The Importance of Free Will for Both Atheists and Theists

The initial audio clip from Jeff Durbin is somewhat unclear, so listeners might need to tolerate a bit of distortion at the beginning. However, the core arguments challenging atheistic determinism are equally applicable to certain theistic perspectives, specifically Calvinistic or Augustinian views that endorse divine predestination. Dr. Braxton Hunter, president of Trinity Seminary and host of Trinity Radio, joins Dr. Flowers to discuss how the primary critiques of naturalistic determinism also undermine compatibilistic Calvinist interpretations. They illustrate this by referencing a segment from Apologia Studios featuring Jeff Durbin, which quotes Calvinistic apologist Greg Bahnsen. Justin Brierley emphasizes this point in his article, highlighting that genuine love cannot exist if individuals are merely programmed like dolls with pull strings that say, “I love you.” If such a scenario were possible, it would render the concept of Calvary meaningless, implying that belief in Christ’s death and resurrection becomes secondary to divine election. Further insights are provided by Dr. Leighton Flowers, who discusses historical martyrs who opposed Calvinist doctrines and the consequenc...