Ep. #48 – Naturalism & Self-defeat w/ Dr. Slagle (part 2)
Summary
Dr. Jim Slagle set out to disprove Christianity and ended up walking right into it. Now, he argues that affirming naturalism is self-defeating. In this episode, we look at Dr. Slagle’s backstory and his “skyhook” argument.
Guest Bio
Dr. Jim Slagle spent his early years in Massachusetts and has lived most of his adult life in Portland, Oregon. He earned his Ph.D. from the Institute of Philosophy at the University of Leuven in Belgium. Since then he’s been an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Portland. He’s published several articles and one book: The Epistemological Skyhook.
Show Outline
In the first segment, I question Dr. Slagle about his backstory. He explains he thought Christianity was “just nuts.” Candidly, Slagle discusses his experience of “divine downloads” that pushed him toward God. He lists several thinkers and works that led him to consider Christianity as a reasonable worldview.
In the next segment, Dr. Slagle outlines his “skyhook” argument. He clarifies what he means by “self-defeating” and identifies what he takes to be the most controversial premise. I ask him several follow up questions allowing him to defend that premise in some detail. This portion of the discussion gets very philosophical!
In the final segment, I ask Dr. Slagle why he includes a section on science in his book. He explains the answer and gives us a sneak peak at his current and future projects.
Resources Mentioned
The Epistemological Skyhook by Dr. Jim Slagle
Reasonable Faith by Dr. William Lane Craig
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Miracles by C.S. Lewis
The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis
Related Episodes
Ep. #33 – Naturalism & Self-defeat with Dr. Slagle
Ep. #34 – Evolutionary Debunking Arguments with Dr. Bogardus
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