Thinking Christianly #47: The Beliefs, Distinctions, and Cultural Impact of Nominalism: The Realism/Nominalism Debate, Part 3
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Feb 15, 2026 
Stan W. Wallace, Christian scholar focused on worldview and apologetics, and J.P. Moreland, philosopher-theologian known for metaphysics and mind, unpack nominalism vs realism. They define nominalism, trace its cultural ripple effects, contrast moderate and extreme forms, and probe problems like similarity and linguistic regresses. They also consider why people adopt nominalism and how Christians can engage differing views.
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What Nominalists Mean By Denying Universals
- Nominalists deny universals, rejecting that properties like redness exist as entities shared by many things.
- J.P. Moreland explains realists hold universals as abstract objects exemplified in particulars, so destroying an apple doesn't destroy redness elsewhere.
Nominalism Blamed For Family Definition Collapse
- Bernard (Bertrand) [sic] Graham argued cultural breakdowns like shifting family definitions stem from nominalism turning natures into mere labels.
- J.P. Moreland recounts a Christianity Today piece and a student joking 'my truck and my dog' as a family example.
Moderate Nominalism Treats Properties As Particulars
- Moderate nominalism accepts properties but treats them as non-shareable particulars (e.g., each person has their own humanness).
- Moreland contrasts this with realism which treats properties as universals that multiple particulars literally share.
