Ep. #145 – What do you think about the Kalam? w/ Jimmy Akin

by John DeRosa · Published May 4, 2021 · Updated May 4, 2021

Summary

What is the Kalam cosmological argument? How useful is it as an argument for God’s existence? What is the scientific evidence in favor of the crucial premise? What are the philosophical arguments for the crucial premise? Why doesn’t Jimmy think the philosophical arguments work? What philosophical view of time is most likely correct? Jimmy Akin rejoins the show to discuss these questions and more.

Guest Bio

Jimmy Akin is an internationally known author and speaker. As the senior apologist at Catholic Answers, he has more than 25 years of experience defending and explaining the Faith. Jimmy is a convert to the Faith and has an extensive background in the Bible, theology, the Church Fathers, philosophy, canon law, and liturgy. Jimmy is a weekly guest on Catholic Answers Live, a regular contributor to Catholic Answers Magazine, and a popular blogger and podcaster. His personal website is JimmyAkin.com. He’s also the author of several books, including the recent book, Teaching With Authority.

Topics

What are you currently working on as far as writing and research?
What is the Kalam cosmological argument and does it constitute evidence for God?
How does scientific evidence support the argument?
Let’s consider different kinds of philosophical arguments for the premise that the universe began to exist. What do you think about Hilbert’s hotel argument and the argument from successive addition?
Why don’t you think the Grim Reaper paradox succeeds in showing the universe began to exist?
What are your thoughts on Wade Tisthammer’s eternal society paradox?
Do your philosophical or theological views incline you toward a particular theory of time?