Peter S. Williams
Based in Southampton, England, Christian philosopher Peter S. Williams (MA, MPhil, PGCert) is an Assistant Professor in Communication and Worldviews at NLA University College at Gimlekollen, Kristiansand, Norway. He speaks internationally on behalf of the truth, goodness and beauty of following Jesus.
Peter is a trustee of the Christian Evidence Society, a Montgomery Trust Lecturer and both an apologetics mentor and travelling speaker for the European Leadership Forum.
Peter’s books include: Behold the Man: Essays on the Historical Jesus (Wipf and Stock, 2024), An Informed Cosmos: Essays on Intelligent Design Theory (Wipf and Stock, 2023), A Universe From Someone: Essays on Natural Theology (Wipf & Stock, 2022), Apologetics in 3D: Essays on Apologetics and Spirituality (Wipf and Stock, 2021), Outgrowing God? A Beginner’s Guide to Richard Dawkins and the God Debate (Cascade, 2020), Getting at Jesus: A Comprehensive Critique of Neo-Atheist Nonsense About the Jesus of History (Wipf & Stock, 2019), A Faithful Guide to Philosophy: A Christian Introduction to the Love of Wisdom (Wipf & Stock, 2019), and C.S. Lewis vs the New Atheists (Paternoster, 2013). His peer reviewed papers have appeared in journals including Philosophia Christi, Linguaculture, Theofilos and Think.
Featured Videos:
Composing:
The updated and expanded 2023 recording of From Glory to Glory is now available as a YouTube Playlist of Visualizer Videos (in high quality WAV format), from Soundcloud (also in WAV format), and from my podcast in mp3 format. See my composing page for more details on this and other musical projects.
After a substantial new essay examining the nature of a properly skeptical historical inquiry into Jesus of Nazareth in the context of contemporary worldviews, from premodernism to metamodernism, Behold the Man presents revised essays on an eclectic range of issues: from how the Epistle of James treats Jesus as Divine within decades of the crucifixion, and an evaluation of recent arguments about the dating of the fourth gospel, to debunking claims about Jesus and “ancient aliens,” and furthering debate about the resurrection. With a foreword by eminent New Testament scholar Craig L. Blomberg, and extensive recommended resources, Behold the Man: Essays on the Historical Jesus represents a wide-ranging, interdisciplinary engagement with historical Jesus studies.
Praise for Behold the Man
“For those who care about evidence, Peter S. Williams here offers us some impressive arguments for the historical reliability of the New Testament account of Jesus. The treatments of the Epistle of James and the Fourth Gospel offered fresh and original points, and Williams summarizes a large swathe of evidence in a clear and responsible manner. Highly recommended.” – C. Stephen Evans, Emeritus University Professor of Philosophy and Humanities, Baylor University.
“Peter S. Williams is a quintessential researcher on the historical Jesus, and Behold the Man is the sort of high-quality, rigorous, and fascinating treatise we have come to expect from him. However, what makes this book absolutely unique is Williams’ expertise in philosophy and the deft way he interweaves the two disciplines. The result is a tour de force on the interplay between worldview assumptions and the task of explaining and interpreting historical facts in an objective way. Honestly, there is nothing like this book. Get it and buy copies for your friends!” – J.P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University and co-author (with Brandon Rickabaugh) of The Substance of Consciousness: A Comprehensive Defense of Contemporary Substance Dualism (Wiley Blackwell, 2023).
“In this impressive and richly documented volume, Peter S. Williams reexamines the historical Jesus. He draws on archaeological and textual evidence, but also shows time and again how we need rigorous philosophical theorizing to assess the arguments in this debate. His lucid work provides an important contribution to a conversation that merits attention from all those interested in the philosophy of religion and the tenability of the Christian faith.” – Rik Peels, Professor of Analytical and Interdisciplinary Philosophy of Religion in the University Research Chair at the Faculty of Religion & Theology and the Faculty of Humanities, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and author of Life Without God: An Outsider’s View of Atheism (Cambridge University Press, 2023).
“This is an insightful book that not only demands reading but also rewards re-reading. At points, I thought to myself, “This is obviously true, why have I never seen anyone make this point?” At other points, I thought, “That was very well argued.” You don’t have to agree with Williams on each and every point to benefit from his research; but you will conclude that his positions are at the very least plausible. I highly recommend this unique book.” – Robert B. Stewart, Professor of Philosophy and Theology, Greer-Heard Chair of Faith and Culture, and Director, Christian Apologetics Program, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
After a substantial author’s Preface woven around the author’s personal journey with the question of design in nature, An Informed Cosmos presents a series of essays that jointly defend the core arguments for a scientific theory of intelligent design. Together with a foreword by noted philosopher of science Stephen C. Meyer, and extensive recommended resources, An Informed Cosmos offers an informed overview of the contemporary case for intelligent design.
Praise from four continents for An Informed Cosmos:
‘Williams does a thorough job demonstrating the inconsistencies, circumlocutions, and question-begging of top materialist thinkers as they try to wriggle free of the overpowering evidence for the intelligent design of life.’ – Michael J. Behe, Professor of Biological Sciences at Lehigh University, and author of Darwin’s Black Box.
‘Williams provides a rich ‘lode’ of insights challenging the popular dogma that the living world is entirely the product of mindless, motiveless matter.’ – Neil Broom, Professor Emeritus, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Auckland, and author of How Blind is the Watchmaker?
‘With clarity and erudition, Williams provides an evidential and philosophical defense of the empirical and conceptual merits of intelligent design.’ – Dr Stephen C. Meyer, director of Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture in Seattle, and author of Signature in the Cell, Darwin’s Doubt and The Return of the God Hypothesis.
‘Beautifully illustrated, pervasively researched, and clearly written, Peter S. Williams’s An Informed Cosmos is a delightful read chock full of rich, sophisticated ideas.’ – J.P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Biola University, and author of Scientism and Secularism.
‘An Informed Cosmos is a delightful, intellectually stimulating appraisal of the pervasive design inference in the reasoning of proponents and opponents of Intelligent Design… I wholeheartedly recommend this work for its insightful analysis and rigorous exposé.’ – Frederik van Niekerk, Professor in the Unit for Energy and Technology Systems, Faculty of Engineering, North-West University, South Africa.
‘Peter S. Williams has crafted an impressive, well-informed case for intelligent design, exposing the shortcomings of contemporary naturalism and countering objections to ID with forceful counter-arguments.’ – Charles Taliaferro, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, and Emeritus Oscar and Gertrude Boe Overby Distinguished Professor, St. Olaf College.
‘Williams has done tremendous work compressing the most recent and relevant research and literature on ID into one single volume… This is science promotion on a hot topic in a brilliant way, and I am happy to recommend it.’ – Steinar Thorvaldsen, Professor of Information Science, The Arctic University of Norway.
After a substantial author’s Preface recounting the author’s life-journey with the question of God’s existence, A Universe From Someone: Essays on Natural Theology (Wipf & Stock, 2022), pulls together Essays and Opening Speeches from debates (including the 2011 ‘God is not a delusion’ debate at the Cambridge Union) that jointly cover a wide variety of theistic arguments. Together with a foreword by noted philosopher J.P. Moreland, an annotated bibliography highlighting ‘Four Dozen Key Resources on Apologetics and Natural Theology in an Age of Science’, and other recommended resources, A Universe From Someone offers an informed overview of the contemporary case for God.
Praise for A Universe From Someone
‘A truly excellent primer on arguing for God’s existence.’ – W. David Beck, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, Liberty University, and author of Does God Exist?: A History of Answers to the Question
‘In this crisp and lucid book, Peter Williams provides an accessible and informative account of the current case for God.’ – Rik Peels, Associate Professor in Philosophy and Religion & Theology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam
‘an excellent introduction and guide to natural theology… and the author’s weaving together his personal story into the book to show the relevance of these natural theological arguments.’ – Paul Copan, Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University, and co-editor of The Naturalness of Belief: New Essays on Theism’s Rationality
‘In my opinion [A Universe From Someone] is the top work currently available that (1) provides an insightful overview of the re-emergence of (especially Christian) natural theology for the last seventy-five years or so; (2) offers a readable, but quite substantive presentation of updated versions of the key arguments that have constituted this re-emergence. Along the way, Williams offers new development of important, but less popular arguments in natural theology. As if that were not enough, the well-selected, large, annotated bibliography is alone worth the price of the book. Williams knows the literature well and he has well-developed skills in taking hard material and making it accessible to a wide audience in an engaging way.’ – J.P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, and co-editor of the Blackwell Companion to Natural Theology
This collection of papers and other materials from English philosopher Peter S. Williams, with a foreword from philosopher Paul Copan, develops a holistic vision for Christian apologetics centred around a biblical understanding of spirituality. Grounded in two decades of practical experience, this book offers a vision of apologetics that’s interested in communicating through beauty and goodness as well as logic and arguments.
Praise for Apologetics in 3D
‘This short book is packed with insight and will stimulate discussion for years to come.’ – Gregory E. Ganssle, Professor of Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
Outgrowing God? A Beginner’s Guide to Richard Dawkins and the God Debate (Cascade, 2020), is a response to Richard Dawkins’ book Outgrowing God: A Beginner’s Guide (2019). Join a cast of characters, with different perspectives, thinking through some of the biggest questions in life, as they discuss atheist Richard Dawkins’ book Outgrowing God: A Beginner’s Guide. Written in the form of a dialogue between members of a student book club, Outgrowing God? A Beginner’s Guide to Richard Dawkins and the God Debate encourages critical thinking about Professor Dawkins’ arguments concerning God, Jesus and the Bible.
Praise for Outgrowing God?
‘[a] delightful dialogue/critique of one influential atheist’s philosophy…’ – Craig L. Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary
‘[A] solid, readable response to the New Atheism [with] an engaging, dialogical format.’ – Paul Copan, Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University
‘Excellent work… engaging, interesting and insightful.’ – Lars Dahle, Associate Professor in Systematic Theology and Christian Apologetics at NLA University College, Norway
‘Outgrowing God? is an important and insightful book… I highly recommend it.’ – J.P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Biola University
‘provides many stimulating arguments on an introductory, easy-to-understand level… William’s communicative approach quickly capture’s one’s attention, tackling decisive philosophical, theological, historical and scientific arguments, and providing many useful resources…’ – Martin Heide, Professor of Semitic Languages, Phillip University in Marburg, Germany
A Faithful Guide to Philosophy is the only British Christian introduction to philosophy, a book that will be used as a course textbook and by church study groups and individual readers alike. Covering subjects of central importance to the Christian worldview and containing the broadest range of topics covered by any Christian introduction to philosophy it will be prized by many. Now available from Wipf and Stock (2019) with a new author’s preface & foreword by philosopher Angus Menuge.
This is the introduction for a 17-part series of videos (videoed and edited by Peter Byron, with music by Peter S. Williams) about the chapters in Peter S. Williams’ A Faithful Guide to Philosophy.
Praise for A Faithful Guide to Philosophy
‘a practical, readable guide to leading philosophical questions, showing how the Christian faith brings illuminating answers to them… Highly recommended!’ – Paul Copan, Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University, and author of A Little Book for New Philosophers
‘an invaluable text for Christians who wish to engage with philosophy. This isn’t the usual abstract overview, but rather provides the reader with a human experience where their commitment to Christ is nurtured and their needs as a learner are embraced whilst also achieving academic rigour.’ – Trevor Cooling, Professor of Christian Education at Canterbury Christ Church University and co-editor of the Journal of Education and Christian Belief
‘A Faithful Guide to Philosophy is faithful, not only in the sense of being reliable, but also in the sense of being infused with a Christian world and life view. It is encouraging to see that this text is centered in natural theology and the philosophy of mind, for these are two areas of vital importance to the Christian faith… Williams’ focus is well chosen and his arguments interesting and persuasive.’ – William Lane Craig, Research Professor of Philosophy at the Talbot School of Theology
‘a sure-footed guide to philosophy in general, and philosophy of religion in particular…’ – Daniel J. Hill, Lecturer, Department of Philosophy, Liverpool University
‘Peter S. Williams… makes the complex accessible and interesting, without distorting the issues.’ – Stefan Gustavsson, Director of Credo Academy, Stockholm
‘an excellent book for introduction to the study of philosophy from the perspective of the Christian faith… The writer models the “love of wisdom” he recommends by his open, engaging and balanced approach…’ – Bjørn Hinderaker, Assistant Professor at Gimlekollen School of Journalism and Communication in Norway
“a highly accessible, stimulating introduction to logic, the nature of argument and philosophy written from a Christian perspective by an author who understands his subject and knows how to communicate it at the right level. This book, which is a delight to read and is full of useful references to books, articles, websites and other media, has the potential to de-mystify philosophy for a generation of young people and provide an excellent resource to enable them to articulate their faith in God with renewed confidence…’ – John C. Lennox, Fellow in Mathematics and Philosophy of Science, Green Templeton College, Oxford
‘A Faithful Guide to Philosophy is an extremely well-researched book that is tightly argued, excellent in topic selection, deep in coverage yet readable in style. Williams had done a masterful job of producing a book that is now a must read for Christians who want to explore the intellectual underpinnings of their faith. I highly recommend this delightful volume.’ – J.P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Biola University in La Mirada, California and author of Love Your God With All Your Mind
‘This book . . . is simply brilliant and as far as I know… the first UK textbook to offer an introduction to philosophy from a Christian perspective… It is a real tour de force, combining conciseness with crystal clarity and yet avoiding superficiality… I found my own faith really built up and affirmed by reading this book. “All truth is God’s truth” and Williams ably demonstrates that philosophy is no exception.’ – Trevor Stammers, Programme Director in bioethics and medical law at St Mary’s University, Twickenham