Tag Archives: epistemology

Review: Theological Science (Thomas Torrance)

Posted on November 8, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

Torrance, Thomas F. Theological Science. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1969 [1996]. If Torrance’s works on the Incarnation and Atonement are his doctrinal magnum opi, this is his theological magnum opus. It demands much from the reader, as Torrance is dealing … Continue reading →

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Person of Jesus Christ (Hugh Ross Mackintosh)

Posted on November 5, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

Mackintosh, Hugh Ross.  Person of Jesus Christ.  T & T Clark. Mackintosh gives us a fine little devotional tract geared (if not always directly) around the full self-revelation of God in Jesus Christ. Theme: In Christ there is a perfect revelation … Continue reading →

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Thomas Torrance: Reality and Evangelical Theology

Posted on October 31, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

Torrance, T. F. Reality and Evangelical Theology. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsityPress, reprint 1999. There is an ontological connection between our minds and reality. Whenever we sever these with dualisms, we will see the effects of the breach. Rather, evangelical theology … Continue reading →

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One Being/Three Persons (Thomas Torrance)

Posted on October 28, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

The homoousion is a decisive step in the life of the church.  It guarantees how we understand the internal relations in the Trinity.  Not only are the persons homoousion, but so are the relations. “Only in Christ is God’s self-revelation … Continue reading →

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Dallas Willard: Knowing Christ Today

Posted on October 26, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

Thesis: A life of steadfast discipleship to Jesus Christ can be supported only upon assured knowledge of how things are, of the realities in terms of which that life is lived (Willard 7).  Correct knowledge gives us secure access to reality. … Continue reading →

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Pannenberg, Systematic Theology (Vol. 1)

Posted on October 20, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

Some important sections. Largely eclipsed by his student Robert W. Jenson. Outstanding remarks on the Vincentian canon, the spirituality of God, and Gregory Palamas. He gives critical reflection on the Cappadocian fathers. Evaluation: Hard to recommend to most students and … Continue reading →

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Old Van Til reviews

Posted on September 3, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

I know this is going to be a long post, but it is mainly for research purposes.  I am not a Van Tillian. I am closer to Klaas Schilder, so I sort of transcend these debates. Introduction to Systematic Theology … Continue reading →

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Outline of Calvin’s Institutes, Book 1

Posted on May 19, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

Outline and Notes. Knowledge of God Calvin placed intuitive knowledge on a more direct footing.  We have direct knowledge of an actually present object:  Intuitive knowledge arises under the direct impact of the divine Being. Calvin: We know God through … Continue reading →

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Review: The Analytic Theist (Alvin Plantinga Reader)

Posted on May 16, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

Ed. James Sennett.  Eerdmans. Unlike some anthologies, this isn’t simply a Plantinga chapter here and a long snippet there.  True, there are some reproduced chapters (see his legendary “Reason and Belief in God”) but other chapters in the book, while … Continue reading →

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Review: Plantinga, Warrant and Proper Function

Posted on May 12, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

Plantinga begins by examining the Gettier-type problems that internalist accounts of knowledge face. Having shown these difficulties, Plantinga is now able to set the stage for his externalist approach to warrant. This he does by explaining our design function: Any well formed … Continue reading →

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