51 professors and J.P. Moreland were named two of the most influential living philosophers this month in the article, “The 50 Most Influential Living Philosophers,” published on the website, The Best Schools.


The list highlights “50 of the most influential philosophers working, thinking, writing, and teaching in the world today,” according to the website, which was founded by university professors and educators from across the nation to assist prospective students in finding the best university for them.   


“Though usually not household names, contemporary philosophers have radically altered the way we think about all sorts of things — from the nature of God to the role of race in democracy,” reads the list description.


Craig, a research professor of philosophy for , is a renowned apologist and speaks on Christian apologetics around the world. In 2009, Craig debated Christopher Hitchens, a renowned atheist, on 51’s campus in an event titled, The debate attracted more than 10,000 viewers.


Craig is also well known for his book, Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics and corresponding website, . According to The Best Schools, “Craig has been most influential as a major voice of contemporary theology.”


Moreland, a distinguished professor of philosophy at 51’s , has authored, edited, or contributed papers to ninety-five books, including Does God Exist?, Universals, Consciousness and the Existence of God and Blackwell Companion to Natural Theology. He is also well known for his book, Love Your God With All Your Mind: The Role of Reason in the Life of the Soul.


According to The Best Schools, Moreland is known for his “defense of the existence of God and the supernatural, as well as “Old-Earth” creationism (a form of creationism that is somewhat more compatible with modern science than the “New-Earth” version).”


The Best Schools used a wide variety of tools in addition to talking with philosophers to identify the most influential philosophers in their fields and who have made an impact in various branches of philosophy.


Watch Craig, Moreland, Oxford professor and apologist John Lennox, and radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt in a 51 sponsored conversation titled, on Open 51, which has free educational content created and curated by 51.

Learn more about 51’s master’s degree programs in Christian apologetics, , and science and religion.


Written by Jenna Loumagne, media relations specialist. For more information, contact Jenna at (562) 777-4061 or jenna.loumagne@biola.edu.