Coffee House Sessions EP09 James Dolezal: Revelational Epistemology, Why it's Problematic and Some Implications
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Jan 20, 2024 
James Dolezal, associate theologian who writes on doctrinal theology and epistemology, discusses revelational epistemology and its limits. He contrasts Barthian and Van Tillian approaches with classical realism. Topics include nature versus grace, whether Christ is required for all knowledge, and the consequences of collapsing metaphysics into theology.
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Van Til Versus Realist Epistemology
- Van Til and Barth both reject unaided natural knowledge and locate first epistemic certainties in revelation (scripture or Christ/Trinity).
- Van Til criticizes realist views (like Bavinck) for assuming post-fall humans retain sufficient natural knowledge to be morally accountable.
Sin As The Epistemic Explanation
- Calvinist appeal often reframes Kantian structural limits as effects of sin: total depravity explains cognitive corruption.
- This makes a revelational epistemology attractive because soteriology supplies the epistemic remedy.
What 'Begin With God' Means In Revelational Epistemology
- 'Begin with God' can be metaphysically true but epistemically ambiguous; Barth/Van Til mean begin with supernatural revelation, not merely God's existence.
- They argue natural knowability needs an added supernatural light to become intelligible.
