podcast 142 – Dr. R.T. Mullins on the coherence of “classical” theism

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What is “classical” theism, and why is it controversial? In this episode Dr. Mullins and I discuss further themes from his book The End of the Timeless God. Is God outside of time (timeless, timelessly eternal)? Is God immutable (absolutely unchangeable)? Impassible (incapable of “passions”)? Simple (without any parts or meta physical components)?

Such divine attributes are widely agreed on in historical Christian theologies. Interestingly, Dr. Mullins holds that a Christian should deny that God is timeless, immutable, impassible, or simple. In his view, these alleged divine attributes lack biblical support, and contradict biblical teachings about God.

Last week we focused on timelessness. This week, the final three: immutability, impassibility, and simplicity.

Does Dr. Mullins make a strong case against these? Why or why not?

Links for this episode:

• Dr. R.T. Mullins’s papers at Academia.edu
  • The End of the Timeless God (kindle)
  • “The Difficulty with Demarcating Panentheism“
• classical theism
• The Classical Theism Project
• Donald Viney, “Process Theism”
• James Rissler, “Open Theism“
• John Culp, “Panentheism“
• John Laing, “Middle Knowledge” [“Molinism”]
• Timothy Pawl “Divine Immutability“
• Chris Mortensen, “Change and Inconsistency“
• William Vallicella, “Divine Simplicity“
• Shankara / Samkara
• Stephen Charnock Project
• Texts discussed in this episode: Revelation 1:4, Ezekiel 10; Exodus 2:23-25; Hosea 1; Luke 15:11-32.
• New Coke
• This week’s thinking music is “Untitled“ by Jesse Spillane, from his album “Descent of the Goober Monster.”