Systematic Philosophical Theology, Volume 1: Prolegomena, On Scripture, On Faith

Brief Description:
"Authored by distinguished theologian William Lane Craig, this multi-volume series blends biblical, historical, and analytic theology to present a comprehensive and philosophically coherent articulation of key doctrines. Setting itself apart, this systematic theology integrates sacred and secular knowledge, bridging the gap between theology and scientific disciplines. The author's unique approach addresses profound philosophical questions in each doctrinal area, enriching the discourse on the nature of God and the coherence of Christian beliefs. The series introduces distinctive formulations, from a temporal understanding of God to a Molinist perspective on divine providence. A social model of the Trinity, a nuanced theological anthropology, and a neo-Apollinarian Christology contribute to a fresh exploration of Christian thought. Systematic Philosophical Theology promises a transformative journey, challenging conventions and redefining the landscape of systematic theology. With its structured themes, integration of knowledge, completeness, and logical coherence, this series stands as a landmark contribution, inviting readers to engage with an intellectually enriching exploration of faith and reason"-- Provided by publisher.

Table of Contents:
Preface to Volume I

Prolegomena 1

1 The Renaissance of Christian Philosophy 2

1.1 A Look Back 2

1.2 The Collapse of Verificationism 6

1.3 The Advent of Postmodernism 8

1.4 The Rebirth of Christian Philosophy 8

1.5 The Birth of Analytic Theology 15

2 Delineating the Disciplines 21

2.1 Systematic Theology 21

2.2 Systematic Philosophical Theology 23

2.3 Dogmatics 29

2.4 Fundamental Theology and Apologetics 30

2.5 Philosophy of Religion 37

2.5.1 The Attempt to Differentiate Philosophy from Theology 39

2.5.2 The Collapse of Classical Foundationalism 42

2.5.3 Naturalized Epistemology 43

2.5.4 Epistemological Pluralism 47

2.5.5 Summary 58

3 Truth in Theology 60

3.1 Truth as Correspondence 60

3.2 A Deflationary View of Truth 63

3.3 Truth and Truthmakers 64

3.4 Modern and Post- Modern Denials of Theological Truth 66

3.4.1 Verificationism 67

3.4.2 Mystical Anti- Realism 68

3.4.3 Radical Pluralism 71

3.5 Summary 73

4 The Organizational Structure of Systematic Philosophical Theology 73

Locus I: De Scriptura Sacra 76

1 Revelation and Scripture 78

1.1 Divine Revelation: Act, Content, or Experience? 78

1.2 Is Revelation the Disclosure of Something Otherwise Unknown? 81

1.3 Is "Revelation" a Success Term? 85

1.4 Modes of Biblical Revelation 86

1.4.1 Models of Revelation 86

1.4.2 Varieties of Revelations Described in the Bible 88

1.5 Scripture as a Divine Communication 90

1.5.1 Old Testament Scriptures 90

1.5.2 New Testament Scriptures 98

2 The Nature of Scriptural Inspiration 107

2.1 Plenary and Verbal 107

2.2 Affectiones of Inspired Scripture 110

2.3 Theories of Inspiration 114

2.3.1 The Divinity of Scripture 115

2.3.2 The Humanity of Scripture 120

2.4 The Apparent Incoherence of Plenary, Verbal, Confluent Inspiration 125

2.4.1 The Problem 125

2.4.2 The Solution: A Molinist Theory of Inspiration 134

2.4.3 Historical Precedents 141

2.5 Implications of Scriptural Inspiration 148

2.5.1 Propositional Revelation 148

2.5.2 Divine Authority 148

2.5.3 Truth 149

2.5.4 Inerrancy 150

3 Justification of Belief in Scriptural Inspiration 168

3.1 Prior Probability 168

3.2 The Holy Spirit's Witness 171

3.3 The Witness of History 179

4 Concluding Remarks 200

Analytic Contents xi

Locus II: De Fide 204

1 The Nature of Faith 204

1.1 Scriptural Teaching 206

1.1.1 Saving Faith and Personal Faith 209

1.1.2 Saving Faith and Propositional Faith 210

1.2 Does Faith Imply Belief? 223

1.2.1 Constituents of Propositional Faith 224

1.2.2 Acceptance Rather Than Belief 227

1.2.3 Assumption Rather Than Belief 235

1.2.4 Assessment of Non- Doxastic Views 246

1.3 Concluding Remarks 255

2 The Rationality of Faith 257

2.1 Practical Justification 257

2.1.1 Truth- Dependent Arguments: Pascal's Wager 259

2.1.2 Truth- Independent Arguments: James' Will to Believe 261

2.2 Epistemic Justification 262

2.2.1 Plantinga's "Reformed" Epistemology 265

2.2.2 Recent Adjustments to Reformed Epistemology 273

2.2.3 Assessment of Plantinga's Religious Epistemology 277

2.3 Summary 305

3 Concluding Remarks 306

Bibliography for Volume I 307

Scripture Index 327

Name and Subject Index 336


"William Lane Craig's landmark treatise on systematic philosophical theology is a major contribution to our understanding of the relation of philosophy and Christian doctrine and will be an essential reference point for future discussions."
--Alister McGrath, Emeritus Idreos Professor of Science and Religion, Oxford UniversityRead less