X

Luis de Molina: The Life and Theology of the Founder of Middle Knowledge

Product ID : 39156775


Galleon Product ID 39156775
Model
Manufacturer
Shipping Dimension Unknown Dimensions
I think this is wrong?
-
1,245

*Price and Stocks may change without prior notice
*Packaging of actual item may differ from photo shown

Pay with

About Luis De Molina: The Life And Theology Of The

Product description When Luis de Molina died in Madrid in 1600, he had every reason to believe he was about to be anathametized by Pope Clement VIII. The Protestant Reformation was splitting Europe, tribunals of the Inquisition met regularly in a dozen Spanish cities, and the Pope had launched a commission two years earlier to investigate Molina’s writings. Molina was eventually vindicated, though the decision came seven years after his death. In the centuries that followed Molina was relegated to relatively minor status in the history of theology until a renaissance of interest in recent years. His doctrine of God’s “middle knowledge,” in particular, has been appropriated by a number of current philosophers and theologians, with apologist William Lane Craig calling it “one of the most fruitful theological ideas ever conceived.” In Luis de Molina: The Life and Theology of the Founder of Middle Knowledge, author Kirk R. MacGregor outlines the main contours of Molina’s subtle and far-reaching philosophical theology, covering his views on God’s foreknowledge, salvation and predestination, poverty and obedience, and social justice. Drawing on writings of Molina never translated into English, MacGregor also provides insight into the experiences that shaped Molina, recounting the events of a life fully as dramatic as any of the Protestant Reformers. With implications for topics as wide-ranging as biblical inerrancy, creation and evolution, the relationship between Christianity and world religions, the problem of evil, and quantum indeterminacy, Molina’s thought remains as fresh and relevant as ever. Most significantly, perhaps, it continues to offer the possibility of a rapprochement between Calvinism and Arminianism, a view of salvation that fully upholds both God’s predestination and human free will. As the first full-length work ever published on Molina, Kirk MacGregor’s Luis de Molina provides an accessible and insightful introduction for scholars, students, and armchair theologians alike. Review "Kirk MacGregor has written a game-changer. He demonstrates that Molina's understanding of the nature of grace was much more evangelical than what is commonly perceived. MacGregor shows that Molina didn't develop the notion of middle knowledge simply for the sake of philosophical speculation, but because of his deep concern for pastoral ministry. This book will become an invaluable resource in Molinism studies." - Ken Keathley , Professor of Theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary "If you haven't discovered Kirk R. MacGregor, Luis de Molina provides a rewarding introduction to his work. Dr. MacGregor combines that rare ability to maintain scholarly rigor while making a seemingly remote historical figure come alive for the reader. His clear, concise prose combined with compassionate resonance with the characters in his account make for a surprisingly enjoyable reading experience. Luis de Molina is crafted with thoughtfulness, detailed research, and engaging narrative. Religion scholars with interests in Molinism and the doctrine of middle knowledge will acquire fresh insight into issues of God's sovereignty, grace, providence and predestination, and their relation to human free will and social justice. For the theologically minded, Dr. MacGregor's book becomes an indispensable guide through the often complex and controversial doctrinal debates that preoccupied the best minds in sixteenth-century Spain. Luis de Molina, one of the great philosophical theologians and ethicists of his time, made important contributions to Christianity, contributions that before Dr. MacGregor's exhaustive biography, have been misunderstood, misinterpreted, or largely ignored. The general reader will embark on a fascinating journey into the turbulent life and times of Molina, a world in which passionate theological debate could lead to torture or death--or threaten to unhinge the religious and political establishment. Once again, Dr. MacGregor has produced a volume that is both a fruitful resource and an inspiring and captivating reading experience." - John K. Simmons , Professor of Religious Studies, emeritus, Western Illinois University "While others have brought clarity to the discussion of middle knowledge, MacGregor has given us the most comprehensive treatment to date of Molina and his formulation of middle knowledge. Masterfully woven into the story of the life and times of Molina, he judicially places the development of middle knowledge within the larger theological and philosophical context of the day. Impeccably researched and skillfully written. More than a history, it is theologically informative, intellectually refreshing, and spiritually encouraging as MacGregor details the theological explanatory power of middle knowledge. An absolute must-read for the serious student of theology." - Bruce A. Little , Senior Professor of Philosophy, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary "As Kirk MacGregor notes in the introduction, his theological biography of Luis de Molina fills a void that has existed in the literature for some time, at least since the revival of interest in Molinism in the last thirty years or so. While some of MacGregor's claims will prove controversial, there can be no doubt that his work will promote further scholarly investigation and provoke not a little debate. There can be no doubt that MacGregor has made a significant contribution to the growing corpus of literature on Molina by evangelical scholars. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the debates over divine providence and human freedom, both past and present, and especially those with concern to Molina's part in those debates." - John D. Laing , Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Houston "At long last we have a tour de force on the life, theology, and legacy of an oft overlooked theological giant. In this work Kirk MacGregor masterfully weaves together Luis de Molina's life, spiritual pilgrimage, theological genius, and the heritage of Molinism he left to posterity. Anyone interested in divine sovereignty and human choice should read this book. Besides the theological reward that will be reaped from doing so, you will also be drawn into the fascinating life and times of a remarkable human being." - Chad Meister , Professor of Philosophy and Theology, Bethel College About the Author Kirk R. MacGregor (PhD, University of Iowa) is assistant professor and chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas. He is the author of several scholarly works including A Molinist-Anabaptist Systematic Theology.