Philosophy: 10-minutes in the doorway

Here Professor Anderson considers a common objection to Sola Scriptura: Jesus didn't leave us a book, he left us a church. Yet, when we look at the New Testament, we see that the church is corrected with the Word.

As a philosopher, I'm coming to think that defending sola scriptura against man-made religion is a top three issue in our day. In this podcast, we look at:A. Those who set another authority above the Bible. B. Those who claim sola scriptura but in actuality put another authority above the Bible (usually religious experiences, personal taste, or supposed gifts like prophecy and tongues). C. Common non-sequiturs1. Where’d you get your Bible?2. Jesus didn’t leave you a book. 3. The people who say this can’t agree on anything. 4. Who will tell you what the Bible means?5. So you think you’re smarter than everyone?Share widely to get the discussion going 🔥

Most Christians accept the Bible as historically true, but what if many scholars and thinkers claim it’s just a myth designed to convey deep archetypal truths? In this episode, Owen Anderson, a philosophy professor and pastor, unpacks how modern myths, like those from Jung and Lewis, distort biblical history and undermine truth itself. Discover the dangerous allure of viewing Scripture through a Gnostic, archetypal lens, and learn why rejecting the literal historicity of Genesis 1-11 is a pivotal mistake with profound spiritual consequences.You'll uncover:How the logical positivists of the 20th century dismissed biblical claims as meaningless and why that view persists todayThe influence of Carl Jung and C. S. LewisThe subtle shift from biblical truth as factual history to stories that "do something to us" psychologicallyHow pagan myths point to Christ, yet fall short of the truth, and how this impacts worldview todayWhy the repeated elevation of myth over fact leads to cultural acceptance of occultism and undermines gospel clarityC. S. Lewis in promoting myths as vehicles of deep spiritual truths, and why this is problematicThis episode is perfect for believers eager to understand how faulty interpretations threaten biblical authority, or anyone wrestling with the questions of myth, truth, and spirituality. If you’re tired of superficial answers and want to grasp the roots of modern spiritual confusion, this discussion provides essential insights to help you stand firm on biblical truth.Owen Anderson is a philosophy professor at Arizona State University and an ordained pastor in the RPCNA. Drawing from decades of theological study and cultural critique, he reveals how the myth turn of the mid-20th century continues to shape our understanding of Scripture and how to counter it.Whether you’re a church leader, a student of theology, or a Christian curious about the cultural shifts influencing faith today, this episode equips you to recognize and resist the myths that threaten biblical authority. Tune in for a clear, compelling argument that reminds us: the truth of Scripture is not just a story. It is the foundation of life.Ready to see through the myths and reclaim biblical clarity? Hit play now. Then share with friends.

Gavin Ortlund at the Credo Conference defending the Medieval Beatific Vision. Let's look at some of the problems in that view as adopted from pagan philosophers. Most views of the Beatific Vision miss the deep biblical and philosophical roots that shape our understanding of seeing God face to face. Owen Anderson exposes the pitfalls of the medieval and mystical interpretations, revealing how they often drift into pagan dualism, mysticism, and even Platonism — all while claiming to reflect Christian hope.In this episode, you’ll discover how the true biblical vision of seeing God involves knowledge, creation, and the ongoing revelation of His glory across Scripture — not just a mystical experience beyond words. Owen dives into the philosophical debates about prophecy, divine communication, and the real meaning of the resurrection, challenging popular notions that separate the body or dismiss creation as illusion.You'll hear a critique of the mystical, non-cognitive visions championed by some, and learn why the full glorified body and the resurrection are essential to understanding true Beatific Vision. Owen unpacks how the Bible portrays God's glory displayed in creation and how this continual revelation is central to Christian hope — a hope that does not diminish with suffering or death, but is magnified in the renewed heavens and earth.If you're wrestling with how to coherently define the Beatific Vision in accord with Scripture and Reformed orthodoxy, this episode is essential. It clarifies why a true biblical vision of God involves knowledge, creation, and divine revelation — not escape from the material world. Perfect for pastors, theologians, or anyone hungry for a grounded, biblical understanding of Christian hope and glorification.Why this works:This episode grabs attention immediately with its critique of mystical visions while promising a biblically grounded alternative. It appeals to theologians and believers seeking clarity on the biblical doctrine of seeing God face to face. By highlighting specific arguments around prophecy, resurrection, and creation, it ignites curiosity and invites engagement with profound truths that impact worldview and hope.Calvin'sInstitutes:https://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.iii.vi.htmlI Cor 15: https://biblehub.com/library/calvin/commentary_on_corinthians_volume_2/1_corinthians_15_20-28.htm1 Peter 3:https://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom45.vii.ii.i.htmlI John 3:https://studylight.org/commentaries/eng/cal/1-john-3.html

Are we sliding into a spiritual map to apostasy? Here's why I think the West is already there, and how philosophy plays a role.Drop a 🔥 if you've ever wondered how our cultural shifts impact faith.Ever thought about how the history of philosophy reveals why Christian morals are losing ground?From the Reformation to today, divisions, decay, and the rejection of biblical truth keep shaping society—and this isn't accidental.Paul's warnings in Romans 1 aren't just ancient history; they reflect our current trajectory. We see idols replacing God's truth, and society loving what is evil.But understanding how we got here helps us know what to do next.Worth thinking about: are we just observing or actively shaping the future?Would love to hear your view, how do you see philosophy influencing faith today?#ChristianCulture #ApostasyAwareness #PhilosophyAndFaith #WesternHistory #SpiritualReevaluation

The West's spiritual collapse post-WWII is more alarming than we think.To understand it we must understand God's providential rule and how he works in the lives of unbelievers/nations and believers/nations. We see a mass deconveration after WWII, coupled with a mass anti-revival. The Europeans hardened their hearts in response to the world wars and would not turn to Christ the Lord. Have we truly deconverted, or are we just in denial about how far we've fallen? With reconversion come the counterfeit revivals of the 60's that led masses of humanity darknessFrom the height of the Reformation's light to the depths of modern darkness, Europe—and now the US—are racing to the bottom.Think about this: Europe once transformed the world with the Gospel, but now they openly celebrate Sodom and Gomorrah-like morality.Why does this matter? Because when societies forget God, their decay reveals where remaining sin was still at work.Drop a 🔥 in comments if you've ever wondered how we got here—and share with someone asking the same.Let's consider: is this the end of Christianity as we know it, or a call to real repentance?Full episode in bio.#GreatApostasy #Christianity #CulturalDarkness #ReviveFaith #GodsProvision #GodsProvidence #nationaljudgmentMy Substack for information about what happens in our universities: https://drowenanderson.substack.comMy webpage for my online library: https://drowenanderson.com

"What is mind? No matter. What is matter? Never mind."In this episode, we dive deep into the intersection of classical natural theology and modern technical minds. I’m sharing insights from my current readings of Stephen Charnock and John Brown of Haddington, weaving their timeless perspectives into a fascinating conversation I recently had with two ASU engineering students.We tackle the big questions that bridge the gap between physics and metaphysics:The Logic of Eternity: How can we rationally prove that something must have existed from all eternity?Defining Reality: What are the crucial distinctions between a property, an activity, a substance, and a being?The First Cause: How does the rigor of engineering logic hold up against the arguments of natural theology?Whether you're interested in the mechanics of the universe or the nature of the One who made it, there’s plenty of "mind over matter" to explore in this session.

Most philosophers and theologians overlook how the Bible uniquely bridges faith and reason, and that misunderstanding has profound consequences for your view of truth. Owen Anderson, a philosophy professor and minister, unveils how the biblical doctrine of God’s revelation demolishes common philosophical blind spots, offering clarity on the nature of truth, human limitations, and the purpose of philosophy itself.In this episode, Professor Anderson looks at the RPCNA's Testimony and especially the first three points that are connected to the WCF 1:1. Professor Anderson breaks down:The brilliance of the RPCNA’s testimony on God’s covenants and its vital role in theology and philosophy.How God makes himself known in general and special revelation.Why Christian philosophers should treat the Bible as the ultimate source for understanding truth, ethics, and human existence.The importance of reformed thought in navigating contemporary debates about truth, skepticism, and divine revelation.This episode is essential listening for students, pastors, and thinkers tired of secular philosophies that ignore divine revelation. If you want to see how biblical truth transforms your understanding of the universe, human nature, and the pursuit of knowledge, this conversation is your starting point.Owen Anderson is a tenured professor of philosophy and religious studies at Arizona State University and a minister in the RPCNA, renowned for his scholarship on reformed theology and the relationship between faith and reason. These insights cut through modern philosophical confusion, offering a compelling biblical model for understanding the world and ourselves.Perfect for students, pastors, and anyone seeking a biblically grounded approach to truth. Hit play now and discover how divine revelation can reshape your understanding of reality.

Is Carl Trueman's analysis of our problem accurate? And is the solution he offers the correct one? Or will his solution repeat the mistakes of the past? Here, Professor Anderson discusses why we must go deeper in our response to the philosophies of modernity in order to demolish all arguments raised up against the knowledge of God. "Then three thousand men from Judah went down to the cave in the rock of Etam and said to Samson, 'Don’t you realize that the Philistines are rulers over us? What have you done to us?'"

Most philosophers and theologians overlook how the Bible uniquely bridges faith and reason, and that misunderstanding has profound consequences for your view of truth. Owen Anderson, a philosophy professor and minister, unveils how the biblical doctrine of God’s revelation demolishes common philosophical blind spots, offering clarity on the nature of truth, human limitations, and the purpose of philosophy itself.In this episode, Professor Anderson looks at the RPCNA's Testimony and especially the first three points that are connected to the WCF 1:1. Professor Anderson breaks down:The brilliance of the RPCNA’s testimony on God’s covenants and its vital role in theology and philosophy.How God makes himself known in general and special revelation.Why Christian philosophers should treat the Bible as the ultimate source for understanding truth, ethics, and human existence.The importance of reformed thought in navigating contemporary debates about truth, skepticism, and divine revelation.This episode is essential listening for students, pastors, and thinkers tired of secular philosophies that ignore divine revelation. If you want to see how biblical truth transforms your understanding of the universe, human nature, and the pursuit of knowledge, this conversation is your starting point.Owen Anderson is a tenured professor of philosophy and religious studies at Arizona State University and a minister in the RPCNA, renowned for his scholarship on reformed theology and the relationship between faith and reason. These insights cut through modern philosophical confusion, offering a compelling biblical model for understanding the world and ourselves.Perfect for students, pastors, and anyone seeking a biblically grounded approach to truth. Hit play now and discover how divine revelation can reshape your understanding of reality.

Toynbee and Solzhenitsyn both warned the West that it had lost a coherent and compelling moral and spiritual vision. If all it has is the left’s “do what thou wilt” and “diversity is our strength,” this leaves a vacuum of meaning that will be filled by Marxism, Islam, or Hinduism. Generic theism is no answer. The only answer is Christ and Biblical revelation. The West had this once but turned away. The question for us is if it will return to Christ or be judged and brought under a competing system.

What is Scholasticism—and is it the high point of Christian philosophy, or does it contain a fatal flaw?In this first video of my new series on Scholasticism, I explore one of the most influential intellectual movements in Christian history. We’ll look at where scholasticism came from, what it aimed to accomplish, and why it continues to shape theology and philosophy today.But this isn’t just a history lesson.I also examine a deeper issue at the heart of the tradition—seen especially in Aquinas—concerning how we know God. Is scholasticism a triumph of Christian reasoning, or does it subtly undermine the clarity of God’s revelation?If you’re interested in philosophy, theology, or the intellectual foundations of Christianity, this series is for you.👉 Subscribe to follow the full series on Christians and philosophy👉 Share your thoughts in the comments—does scholasticism help or hinder our knowledge of God?

Does it matter if a person has "goodwill" toward you? There is one secret thing you need to learn about how to know if a person has goodwill or not.

How can we know that the Bible we have in front of us contains the same message as what Moses or Paul wrote down? Do we need to do textual criticism and find older and older copies? Until we do that, are we left with doubt that we have the Word of God? The answer is that we can know with certainty that we have the same Word of God as given to the authors of the Bible.

There are so many religious books. Every religion tries to stand out and say its book is from their god. Isn't the Bible just another example? Can we know if it really is the inspired Word of God?

As part of my ongoing study of the history of philosophy and philosophers, this lecture explains 3 things you must know to give context when learning about any philosopher. 1. Clear general revelation; 2. sin and the fall of man; 3. the curse and especially physical death.

Is the human will really free?In this episode of Ten Minutes in the Doorway, Dr. Owen Anderson continues his discussion of Molinism by turning to a deeper assumption shared by pagan philosophy and modern humanism: the idea that the will is neutral, detached, and capable of calmly choosing between options without inclination.Drawing on pagan thinkers, Renaissance humanism, and modern assumptions about autonomy, this episode contrasts that view with the biblical and Augustinian account of the will. Paul, Augustine, and Calvin all insist that the will is never disinclined. After the Fall, it is bent toward evil—not coerced, but enslaved by what it loves. A free choice, in the Christian sense, is an uncoerced choice, not a morally neutral one.The episode concludes with Paul’s haunting question from Romans 7: “Who will deliver me from this body of death?”—and the Christian answer that freedom does not come from better options or more information, but from redemption in Christ.If the problem is not lack of freedom but the will itself, the real question becomes: who will save me from me?

The Jesuit Counter-Reformation offered Molinism as the way to explain God's foreknowledge and defeat the Reformation. The problem is that the "God" of Molinism is contingent, and the "free will" of Molinism is incompatible with counterfactuals of freedom. The God revealed in both scripture and general revelation is the God of the Reformation, who is eternal and decrees all things that come to pass.

You can find Evangelical philosophers today advancing the cause of the Counter-Reformation. Here we examine why Molina and the Jesuits opposed the Reformation, and how that same cause is championed by contemporary Molinists. The essence of the Counter-Reformation is an argument against sola Scriptura and sola gratia. This discussion leads us into the distinction between primary and secondary causes, and how the Reformed view of God’s predestination provides both the scripturally and philosophically accurate understanding of the created human will.

This video breaks the 10-minute rule, but I think you'll be happy I did. I explain what I observed as a philosopher at this year's AmFest.

Do you have free will? What is it? And how does it relate to God's eternal decree? The Jesuit and Arminian view of free will insists that there are uncaused events. The Reformed view teaches Sola Christus and Sola Gratia.

Molinism, like Pelagianism, medieval sacramentalism, the Jesuits, and the Arminians, confuses two important ideas and because of that has a core problem: it rejects sola gratia.

Molinism, also known as middle knowledge, is one of the most popular explanations of God's predestination and human free will among Evangelicals. In these 10 minutes between classes, I explain who Molina was, why he did not like sola gratia, and how he developed a system that makes God depend on man's answer.

Can we be clear in our thought and speech? Can we ever be perfectly free from ambiguity? Analytic philosophy began with the desire to find perfect clarity. Did it succeed?