Paul Helm

3.1. University Lecturer Positions

Helm began his teaching career at the University of Liverpool in 1964. During his tenure there, he steadily progressed through the academic ranks, serving as a Lecturer, then Senior Lecturer, and ultimately achieving the position of Reader in Philosophy. He held these roles at the University of Liverpool until 1993, contributing significantly to the philosophical discourse within the institution.

3.2. Professorships and Chair Positions

Following his time at the University of Liverpool, Helm was appointed Professor of the History and Philosophy of Religion at King's College London, where he served from 1993 to 2000. He currently holds the title of honorary professor at King's College London. Additionally, Helm took on a distinguished role at Regent College, where he was the inaugural holder of the J.I. Packer Chair of Theology. He occupied this prestigious position from 2001 to 2005, working alongside notable figures such as James Packer. From 2007 to 2010, Helm continued his academic contributions as Professor of Theology at Highland Theological College in Scotland.

4.1. Major Themes and Scope

Helm's writings cover a broad spectrum of topics, encompassing philosophy of religion, philosophical theology, historical theology, and Christian apologetics. A significant portion of his scholarly output has focused on the doctrine of God, particularly the nature of the Eternal God and the concept of divine providence. He has also extensively explored aspects of religious belief, examining its nature and relationship with reason. A profound area of his research is the thought of the influential reformer John Calvin and the subsequent developments within Calvinism. Helm's work, such as The Callings: The Gospel in the World (1987), emphasizes a holistic approach to life, asserting that every aspect of human existence can be lived to the glory of God, challenging the division of life into 'spiritual' and 'secular' compartments.

4.2. Key Publications

Among Paul Helm's most significant published books are:

• Calvin and the Calvinists (Banner of Truth, 1982)
• Eternal God (Clarendon, 1988)
• The Last Things (Banner of Truth, 1989)
• The Providence of God (IVP, 1993)
• Belief Policies (Cambridge, 1994)
• Faith and Understanding (Eerdmans, 1997)
• Faith with Reason (Oxford, 2000)
• John Calvin's Ideas (Oxford, 2004)
• Calvin: A Guide for the Perplexed (T & T Clark, 2008)
• Calvin at the Centre (Oxford, 2010)
• The Callings: The Gospel in the World (Banner of Truth, 1987)

4.3. Academic Debates and Engagements

Paul Helm has actively participated in notable academic and theological discussions. One such engagement involved a debate with Christian apologist William Lane Craig on the theological doctrines of Calvinism and Molinism, contributing to ongoing discussions within Reformed theology regarding divine sovereignty and human free will.