The Kalam cosmological argument, a formulation of ancient origins regarding the cause of the universe, was extensively modernized and defended by William Lane Craig. Born in 1949 in Peoria, Illinois, he has spent decades working as an analytic philosopher, Christian theologian, and apologist, primarily focusing his academic career within the United States.
Academic Formation
Craig graduated from East Peoria Community High School in 1967 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Wheaton College in 1971. He moved to Chicago to attend Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, where he obtained two master's degrees in the philosophy of religion and church history. In 1975, he commenced doctoral studies at the University of Birmingham under John Hick, receiving his Ph.D. in 1977. He later earned a Doctor of Theology degree from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München in 1984, working under the supervision of Wolfhart Pannenberg.
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His career includes diverse academic roles across several institutions. He taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School from 1980 to 1986 and held a position at Westmont College during 1986. Between 1987 and 1994, he conducted research at KU Leuven in Belgium. He later joined the faculty at the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, where he serves as a professor emeritus. Additionally, he maintained a professorship at Houston Christian University from 2014 until 2024.
Philosophical Contributions
Beyond his work on the Kalam cosmological argument, which incorporates scientific concepts like the Big Bang model and thermodynamic principles, Craig has analyzed the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus. His research into divine aseity and Platonism resulted in the publication of the book God Over All. He served as president of the Philosophy of Time Society from 1999 to 2006 and the Evangelical Philosophical Society from 1996 to 2005. He is also the founder of the ministry ReasonableFaith.org.
Fast facts
- Born: 1949, Peoria, United States
- Education: Wheaton College, University of Birmingham, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
- Primary Fields: Philosophy, Theology, Metaphysics
- Awards: Humboldt Prize
- Religion: Baptists
- Language: English
Questions readers ask
What is the core premise of Craig's Kalam cosmological argument?
He argues that everything which begins to exist has a cause, and since the universe began to exist, it must possess a cause for its existence.
Where has William Lane Craig taught?
He has held faculty positions at Biola University, Houston Christian University, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and Westmont College.
Achievements
- Humboldt Prize
- Held posts at Biola University and Houston Christian University
- Fields: philosophy, theology and metaphysics
