A Reasonable Response

1. Science and Philosophy Are Inseparable, Not Competitors

Contrary to the authors' claim that philosophy is "dead," philosophy is unavoidable. Science itself relies on philosophical assumptions and reasoning.

Philosophical Foundations of Science. Scientific inquiry is not a purely objective endeavor but is deeply rooted in philosophical frameworks and assumptions. Scientists who claim philosophy is irrelevant often unconsciously employ philosophical reasoning in their interpretations of scientific data.

Key Philosophical Limitations in Scientific Thinking:

• Scientism (the belief that science is the only valid form of knowledge) is self-refuting
• Scientific theories always contain philosophical presuppositions
• Empirical evidence alone cannot answer metaphysical questions

Interdisciplinary Approach. True understanding emerges when science and philosophy work together, each informing and challenging the other's perspectives. Dismissing philosophical inquiry limits our ability to comprehend complex realities beyond immediate sensory experience.

2. Belief in God Requires Rational and Philosophical Exploration

"God is by definition the greatest conceivable being and, therefore, the highest Good."

Rational Approach to Theism. Believing in God is not a blind leap of faith but a reasoned philosophical exploration. Arguments for God's existence, such as the cosmological and moral arguments, provide rational foundations for theistic belief.

Key Philosophical Arguments for God's Existence:

• Cosmological argument: The universe requires an ultimate cause
• Moral argument: Objective moral values necessitate a divine source
• Ontological argument: The concept of a maximally great being implies its existence

Intellectual Integrity. Philosophical inquiry into God's existence demonstrates that faith and reason are complementary, not contradictory. Serious intellectual engagement can strengthen, rather than undermine, religious belief.

3. Objective Moral Values Exist and Require a Divine Foundation

"If God does not exist, objective moral values do not exist."

Moral Realism. Objective moral values are not merely subjective human constructs but represent real, transcendent truths. These values require an external, unchanging foundation that cannot be explained by purely naturalistic frameworks.

Characteristics of Objective Morality:

• Universal and unchanging across cultures
• Not reducible to personal or societal preferences
• Grounded in a transcendent moral lawgiver

Philosophical Implications. Recognizing objective moral values points toward the existence of God as the ultimate source of goodness and moral standards, challenging relativistic and nihilistic worldviews.

4. The Problem of Evil Does Not Disprove God's Existence

"The problem of evil is an argument on behalf of atheism. It is offered as a defeater of the theistic claim that 'God exists.'"

Philosophical Burden of Proof. The problem of evil does not automatically disprove God's existence. The atheist arguing from evil bears the burden of demonstrating that God cannot have morally sufficient reasons for permitting suffering.

Key Considerations in Understanding Evil:

• Limited human perspective cannot comprehend divine providence
• Suffering might serve purposes beyond immediate understanding
• Free will introduces complexity into the problem of evil

Nuanced Theological Response. A mature theological perspective acknowledges the reality of suffering while maintaining that God's goodness and omnipotence are not negated by the presence of evil.

5. Middle Knowledge Provides Insight into Divine Sovereignty and Human Freedom

"It is up to God whether I find myself in a world in which I am predestined; but it is up to me whether I am predestined in the world in which I find myself."

Balancing Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency. Middle knowledge offers a sophisticated theological framework that preserves both God's ultimate control and human free will, resolving apparent theological tensions.

Key Aspects of Middle Knowledge:

• God knows all possible outcomes of human choices
• Divine selection of the optimal world does not eliminate human freedom
• Salvation is universally accessible but not universally guaranteed

Theological Complexity. This perspective demonstrates the intricate relationship between divine foreknowledge and human decision-making, challenging simplistic deterministic or purely libertarian views.

6. Biblical Interpretation Requires Nuanced Understanding

"We should have a theology that is scientifically informed and so to present an integrated perspective on reality."

Hermeneutical Sophistication. Interpreting biblical texts requires understanding genre, historical context, and literary techniques. Literal, fundamentalist readings often miss the deeper theological insights.

Interpretation Principles:

• Recognize different literary genres within Scripture
• Consider historical and cultural contexts
• Understand the intent behind biblical narratives

Theological Flexibility. A mature approach to biblical interpretation allows for complexity, acknowledging that divine revelation can be multifaceted and not always literally translatable.

7. Christianity Offers a Coherent Framework for Understanding Life's Meaning

"We were made to know God, and this is, in view of its object, an incommensurable good, incomparable to anything else."

Existential Purpose. Christianity provides a comprehensive worldview that addresses fundamental human questions about meaning, purpose, and ultimate significance.

Dimensions of Meaning:

• Personal relationship with a transcendent God
• Objective moral framework
• Hope beyond temporal existence

Transformative Perspective. Christian theology offers more than abstract philosophical concepts; it presents a life-altering understanding of human existence and divine love.

8. Scientific Theories Do Not Eliminate the Need for Philosophical Reasoning

"Science is permeated with assumptions that cannot be scientifically proven."

Limitations of Scientific Materialism. Scientific theories, while valuable, cannot completely explain reality. Philosophical reasoning remains crucial for interpreting scientific discoveries.

Critical Considerations:

• Science relies on philosophical presuppositions
• Empirical methods have inherent limitations
• Philosophical inquiry provides broader interpretive frameworks

Intellectual Humility. Recognizing the complementary roles of science and philosophy promotes a more comprehensive understanding of reality.

9. The Resurrection of Jesus Provides Hope Beyond Earthly Suffering

"His resurrection in advance of ours is the basis of our hope for not only our, but also for your mother's and my father's, healing and restoration."

Theological Hope. The resurrection of Jesus offers a profound perspective on suffering, suggesting ultimate restoration and meaning beyond temporal experiences.

Transformative Implications:

• Suffering is not the final narrative
• Personal identity transcends physical limitations
• Divine redemption promises complete healing

Existential Comfort. The resurrection provides a powerful framework for understanding human suffering within a larger, hopeful narrative of restoration.

10. Cultural and Geographical Contexts Do Not Limit God's Salvific Purposes

"God desires every human being to be saved and find eternal life."

Universal Divine Accessibility. God's salvific purposes are not constrained by cultural or geographical boundaries. Divine grace is potentially available to all humanity.

Key Theological Principles:

• God's love transcends human-defined boundaries
• Salvation is not limited by historical or cultural contexts
• Divine providence operates beyond human comprehension

Inclusive Theological Perspective. This approach challenges narrow, exclusivist interpretations of salvation and emphasizes God's universal redemptive intentions.

Last updated: January 1, 2025