Philosophical Theology

Each time I listen to Wonderous Stories by Yes, my reflections turn toward the blessings of what theologians call common grace.

The doctrine explains why secular music is often far superior to that which might feature a dove on the album cover. Perhaps more striking is that some secular music, particularly from the progressive rock era, even has a worship quality to it, as with Yes’ Wonderous Stories. (Watch music video)

It’s indubitable that God places the desire for the majestic in the hearts of men. This phenomenon is due to common notions, which are granted to all God’s image bearers and serve as points of contact that can be explored apologetically by the Christian with the unbeliever. These points of contact are plentiful and exist at the presuppositional level of one’s worldview. As Professor James Anderson (no relation to Jon) has noted, this is a feature of presuppositional apologetics and not a bug.

The apostle makes apologetic use of common grace while reasoning with the Epicureans and Stoics in Athens. Maybe Van Til was onto something after all!