Van Til Group #16 — A Response to Keith Mathison, Part 2
In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey is joined once again by Lane Tipton and Carlton Wynne for a substantive follow-up to their earlier discussion of Keith Mathison’s Toward a Reformed Apologetic: A Critique of the Thought of Cornelius Van Til. In the months since their first review, Dr. Mathison published a blog response, prompting deeper analysis and clarification. Together, Drs. Bucey, Tipton and Wynne explore key critiques Mathison levels against Van Til, especially the claims of epistemological idealism and the so-called “omniscience requirement” for true knowledge. The panel addresses these concerns with thoughtful care, highlighting Van Til’s emphasis on covenantal epistemology, the distinction between psychological and ethical knowledge, and the non-neutrality of unbelieving thought. The episode also tackles Mathison’s treatment of common grace and the antithesis—core concepts in Van Til’s apologetic system. Does Van Til teach that unbelievers attain true knowledge by way of common grace? What is the actual function of common grace in a fallen world? And how does Van Til preserve the absolute ethical antithesis between belief and unbelief without denying shared external reality or meaningful engagement? This is a clarifying and edifying conversation for anyone interested in Reformed theology, presuppositional apologetics, or the legacy of Cornelius Van Til. Mentioned Resources Keith Mathison, Toward a Reformed Apologetics Cornelius Van Til, The Defense of the Faith Cornelius Van Til, Common Grace and the Gospel Follow-up blog post by Dr. Mathison Topics Covered Epistemological holism and the “omniscience thesis” Idealist influence and Van Til’s use of borrowed terminology The meaning of “true knowledge” in covenantal context The image of God, suppression of truth, and natural revelation Common grace and its relationship to knowledge and antithesis The continuing relevance of Van Til’s apologetic method Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 02:56 – Upcoming General Assembly 03:45 – Overview of Keith Mathison’s Book and Blog Response 05:06 – Main Concerns: Common Grace, Antithesis, and Epistemology 07:12 – Van Til’s Doctrine of Knowledge and Ethical Implications 09:13 – Response to Mathison’s Critique and Blog Post 12:34 – The ‘Omniscience Thesis’ in Dr. Mathison’s Reading 17:18 – Clarifying True Knowledge in Van Til’s View 23:04 – Idealism, Epistemological Holism, and Formal Influence 28:36 – Borrowed Capital vs. Replanting from Idealism 33:13 – Ethical Antithesis and Knowledge Suppression 42:12 – Common Grace: Misunderstanding and Clarification 47:13 – Van Til’s View: Knowledge Precedes Common Grace 54:11 – True Knowledge and the Ethical Rebellion of Man 59:28 – Common Grace and Inconsistent Suppression 66:10 – Antithesis in Every Sphere of Life 69:55 – Common Grace Doesn’t Suspend Total Depravity 71:48 – Looking Ahead to Reconstructed Theistic Proofs
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