Dr. J. Thomas Bridges

Academic Dean and Professor of Philosophy

Bio

Dr. Bridges is interested in more than the academic life, he is interested in deep reflections on philosophy and theology, especially as they can aid the body of Christ in how they contemplate their life of faith. He teaches a variety of classes in philosophy at SES including metaphysics, epistemology, theology proper, and God and Science. He currently lives in Minnesota with his wife of 25 years and four daughters.

Join Dr. Bridges on his YouTube channel: “A Considerate Life…”

 

Research Interests and Expertise

Chair: Phillip E. Johnson Chair of Science and Culture, Southern Evangelical Seminary

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-thomas-bridges-ph-d-aa851343/

E-mail: [email protected]

Dr. J.T. Bridges’ current academic interests include: the Philosophical Theology of Thomas Aquinas; the Philosophy of Science; and important issues subsumed under The Philosophy of Religion.

Areas of Concentration: Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy of Science, Epistemology, Thomism
Areas of Competency: Metaphysics, Logic, History of Philosophy

Current Research:

Use of Esse in Aristotelian Virtues Theory as an Explanation of the Metaphysical
Stability of Virtuous Habits

Internalism vs. Externalism: A Solution Based on Aquinas’ Dynamic View of the
Development of Human Knowledge

A Thomistic Explanation of the Temporary Disembodied State: An Eschatological
Consideration

Publications

Dissertation: “An Analysis of the Neo-Darwinism/Intelligent Design Based on an Eclectic Philosophy of Science Grounded in Thomistic Realism”

Publications:

“A Realist Systematic Philosophy as Grounds for Classical Theism” in Classical Theism in Contemporary Protestant Theology, (Leesburg, VA: The Davenant Press,2020).

“How Should Christians Think About the Origins of the Universe?” in The Harvest Handbook of Apologetics, (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2018).

“A Moderate-Realist Perspective on God and Abstract Objects” and “Response to Van Inwagen and Craig,” Philosophia Christi, Vol. 17, No. 2, 2015.

“Hylomorphism as a Metaphysic for Intelligent Design Science,” Evolution News & Views [The Discovery Institute online magazine], February 22, 2015. http://www.evolutionnews.org/2015/02/hylomorphism_as093831.ht ml

“The Theological Virtues in St. Thomas Aquinas as a Demarcation for Responses to the Problem of Evil,” Christian Apologetics Journal, Vol. 9, No. 2, Fall 2013

Also,  Beyond ‘Origin’: A Post-Darwinian Design Theory (forthcoming, 2024).

Presentations:

Panel Discussion: “Christianity and Science,” with Jay W. Richards and J.P. Moreland, National Conference on Christian Apologetics, Fall 2017, Charlotte, NC

“An Overview of Natural/Philosophical Theology” Ratio Christi event, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Spring, 2016, Charlotte, NC

“The Uniqueness of the Christian Academic Life” Convocation/Chapel, Montreat College Fall, 2015, Montreat, NC

“The Problem of Evil and Pop Culture” National Conference on Christian Apologetics Fall, 2014, Charlotte, NC

“Philosophy of Science: Where ID Fails” National Conference on Christian Apologetics Fall, 2013, Charlotte, NC

Blog Articles:

Dec. 2015, “How is Believing Neo-Darwinism Like Staring into Space?”

How Is Believing Neo-Darwinism Like Staring Into Space?

June 2016, “Reformed, Romanist, or Rumor? A Response to Dr. Scott Oliphint”

Reformed, Romanist, or Rumor? A Response to Dr. Scott Oliphint

August 2016, “A Window into Christian Philosophy”

A Window into Christian Philosophy

March 2017, “On a Christian Philosophy of Education”

On a Christian Philosophy of Education

Education

Doctor of Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, October 2012 Southern Evangelical Seminary
Charlotte, North Carolina

Dissertation: “An Analysis of the Neo-Darwinism/Intelligent Design
Based on an Eclectic Philosophy of Science Grounded in Thomistic Realism”

Dissertation Committee: William A. Dembski (U. of Chicago), Jay W. Richards (Princeton U.), John C. Lennox (Oxford U.), Richard G. Howe (U. of Arkansas)

Areas of Concentration: Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy of Science, Epistemology, Thomism
Areas of Competency: Metaphysics, Logic, History of Philosophy

Master of Arts, Philosophy, May 2005 Baylor University
Waco, Texas

Master of Divinity, with Biblical Languages, December 2002 Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Fort Worth, Texas

Bachelor of Science, May 2000 Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa