Philosophical theology before and after Plantinga

Alvin Plantinga played a pivotal role in bringing theological questions and ideas into the broad philosophical, predominantly non-theistic community. His “Advice to Christian Philosophers” (1983) was the turning point in the history of philosophical theology. In his “Advice”, Plantinga talks about how best to be a Christian in philosophy. He suggests that Christian intellectuals should become more autonomous from the rest of the philosophical world, display more unity, and express greater Christian self-confidence. This advice, however, is addressed not to just any intellectual of a Christian affiliation. He addresses them to those (1) who have graduated from a conservative Christian college, (2) who have obtained a PhD in philosophy, and (3) who continue their career as professional philosophers. That means that the person should be well acquainted with the traditional Christian doctrine and practice, should be well versed in the contemporary analytic philosophy, and should be an acknowledged member of the established philosophical community. Thus, it would be a mistake to apply Plantinga's “Advice” to a person who does not meet all of the three requirements. The present day situation in Russia shows a dramatic shortfall of intellectuals who satisfy all the three Plantinga's conditions. It is still premature for Russian Christian philosophers to become autonomous from the rest of the philosophical community, to establish Christian philosophical clusters, and to display Christian self-confidence in the face of the non-theistic majority. Philosophical theology in Russia is currently in its “pre-Plantingan” phase. In order to improve this situation, the author suggests reversing Plantinga's advice into their opposites. Russian Christian philosophers ought to learn how to operate within the broad philosophical community. They should familiarize themselves with the contemporary analytic philosophy and its methods, and they should become acknowledged members of the established professional circles. Then, and only then, philosophical theology in Russia can enter its post-Plantingan era.

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