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Welcome to Free of Faith, a platform for a sincere and thoughtful examination of core Christian beliefs. We feature a special section called Considerations in which we reflect on the core assumptions of Christianity through an analysis of 52 questions. Here we carefully explore the logical coherence of various core Christian concepts.

Each Considerations post contains these elements:

  • Summary: A two-sentence summary of the main content.
  • Content: The primary evidence and arguments on the topic reflected in the title.
  • The logical Form: Clear and salient syllogistic formulations of the arguments in the content.
  • A Dialogue: A cordial dialogue between CHRIS and CLARUS on the post’s topic.
  • Symbolic Logic: A link to the formalization those more philosophically inclined.
  • A Companion YouTube Video: A more entertaining, visual form of the arguments.
  • A Companion Spotify Podcast: A audio presentation of the arguments.
  • Helpful Analogies: Three analogies that deepen understanding of the post’s content.
  • The Treatment of Theological Rebuttals: The anticipated counter-arguments from theologians and matching responses side-by-side in two columns.
  • Clarifications: An additional support section where you’ll find nuggets of insights directly or tangentially related to the primary content.
  • A Comments Section: All readers are encouraged to offer thoughtful feedback.

You can browse the infographics of the Considerations concepts at this link.

◉ Our Insights posts offer unique takes on a variety of topics relevant to faith and rationality within Christianity.


We also explore claims made in popular podcasts. We hope to provide readers with in-depth critiques that uncover logical inconsistencies, cognitive biases, and unsubstantiated assertions often found in theological discussions. We believe in the power of critical thinking and aim to foster a more analytical approach to understanding faith and spirituality.

At Free of Faith, we meticulously dissect podcast content, offering clear and concise evaluations that emphasize the importance of empirical evidence and coherent argumentation. We approach each critique from a secular and objective perspective, striving to ensure that our analyses are unbiased and well-reasoned. Whether you are a believer, a skeptic, or someone exploring different faiths, our site provides valuable insights that encourage you to think more deeply about the religious claims you encounter.

Our platform is not just about pointing out flaws; it’s about promoting a culture of intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness. We invite our readers to engage with us, share their perspectives, and join in meaningful discussions about the topics we cover. By bringing attention to the need for substantiated arguments and critical examination, Free of Faith strives to elevate the discourse around religious beliefs and practices.

Join us on this journey of discovery and analysis. Explore our extensive library of critiques, each meticulously crafted to challenge and enlighten. Whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of a particular theological issue or simply enjoy well-argued analyses, Free of Faith is here to guide you. Together, let’s navigate the complex landscape of faith with reason and clarity.

Free of Faith Content Sources for its Critiques:

Ask NT Wright Anything Podcast

Ask NT Wright Anything is a podcast that features N.T. Wright, a prominent New Testament scholar, responding to listener questions on biblical, theological, and ethical topics. For a rational non-believer, this podcast offers a chance to hear thoughtful and scholarly interpretations of Christian texts and doctrines. The show covers a wide array of subjects, from historical contexts of biblical passages to contemporary moral dilemmas. Wright’s answers, while rooted in his deep Christian faith, are presented with an academic rigor that can be appreciated regardless of one’s own beliefs. This podcast is an excellent resource for those interested in understanding the intellectual foundations of Christianity and engaging with its ideas in a nuanced and informed way.

Stand to Reason Podcast / STR Ask Podcast

The Stand to Reason Podcast, hosted by Greg Koukl, aims to equip Christians with the tools to defend and articulate their beliefs in a coherent and logical manner. Listeners of all dispositions might find this podcast interesting for understanding the intellectual framework and arguments used by Christian apologists. Koukl addresses a wide range of topics, from ethical dilemmas and theological questions to contemporary cultural issues, providing insights into how believers approach these subjects. The STR Ask Podcast complements this by offering concise responses to listener-submitted questions, making it a valuable resource for anyone curious about the Christian perspective on various issues. Together, these podcasts offer a window into the rational underpinnings of Christian apologetics, useful for anyone interested in exploring differing viewpoints and strengthening their own critical thinking skills.

Features Planned or in Development:

  • An AI bot that implements Bayesian probabilities on which Christians can systematically work through their position on the resurrection
  • A resources page on which seekers can explore arguments for and against the Christian God

A Sampling from our YouTube Video Channel.

Our Spotify Channel

AI

Want to assess your apologetics content before you post or preach? Try out a GPT customized for that very task. Apologrid provides comprehensive critiques of apologetics content across many relevant dimensions.
— Requires a ChatGPT subscription.

Clicking on the category name will display the full list of the posts in that category.

Recent posts

  • ✓ Answered Prayers?

    This post examines various conditions Christians often attach to prayer promises, transforming them into unfalsifiable claims. It highlights how these ‘failsafe’ mechanisms protect the belief system from scrutiny, allowing believers to reinterpret prayer outcomes either as successes or failures based on internal states or hidden conditions. This results in a…

  • ✓ Categorical Labels Rarely Reflect Rationality

    In public discourse, labels such as “atheist,” “agnostic,” and “Christian” often oversimplify complex beliefs, leading to misunderstandings. These tags are low-resolution summaries that hinder rational discussions. Genuine inquiry requires moving beyond labels to assess individual credences and evidence. Understanding belief as a gradient reflects the nuances of thought, promoting clarity…

  • ✓ Why an Intelligible Universe?

    The featured argument, often employed in Christian apologetics, asserts that the universe’s intelligibility implies a divine mind. However, a meticulous examination reveals logical flaws, such as equivocation on “intelligible,” unsubstantiated jumps from observations to conclusions about authorship, and the failure to consider alternative explanations. Ultimately, while the universe exhibits structure…

  • ✓ How Myths Emerge

    The piece discusses how historical figures like Jesus and Alexander the Great undergo “legendary inflation,” where narratives evolve into more than mere history, shaped by cultural needs and societal functions. As communities invest meaning in these figures, their stories absorb mythical elements and motifs over time. This phenomenon illustrates how…

  • ✓ Mythical Husk over the Jesus Seed

    This post argues against extreme views in debates about the historical Jesus, emphasizing the distinction between the theological narrative shaped by scriptural interpretation and the existence of a human core. It maintains that while the Gospels serve theological purposes, they do not negate the likelihood of a historical figure, supported…

  • ✓ The Semantic Creep of Faith

    Hebrews 11:1 is often misquoted as a clear definition of faith, but its Greek origins reveal ambiguity. Different interpretations exist, leading to confusion in Christian discourse. Faith is described both as assurance and as evidence, contributing to semantic sloppiness. Consequently, discussions about faith lack clarity and rigor, oscillating between certitude…

  • ✓ AI for Christian Apologists

    This post emphasizes the importance of using AI as a tool for Christian apologetics rather than a replacement for personal discernment. It addresses common concerns among Christians about AI, advocating for its responsible application in improving reasoning, clarity, and theological accuracy. The article outlines various use cases for AI, such…

  • ✓ Deductive Closure on Inductive Contingencies

    This post argues that if deductive proofs demonstrate the logical incoherence of Christianity’s core teachings, then inductive arguments supporting it lose their evidential strength. Inductive reasoning relies on hypotheses that are logically possible; if a claim-set collapses into contradiction, evidence cannot confirm it. Instead, it may prompt revisions to attain…

  • ✓ A Typical Christian Post

    This post addresses common excuses for rejecting Christianity, arguing that they stem from the human heart’s resistance to surrendering pride and sin. The piece critiques various objections, such as the existence of multiple religions and perceived hypocrisy within Christianity. It emphasizes the uniqueness of Christianity, the importance of faith in…

  • ✓ Mistaking Structural Failure for Moral Fact

    The Outrage Trap discusses the frequent confusion between justice and morality in ethical discourse. It argues that feelings of moral outrage at injustice stem not from belief in objective moral facts but from a violation of social contracts that ensure safety and cooperation. The distinction between justice as a human…

  • ✓ Age of Accountability Calculus

    Isn’t the killing of infants always best under Christian theology? This post demonstrates that the theological premises used to defend biblical violence collapse into absurdity when applied consistently. If your theology implies that a school shooter is a more effective savior than a missionary, the error lies in the theology.

  • ✓ The Repellent Effect in Apologetics

    This article discusses the counterproductive nature of hostile Christian apologetics, which can inadvertently serve the skepticism community. When apologists exhibit traits like hostility and arrogance, they undermine their persuasive efforts and authenticity. This phenomenon, termed the Repellent Effect, suggests that such behavior diminishes the credibility of their arguments. As a…

  • ✓ Mental Irreductionism?

    The post argues against the irreducibility of conscious experiences to neural realizations by clarifying distinctions between experiences, their neural correlates, and descriptions of these relationships. It critiques the regression argument that infers E cannot equal N by demonstrating that distinguishing between representations and their references is trivial. The author emphasizes…

  • ✓ The Digital Berean

    The article highlights the value of AI tools, like Large Language Models, to “Red Team” apologetic arguments, ensuring intellectual integrity. It explains how AI can identify logical fallacies such as circular reasoning, strawman arguments, and tone issues, urging apologists to embrace critique for improved discourse. The author advocates for rigorous…

  • ✓ Differentiating Effects of the Spirit?

    The concept of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling is central to Christian belief, promising transformative experiences and divine insights. However, this article highlights that the claimed supernatural benefits, such as unique knowledge, innovation, accurate disaster predictions, and improved health outcomes, do not manifest in believers. Instead, evidence shows that Christians demonstrate…

  • ✓ The Source of Human Rights

    This post examines the widespread claim that human rights come from the God of the Bible. By comparing what universal rights would require with what biblical narratives actually depict, it shows that Scripture offers conditional privileges, not enduring rights. The article explains how universal rights emerged from human reason, shared…

  1. J's avatar

    Thanks for this piece. It covers virtually all of the excuses typically offered for unanswered prayer. Qualifier #2 also touches…

  2. J's avatar

    I just noticed that I accidentally mentioned the wrong piece in my above post. The piece by Ferguson that compares…

  3. J's avatar

    Awesome! Just found this: thanks for the shout-out. What is really fascinating about this comparison for me personally is that…

  4. Phil Stilwell's avatar
  5. J's avatar
  6. Phil Stilwell's avatar

    In a personal chat about the scenario in which a young girl with a Muslim father and a Christian mother,…

  7. Phil Stilwell's avatar

    This response is a necessary reboot of your position, Ryan. You have effectively abandoned the “stopping rule” epistemology you previously…

  8. Ryan Stohldrier's avatar

    I understand your analogy and analysis, but I think you are confusing something. As I read the scriptures, I do…

  9. Phil Stilwell's avatar

    This is a list of probing questions designed to clarify and scrutinize your epistemic position, particularly in light of the…

  10. Phil Stilwell's avatar

    ◉ The Infinite Gap: Where Biblical Salvation Breaks Epistemic Hygiene Ryan, let’s take that imagery of the cliff and the…

Phil Stilwell

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