Russell Norman Murray - Profile on Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Russell Norman Murray
Erasmus (ca.1466-1536) PhD Edit, 2020
My History, professor at Trinity Western University and Canadian Baptist Seminary, Dr. Ken Davis,... more My History, professor at Trinity Western University and Canadian Baptist Seminary, Dr. Ken Davis, a very knowledgeable historian (paraphrased) stated that Erasmus was a brilliant scholar that was not reasonably and fairly reviewed by Martin Luther in their debate; nor was Erasmus reviewed fairly by history on the debate.
Greg Welty on sinless humanity III (PhD Edit), 2025
Welty rejects Plantinga’s idea that God cannot create a world containing moral good and no moral ... more Welty rejects Plantinga’s idea that God cannot create a world containing moral good and no moral evil,[1] and raises the objection that God brought Christ into the world as a sinless human being.[2] Welty’s point here is that every human being could have therefore been sinless[3] and the world could contain good and no evil with significantly free human beings that would not commit wrong actions.[4] I have a similar objection to Welty’s,[5] which was discussed in Chapters Two and Three of my PhD thesis. Within my theodicy, I reason that God could have, if he wished, made significantly free human beings, or human like beings who would have been perfectly morally good and would not commit wrong actions.[6] God’s choice not to create such beings, in my mind is not a sign of a lack of power, or moral failure, but rather the use of his own perfect and significantly free will for good purposes.
Methodology and Post-Modern Influence (PhD edit), 2009
Post-modernism is a general term used to describe a variety of intellectual and cultural developm... more Post-modernism is a general term used to describe a variety of intellectual and cultural developments in the late twentieth century[1] within Western society.[2] Post-modern views generally embrace pluralism and place value in the diversity within philosophical worldviews and religions that represent modern society.[3] An element of post-modern thought,[4] according to Ray Anderson (2001), is the death of the appreciation of objective truth.[5] Truth is no longer objectively discovered, according to Anderson’s analysis of the times, rather it is experienced.[6]
The Orthodox Study Bible: Orthodox Tradition & The Scriptures (Brief), 2018
Paraphrased: The Old Testament and New Testament are viewed as the written record and experience... more Paraphrased:
The Old Testament and New Testament are viewed as the written record and experience of God's people via God's revelation to them. (iv).
I agree.
It is understood that the Church, therefore, wrote the bible. (iv).
I agree, but I hold to the view that the Holy Spirit, guided human writers to produce inspired, inerrant (without error) scripture. Admittedly, with the original autographs which are not extant. But thousands of copied manuscripts of biblical books in whole, or in part, are extant.
Briefly on Religion or not?, 2018
From this booklet, Biblical Christianity is not a system of thought and conduct expressing a beli... more From this booklet, Biblical Christianity is not a system of thought and conduct expressing a belief in God? This booklet is helpful, but as does sometimes occur on this website, here we see a difference of approach within biblical Christianity. With this brief review, we see a divide between this type of evangelical, and in this case, I would deduce, possibly, fundamentalist, views on religious philosophy, theology and doctrine. This opposed to my Reformed, theological and philosophical views. By this booklet's own definition above, for clarity, in my humble opinion, Christianity too would be a religion.
Value of Symbolic Logic for Science & Philosophy, 2025
Unlike with my review of the Pirie text, the Langer review text never ended. But I will end this ... more Unlike with my review of the Pirie text, the Langer review text never ended. But I will end this non-exhaustive review with this article, and of course continue to use the book as reference. My PhD was in philosophical theology and philosophy of religion, and my website work consists mainly of these academic disciplines along with biblical studies and philosophy. I am not a scientist or mathematician, but I have reviewed symbolic logic, which has mathematic symbols, for presenting propositions and premises.
Of course when I use science and mathematics, it needs to be accurate. This book review has strengthened my understanding of formal logic as a system, just as the Pirie text review has helped me to better understand informal logic.
A formal fallacy occurs when a logical form is not used, and therefore is illogical in structure, and an informal fallacy occurs when there are errors in reasoning with a premise (s) and conclusion. In the similar way, formal logic is concerned with a logical form, to follow the rules of a logical system, to avoid being illogical. Informal logic is attempting to avoid fallacious reasoning with use of premise (s) and conclusion.
Sola Scriptura (Brief & PhD Edit), 2013
From my PhD, Wales, this is a Biblical, Reformed view that I hold to, that within my requested po... more From my PhD, Wales, this is a Biblical, Reformed view that I hold to, that within my requested post-Viva revisions was contrasted with Roman Catholic theology.
[3] Franke (2005: 147). John Calvin warns of the danger of appealing to tradition at the expense of Scripture. He implies this insults the Holy Spirit. Calvin (1543)(1996: 50).
[4] Franke (2005: 149). Calvin appeals to Augustine and tradition in his defence against free will theory and Albert Pighius. Tradition has a function in Reformed theology but is to be tested by Scripture at all times. Calvin (1543)(1996: 64).
Anecdote, 2024
Review of Pirie text: The author explains an anecdote is a particular story. (41). In contrast, ... more Review of Pirie text:
The author explains an anecdote is a particular story. (41). In contrast, a general assertion explains what occurs in general. (41). An anecdote does not prove or demonstrate the general assertion wrong, but only that something happened in a particular case. (41). The counterexample does indeed prove or demonstrate the general assertion is not universal. (41). The anecdote does not disprove the general assertion. The anecdote does not disprove what generally happens. (41). 'To counter an argument of principle with a few contrary cases is to enter the fallacy of anecdotal reasoning'. (42) Anecdotal fallacy has similarities to accident fallacy, also in Pirie's text and discussed on this site in two articles. Both involve general and specific cases and arguments.
The Orthodox Study Bible: Free will, 2024
I was disappointed and surprised to see that originally on January 2, 2019, I did not provide in ... more I was disappointed and surprised to see that originally on January 2, 2019, I did not provide in the main text, the free will citation from the Orthodox Study Bible. I will revise and republish this article on March 4, 2024 and also provide an entry on academia.edu.
The Orthodox Study Bible: The Bible and the Orthodox Church, 2018
My deduction is veneration to the Saints is also a supposed form of mediation in some cases, with... more My deduction is veneration to the Saints is also a supposed form of mediation in some cases, within Orthodoxy, at least. But mediation is presented in the book of Hebrews, and theologically I view it as taking place through Jesus Christ that is both infinite, eternal, holy, God and incarnated perfect man. Mediation should be directed toward God. Further, as well as God the Son, God the Father and God the Holy Spirit are also worthy of prayer, veneration and for mediation, this also eliminates the need for Saints in this process.
Appeal to the stone/Not appeal to the stoned, 2017
This entry of review from the text of British, Philosopher, Madsen Pirie, describes a fallacy tha... more This entry of review from the text of British, Philosopher, Madsen Pirie, describes a fallacy that consists of ignoring an argument altogether and refusing to discuss its central claim. (138). Pirie uses a classic example of someone ignoring, as opposed to refuting an argument. (138).
The eschatology of evil, 2007
This is work from my PhD research, prior to completion in 2010, which I published as a website ar... more This is work from my PhD research, prior to completion in 2010, which I published as a website article on May 11, 2007. This is revised with additions for a posting on academia.edu on December 9, 2023.
False Conversion (In philosophy), 2017
PIRIE, MADSEN (2006)(2015) How To Win Every Argument, Bloomsbury, London. 'False conversion take... more PIRIE, MADSEN (2006)(2015) How To Win Every Argument, Bloomsbury, London.
'False conversion takes place when we deduce from the fact that all cats are animals the additional information that all animals are cats. The converse of a statement made by exchanging the subject and predicate, is true in some cases, false in others. (106).
Brief On Matthew 7: 21-23: Theology Always Matters, 2015
Ellison writes that preaching and even miracles are not necessarily indication of seeking and ser... more Ellison writes that preaching and even miracles are not necessarily indication of seeking and serving the true God. Ellison (1986: 1129). Works performed need to be considered in light of the character of those that perform them. (1129).
Wittgenstein and certainty, 2009
Wittgenstein and certainty Wittgenstein and certainty Wittgenstein and certainty Ludwig Wittgen... more Wittgenstein and certainty Wittgenstein and certainty
Wittgenstein and certainty Ludwig Wittgenstein wrote On Certainty which is a classic philosophical work on the subject from the twentieth century.[1] Wittgenstein (1889-1951)[2] is an Austrian philosopher.[3] On Certainty deals with philosophical skepticism by postulating that knowledge exists, in a sense, but that this knowledge is dispersed and not completely dependable.[4] He reasons that 'knowledge and certainty belong in different categories.'[15] Obtaining knowledge is very important, and more vital than having certitude.[17] Knowledge and certainty are two different mental states.[18]
Infinite class versus finite class, 2019
Note that in the incarnation, the infinite nature of God the Son, within the Trinity, does not mi... more Note that in the incarnation, the infinite nature of God the Son, within the Trinity, does not mix with his finite human nature. This remains true as the resurrected Christ, Jesus Christ, has two natures, divine (infinite) and human (finite).
God cannot move a parked car, 2023
Is this true? --- Originally a Sunday, June 18, 2017 article, significantly updated on Monday, Se... more Is this true?
---
Originally a Sunday, June 18, 2017 article, significantly updated on Monday, September 4, 2023 for an entry on academia.edu.
Verecundiam, Argumentum, Ad/To My Friend In Regard To C.S. Lewis, 2016
A Facebook friend and I were at one time discussing C.S. Lewis as a writer. My friend was defendi... more A Facebook friend and I were at one time discussing C.S. Lewis as a writer. My friend was defending Lewis as a fiction writer, which I can view as reasonable. There was no disagreement on that issue.
My friend was offended that I did not particularly embrace the non-fiction theological and philosophical writings of C.S. Lewis. In particular his writings on the problem of evil and the nature of God, as these are areas of my academic expertise through academic degrees and website work. I am not whatsoever, claiming to be a C.S. Lewis scholar or a scholar in regard to his fictional works. I do agree with Lewis on several theological and philosophical points.
The First Cause argument, 2006
Bradley mentions that a vicious regress is not illogical, and that it is not vicious regress to s... more Bradley mentions that a vicious regress is not illogical, and that it is not vicious regress to state that each act of free choice is caused by another act of free choice. I agree that it is not necessarily illogical, but disagree that the argument as described is not a vicious regress.
Claim: The existence of God is not provable or disprovable, 2019
Claim: The existence of God is not provable or disprovable This was implied by a major (intellec... more Claim: The existence of God is not provable or disprovable
This was implied by a major (intellectual) American broadcaster, that appears on Canadian media, yesterday, with the question, ‘Does God exist?’ meaning he views it as not provable that God, does or does not exist.
Erasmus (ca.1466-1536) PhD Edit, 2020
My History, professor at Trinity Western University and Canadian Baptist Seminary, Dr. Ken Davis,... more My History, professor at Trinity Western University and Canadian Baptist Seminary, Dr. Ken Davis, a very knowledgeable historian (paraphrased) stated that Erasmus was a brilliant scholar that was not reasonably and fairly reviewed by Martin Luther in their debate; nor was Erasmus reviewed fairly by history on the debate.
Greg Welty on sinless humanity III (PhD Edit), 2025
Welty rejects Plantinga’s idea that God cannot create a world containing moral good and no moral ... more Welty rejects Plantinga’s idea that God cannot create a world containing moral good and no moral evil,[1] and raises the objection that God brought Christ into the world as a sinless human being.[2] Welty’s point here is that every human being could have therefore been sinless[3] and the world could contain good and no evil with significantly free human beings that would not commit wrong actions.[4] I have a similar objection to Welty’s,[5] which was discussed in Chapters Two and Three of my PhD thesis. Within my theodicy, I reason that God could have, if he wished, made significantly free human beings, or human like beings who would have been perfectly morally good and would not commit wrong actions.[6] God’s choice not to create such beings, in my mind is not a sign of a lack of power, or moral failure, but rather the use of his own perfect and significantly free will for good purposes.
Methodology and Post-Modern Influence (PhD edit), 2009
Post-modernism is a general term used to describe a variety of intellectual and cultural developm... more Post-modernism is a general term used to describe a variety of intellectual and cultural developments in the late twentieth century[1] within Western society.[2] Post-modern views generally embrace pluralism and place value in the diversity within philosophical worldviews and religions that represent modern society.[3] An element of post-modern thought,[4] according to Ray Anderson (2001), is the death of the appreciation of objective truth.[5] Truth is no longer objectively discovered, according to Anderson’s analysis of the times, rather it is experienced.[6]
The Orthodox Study Bible: Orthodox Tradition & The Scriptures (Brief), 2018
Paraphrased: The Old Testament and New Testament are viewed as the written record and experience... more Paraphrased:
The Old Testament and New Testament are viewed as the written record and experience of God's people via God's revelation to them. (iv).
I agree.
It is understood that the Church, therefore, wrote the bible. (iv).
I agree, but I hold to the view that the Holy Spirit, guided human writers to produce inspired, inerrant (without error) scripture. Admittedly, with the original autographs which are not extant. But thousands of copied manuscripts of biblical books in whole, or in part, are extant.
Briefly on Religion or not?, 2018
From this booklet, Biblical Christianity is not a system of thought and conduct expressing a beli... more From this booklet, Biblical Christianity is not a system of thought and conduct expressing a belief in God? This booklet is helpful, but as does sometimes occur on this website, here we see a difference of approach within biblical Christianity. With this brief review, we see a divide between this type of evangelical, and in this case, I would deduce, possibly, fundamentalist, views on religious philosophy, theology and doctrine. This opposed to my Reformed, theological and philosophical views. By this booklet's own definition above, for clarity, in my humble opinion, Christianity too would be a religion.
Value of Symbolic Logic for Science & Philosophy, 2025
Unlike with my review of the Pirie text, the Langer review text never ended. But I will end this ... more Unlike with my review of the Pirie text, the Langer review text never ended. But I will end this non-exhaustive review with this article, and of course continue to use the book as reference. My PhD was in philosophical theology and philosophy of religion, and my website work consists mainly of these academic disciplines along with biblical studies and philosophy. I am not a scientist or mathematician, but I have reviewed symbolic logic, which has mathematic symbols, for presenting propositions and premises.
Of course when I use science and mathematics, it needs to be accurate. This book review has strengthened my understanding of formal logic as a system, just as the Pirie text review has helped me to better understand informal logic.
A formal fallacy occurs when a logical form is not used, and therefore is illogical in structure, and an informal fallacy occurs when there are errors in reasoning with a premise (s) and conclusion. In the similar way, formal logic is concerned with a logical form, to follow the rules of a logical system, to avoid being illogical. Informal logic is attempting to avoid fallacious reasoning with use of premise (s) and conclusion.
Sola Scriptura (Brief & PhD Edit), 2013
From my PhD, Wales, this is a Biblical, Reformed view that I hold to, that within my requested po... more From my PhD, Wales, this is a Biblical, Reformed view that I hold to, that within my requested post-Viva revisions was contrasted with Roman Catholic theology.
[3] Franke (2005: 147). John Calvin warns of the danger of appealing to tradition at the expense of Scripture. He implies this insults the Holy Spirit. Calvin (1543)(1996: 50).
[4] Franke (2005: 149). Calvin appeals to Augustine and tradition in his defence against free will theory and Albert Pighius. Tradition has a function in Reformed theology but is to be tested by Scripture at all times. Calvin (1543)(1996: 64).
Anecdote, 2024
Review of Pirie text: The author explains an anecdote is a particular story. (41). In contrast, ... more Review of Pirie text:
The author explains an anecdote is a particular story. (41). In contrast, a general assertion explains what occurs in general. (41). An anecdote does not prove or demonstrate the general assertion wrong, but only that something happened in a particular case. (41). The counterexample does indeed prove or demonstrate the general assertion is not universal. (41). The anecdote does not disprove the general assertion. The anecdote does not disprove what generally happens. (41). 'To counter an argument of principle with a few contrary cases is to enter the fallacy of anecdotal reasoning'. (42) Anecdotal fallacy has similarities to accident fallacy, also in Pirie's text and discussed on this site in two articles. Both involve general and specific cases and arguments.
The Orthodox Study Bible: Free will, 2024
I was disappointed and surprised to see that originally on January 2, 2019, I did not provide in ... more I was disappointed and surprised to see that originally on January 2, 2019, I did not provide in the main text, the free will citation from the Orthodox Study Bible. I will revise and republish this article on March 4, 2024 and also provide an entry on academia.edu.
The Orthodox Study Bible: The Bible and the Orthodox Church, 2018
My deduction is veneration to the Saints is also a supposed form of mediation in some cases, with... more My deduction is veneration to the Saints is also a supposed form of mediation in some cases, within Orthodoxy, at least. But mediation is presented in the book of Hebrews, and theologically I view it as taking place through Jesus Christ that is both infinite, eternal, holy, God and incarnated perfect man. Mediation should be directed toward God. Further, as well as God the Son, God the Father and God the Holy Spirit are also worthy of prayer, veneration and for mediation, this also eliminates the need for Saints in this process.
Appeal to the stone/Not appeal to the stoned, 2017
This entry of review from the text of British, Philosopher, Madsen Pirie, describes a fallacy tha... more This entry of review from the text of British, Philosopher, Madsen Pirie, describes a fallacy that consists of ignoring an argument altogether and refusing to discuss its central claim. (138). Pirie uses a classic example of someone ignoring, as opposed to refuting an argument. (138).
The eschatology of evil, 2007
This is work from my PhD research, prior to completion in 2010, which I published as a website ar... more This is work from my PhD research, prior to completion in 2010, which I published as a website article on May 11, 2007. This is revised with additions for a posting on academia.edu on December 9, 2023.
False Conversion (In philosophy), 2017
PIRIE, MADSEN (2006)(2015) How To Win Every Argument, Bloomsbury, London. 'False conversion take... more PIRIE, MADSEN (2006)(2015) How To Win Every Argument, Bloomsbury, London.
'False conversion takes place when we deduce from the fact that all cats are animals the additional information that all animals are cats. The converse of a statement made by exchanging the subject and predicate, is true in some cases, false in others. (106).
Brief On Matthew 7: 21-23: Theology Always Matters, 2015
Ellison writes that preaching and even miracles are not necessarily indication of seeking and ser... more Ellison writes that preaching and even miracles are not necessarily indication of seeking and serving the true God. Ellison (1986: 1129). Works performed need to be considered in light of the character of those that perform them. (1129).
Wittgenstein and certainty, 2009
Wittgenstein and certainty Wittgenstein and certainty Wittgenstein and certainty Ludwig Wittgen... more Wittgenstein and certainty Wittgenstein and certainty
Wittgenstein and certainty Ludwig Wittgenstein wrote On Certainty which is a classic philosophical work on the subject from the twentieth century.[1] Wittgenstein (1889-1951)[2] is an Austrian philosopher.[3] On Certainty deals with philosophical skepticism by postulating that knowledge exists, in a sense, but that this knowledge is dispersed and not completely dependable.[4] He reasons that 'knowledge and certainty belong in different categories.'[15] Obtaining knowledge is very important, and more vital than having certitude.[17] Knowledge and certainty are two different mental states.[18]
Infinite class versus finite class, 2019
Note that in the incarnation, the infinite nature of God the Son, within the Trinity, does not mi... more Note that in the incarnation, the infinite nature of God the Son, within the Trinity, does not mix with his finite human nature. This remains true as the resurrected Christ, Jesus Christ, has two natures, divine (infinite) and human (finite).
God cannot move a parked car, 2023
Is this true? --- Originally a Sunday, June 18, 2017 article, significantly updated on Monday, Se... more Is this true?
---
Originally a Sunday, June 18, 2017 article, significantly updated on Monday, September 4, 2023 for an entry on academia.edu.
Verecundiam, Argumentum, Ad/To My Friend In Regard To C.S. Lewis, 2016
A Facebook friend and I were at one time discussing C.S. Lewis as a writer. My friend was defendi... more A Facebook friend and I were at one time discussing C.S. Lewis as a writer. My friend was defending Lewis as a fiction writer, which I can view as reasonable. There was no disagreement on that issue.
My friend was offended that I did not particularly embrace the non-fiction theological and philosophical writings of C.S. Lewis. In particular his writings on the problem of evil and the nature of God, as these are areas of my academic expertise through academic degrees and website work. I am not whatsoever, claiming to be a C.S. Lewis scholar or a scholar in regard to his fictional works. I do agree with Lewis on several theological and philosophical points.
The First Cause argument, 2006
Bradley mentions that a vicious regress is not illogical, and that it is not vicious regress to s... more Bradley mentions that a vicious regress is not illogical, and that it is not vicious regress to state that each act of free choice is caused by another act of free choice. I agree that it is not necessarily illogical, but disagree that the argument as described is not a vicious regress.
Claim: The existence of God is not provable or disprovable, 2019
Claim: The existence of God is not provable or disprovable This was implied by a major (intellec... more Claim: The existence of God is not provable or disprovable
This was implied by a major (intellectual) American broadcaster, that appears on Canadian media, yesterday, with the question, ‘Does God exist?’ meaning he views it as not provable that God, does or does not exist.