Reasonable Faith Podcast Question of the Week #982: Molinist Views of Sin
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Apr 2, 2026 A deep question about Molinism explores whether sinlessness is metaphysically possible yet practically impossible. Different Molinist options for feasible worlds are weighed, including Plantinga’s trans-world sin idea. The discussion considers why God might permit sin and how a sinful world could secure greater goods like atonement and mercy.
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Rowan's Thoughtful Challenge To Original Sin
- A questioner, Rowan from the UK, proposes rejecting original sin's guilt and corrupted nature while keeping libertarian free will.
- He asks whether ubiquitous temptation makes sinlessness statistically inevitable even if metaphysically possible.
Sinlessness Is Theoretically Possible But Practically Implausible
- Molinism allows that sinlessness is metaphysically possible but practically improbable.
- William Lane Craig frames universal sin as 'theoretical possibility' yet likely absent in all feasible worlds.
Molinism Maintains Multiple Viable Explanations For Sin
- Molinism leaves multiple viable options: sinlessness may be impossible in feasible worlds, feasible but dispreferred, or feasible but suboptimal.
- Craig emphasizes Molinists should remain open to these possibilities rather than claim certainty.