of God

Conclusion

Chapter 3: The Circularity Objection

Introduction Counterfactuals of Freedom, Truth, and Similarity among Worlds

Vicious Circle Argument Molinist Responses

Possible worlds semantics Logical/wording flaws Clarification of possible worlds analysis

Explanatory Priority, Circularity, and Determinism

Molinist Responses

Conclusion

Chapter 4: Divine Foreknowledge and Creaturely Free Will

Introduction Divine Timelessness

Traditional Models

Criticisms of the traditional view

Contemporary Models

Stump and Kretzmann Criticisms and Stump and Kretzmann Leftow Criticisms of Leftow

Ockhamism

Ockham’s Answer Contemporary Formulations

Hard/soft facts Accidental necessity

Problems with Ockhamism

Arbitrary distinction Power over the past

Molinism Conclusion

Chapter 5: Predestination and Salvation

Introduction Atonement

Release from Evil Powers/Ransom to Satan Satisfaction Moral Influence Penal Substitution Example Governmental Assessment

Soteriology

Human Depravity Sovereign Election

Excursis on reprobation Basis for election

Effective Grace Regeneration and Faith Assurance of Salvation and Perseverance of the Saints

Discipleship, Spiritual Growth, and Spiritual Gifts Conclusion

Chapter 6: Middle Knowledge and the Problem of Evil

Introduction The Problem of Evil Logical Problem of Evil

Molinism and the Free Will Defense/Free Will Theodicy

Probabilistic Problems of Evil

Quantitative Argument Argument from Gratuitous Evil Skeptical Theism

Contra skeptical theism

Christianity/Theism and Gratuitous Evil

Molinism and gratuitous evil

Hasker on Molinism and Evil

Molinist Response

Conclusion Holocaust Pastoral Implications

Chapter 7: Inerrancy and Inspiration

Introduction

Doctrine of Revelation Doctrine of Biblical Inspiration Doctrine of Biblical Inerrancy

Middle Knowledge, Biblical Inerrancy, and the Problem of Libertarian Freedom

Middle Knowledge, Divine Inspiration, and Inscripturation Possible Concerns/Objections

Conclusion

Chapter 8: Science and Theology

Introduction Science and Theology Intelligent Design, Middle Knowledge, and the Problem of Creaturely Flaws

Problem of Creaturely Flaws

The logical problem of evil The free will defense

The Intelligent Mutation Defense

Counterfactuals of random genetic mutation Problem of intelligent designer’s preference for creaturely adaptability Problem of the intelligence of random mutation

Middle Knowledge and Quantum Physics

Determinism, Process, Openness, and Randomness at the Quantum Level Molinism, Randomness, and Determinism/Orderliness

Conclusion

Chapter 9: Molinism: The Biblical Evidence

Introduction

Objections

Contra Open Theism

Matthew 11:22–24 1 Samuel 23:7–13 Wisdom of Solomon 4:10–15 Proverbs 24:11–12 1 Corinthians 2:6–16 John 15

Contra Calvinism

Ordo Salutis Unconditional Election Use of “To Know”

Genesis 18:19 2 Samuel 7:19–20 Jeremiah 1:5

Romans 9 (Moses and Pharaoh; Jacob and Esau)

Conclusion

Chapter 10: Existentially Satisfying

Introduction

Unfulfilled Prophecy Efficacy of Petitionary Prayer Molinism, Evangelism, Discipleship, and Prayer Worthy of Worship Ethics, Providence, and End-of-Life Decisions Eschatology

Conclusion

Bibliography

Books Essays and Articles Theses and Dissertations Book Reviews Unpublished Materials

Scripture Index Author Index Subject Index Back Cover

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