Dedicated to the devotional, exegetical and philosophical study of theological paradox in Conservative, Thoroughly Biblical, Historically Orthodox, Essentially Reformed theology . . . to the glory of God alone!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Paradox Wars - Anderson Vs. Crampton

Three years ago, Dr. James Anderson published an excellent book, Paradox in Christian Theology, which makes the following claims:
  
"First, that the orthodox doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation are paradoxical (in the sense that they appear to be logically inconsistent); and secondly, that it can be rational for a Christian to believe those doctrines, their paradoxicality notwithstanding."

This gets the THEOparadox stamp of approval. In fact, this was THEOparadox before there was a THEOparadox. Just as I began to write this blog, I was thrilled (and, initially, a little disappointed) to discover that someone very scholarly had "beaten me to the punch." [See illustration below . . . had some fun with PhotoShop]

Dr. Gary Crampton has recently responded to the book with a review/refutation hereThis review amalgamates the very best anti-paradox arguments of the amazingly anti-paradox followers of Gordon H. Clark. They basically feel that there is no such thing as theological paradox, and it's something along the lines of heresy to say there is.

Sean Gerety overstated the significance of the Crampton review here. Over 100 comments on this post!

Dr. Anderson has now replied to Crampton's criticisms with a short blog post here and a detailed, 16-page counter-refutation here. Included in both places is a very helpful evaluation of Gordon H. Clark's supposedly "orthodox yet non-paradoxical" approach to the Incarnation - revealing, ironically, that Clark's version is both illogical and incoherent.



SCOREBOARD

RATIONALITY, LOGIC & REASON
Crampton     Anderson
5       10


HISTORICAL ACCURACY
Crampton     Anderson
3       10


BIBLICAL FIDELITY & HERMENEUTICS
Crampton     Anderson
2       10


CIVILITY & FAIRNESS
Crampton     Anderson
6       10

2 comments:

  1. Interesting how each one of us will try and explain the mysteries of the Bible. I guess the answer is FAITH. God bless, Lloyd

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lloyd,

    I couldn't agree more. Thanks for commenting.

    Grace & peace,
    Derek

    ReplyDelete

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