Coffeehouse Compatibilism

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Description: For centuries, Christians have pondered the following questions: - Are we free? - What is freedom? - What impact would it have if we weren't free? - Is it possible that we are determined, and yet free in a sense too? - Is there any way we can know which is correct? - How does all this fit in to our Christian faith? - What's the basic philosophical difference between Arminianism and Calvinism?

Coffeehouse Compatibilism is a fictional philosophical dialogue between three academics and a student on the issue of free will. The three academics: Calvin, Wesley, and B. F., represent the three schools of thought on the free will issue. Calvin, who characterizes John Calvin, speaks for Compatibilism.

Wesley, who characterizes John Wesley, speaks for Libertarianism. And B. F., who characterizes B. F. Skinner, speaks for Determinism. The first three chapters of the book contain the arguments and rebuttals for Determinism, Compatibilism, and Libertarianism, respectively. The final chapter integrates Christian theology and the Scriptures into the conversation, ending with a stunning change of opinion for one of the characters.

The book is a fantastic introduction to the free will problem for novices and offers a uniquely Christian understanding of this free will issue. Endorsements: This delightful fictional dialogue contains just the sort of warmth, irenic spirit, and gentle winsomeness that I've come to expect from David Lahm, who has found his voice and come into his own.

Teachable readers will not only relish reading these pages, but will learn a great deal in the process. What you hold in your hands is nothing less than a pedagogical gem. --David Baggett, Professor of Philosophy, Liberty University Through his new book, Coffeehouse Compatibilism, David Lahm adds a welcome new voice to the ongoing philosophical/theological discussion concerning free will.

Lahm's contribution is both refreshingly articulate and surprisingly innovative. His creative use of an imaginative meeting between three prominent voices in this enduring debate leads the reader down a pathway of clarity and discovery. I am confident Coffeehouse Compatibilism will become an enduring resource in this important conversation. --Tim Ayers, Pastor of Teaching, Grace Community Church Lahm has produced a remarkable introduction to the free-will/determinism debate--remarkable because it manages the nearly impossible, combining a surprising amount of philosophical depth and nuance with excellent readability and good humor in such a way that any interested reader should be able to follow the flow of the arguments and many a disinterested reader will become interested.

I will certainly recommend this to my students --Michael Jones, Associate Professor of Philosophy Theology, Liberty University About the Contributor(s): David Lahm is a philosophy graduate of Liberty University, French language graduate from L'universit de Strasbourg, and has a graduate degree in business from Purdue University.