Where am I? You're in cyberspace, of course! This web page provides links to writings of Theodore Plantinga that fit under the general heading that's supposed to appear at the very top of your netbrowser screen. Other TP writings can be found on the Myodicy home page. The reformational history series (temporarily suspended, along with Myodicy when Frictophobia was launched) has its own home page. And then there are additional writings that can through yet another web page. Please note that there is some overlap between Frictophobia and Myodicy: the former includes links to documents in the latter.
Heresy and apologetics
In apologetics we sometimes get carried away. I have often taught Philosophy of Religion, and I usually include some instruction about apologetics and perhaps even some in-class exercises. In a book that originated from a course I taught at Calvin College many years ago, I deal with apologetics in relation to many issues, including that of heresy (both traditional and secular).
Click here to read Contending for the Faith: Heresy and Apologetics.
It's easier to assume something than to prove it
Religious argument is a tricky business. Wouldn't it be convenient if you could get some things accepted as true simply by asserting that everyone knows that they're true? You could then sputter: "Well, it goes without saying.... I hardly need to point out that ...." Religious argumentation in the Dutch Reformed world tends to work that way -- or some of it, at least.
Click here to read "It Goes Without Saying: Reflections on Vanzelfsprekendheid" (Myodicy).
Defending fundamentalism
Frictophobes would like to legislate debate (and perhaps even advocacy) right out of our society. This website wants to defend advocacy, whether the gospel being peddled is some new diet, the very best form of yoga known to humankind, the political party to vote for in the next election, or the series of steps you must take to get saved. Jesus said we would always have the poor with us: I would add zealots and fundamentalists to the list. And as long as they stick to words rather than reaching for the sword (Jesus had to correct Peter on this point, as you may recall), we should give them room to operate.
Click here to read "The Right to Annoy People: In Defense of Fundamentalism" (Myodicy).
An unwilling fool
Charles Fiske is a forgotten man today, but his book The Confessions of a Puzzled Parson (1928) still has something to teach us. Fiseke was a bit too modest, for he wasn't just a parson but a bishop -- in the American branch of the Anglican Church.
Click here to read "Unwilling Fools: Reflections on Charles Fiske" (Myodicy).
A monopoly on the truth
The churches that aren't too keen on ecumenism or gettig chummy with believers in other faith communities like their own will often give you you impression that God has given them some sort of monopoloy on the truth. It's a stirring idea, but it's not all that easy to mantain in practice.
Click here to read "The Truth About the Truth: Reflections on Denominational Exclusivism" (Myodicy).
Click here to return to the Frictophobia home page.
This website is maintained by Ed Plantinga.
Email: [email protected]