A comparative analysis of the philosophical/theological views of Alvin Plantinga and Cornelius Van Til: Metaphysics and epistemology

Alvin Plantinga and Cornelius Van Til are two well known names within the historic Reformed and Presbyterian Churches in America. Plantinga's influence is primarily in philosophy while Van Til's influence is primarily in theology. Both men have influenced the Protestant Church in many ways. Both men believe in the same God, yet both men do not hold the same metaphysical and epistemological views. There appears to be quite a difference in their respective views. Why is this the case?;I intend to show that the difference in their metaphysical and epistemological views stem from their doctrine of God. What they believe about God determines their metaphysics and epistemology. In Chapter One, I show what Van Til and Plantinga believe about God. In Chapters Two and Three, I reveal Van Til's belief about metaphysics and epistemology. They result from his doctrine of God. In Chapter Four and Five, I state some of Plantinga's metaphysical and epistemological beliefs. I compare those beliefs with Van Til's. I show that there is a difference. It appears that Plantinga's doctrine of God in some way determines his metaphysics and epistemology. In Chapter Six, I conclude that the difference in Van Til's and Plantinga's metaphysics and epistemology is a result of their doctrine of God. Although both men believe in God, their metaphysics and epistemology is determined by their own concept of God.