Tag Archives: free will

The Inescapable Love of God: Hell Lite

I think it is is accurate to say that over the past 100 years the free-will theodicy has become the go-to defense of the doctrine of hell. Its popularity crosses ecclesial boundaries. Even Baptists (maybe not many but some) can … Continue reading

Posted in Book Reviews, Eschatology, Thomas Talbott | Tagged , , , , , | 35 Comments

James Dominic Rooney’s Critique of Universalism

by Thomas Talbott, Ph.D. In an article entitled “The Incoherencies of Hard Universalism,” recently published in Church Life Journal (18 October 2022), James Dominic Rooney argues that universalism is a serious heresy that Christians should clearly reject. He begins his … Continue reading

Posted in Eschatology, Thomas Talbott | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 163 Comments

Universal Salvation and Free Will: A Response to Fr James Dominic Rooney

by Jeremiah Carey, Ph.D. Fr. James Dominic Rooney’s recent attack on universalism, and David Bentley Hart’s version of it in particular, contains so many claims and takes a stand on so many contentious fundamental issues in philosophy and theology that … Continue reading

Posted in Eschatology, Philosophical Theology | Tagged , , , , , , | 21 Comments

At Liberty to Become Free

by Tom Belt, TE (theologian extraordinaire) Many thanks to Fr Adian for the invitation to share my views on the controversial subject of “free will.” I’m grateful for Fr Aidan’s friendship, the encouraging conversations we have, and his kindness in … Continue reading

Posted in Eschatology, Theology, Tom Belt | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Taking the Bus to Hell

One by one the lost souls step off the bus to enjoy a Great Divorce holiday in Heaven . . . and one by one they decide to take the bus back to the other place. The choice is theirs. … Continue reading

Posted in Eschatology, Inklings & Company | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Is God the Author of Sin?

Is God the author of sin? The question assumes paramount importance when evaluating the construal of divine and human agency advanced by Hugh J. McCann. Popular theodi­cies seek to protect God from responsibility for human evil. That’s the upshot of … Continue reading

Posted in Hugh McCann, Philosophical Theology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

The World is a Novel in the Mind of God

Can God determine our actions? One need not think more than a second or two. Of course he can, we answer. If CIA brainwashers and television advertising can cause us to act in specific ways, then the Creator of the … Continue reading

Posted in Hugh McCann, Philosophical Theology | Tagged , , , , , , , | 28 Comments

The Free-Will Defense and the Impossible Worlds of Molinism

The free-will defense of evil and suffering is a failure—so Hugh McCann con­tends. This verdict sur­prises, given the opinion of so many phi­losophers that Alvin Plan­tin­ga’s argument succeeds resoundingly. But it succeeds, maintains McCann, only be­cause it aban­dons God’s provi­dential … Continue reading

Posted in Herbert McCabe & Friends, Hugh McCann, Philosophical Theology | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments