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There was a time, back in 2017, when I wrote a blog article that stirred up some controversy — especially among my Calvinist brothers and sisters. It was called “ A Revised Free Thinking Argument: Two Birds with One Stone .” At the time, I wasn’t yet a PhD or trained to have philosophical precision. I was an eager apologist, deeply convinced that both naturalistic determinism and theological determinism posed serious problems for rationality. What I lacked in philosophical p

There was a time, back in my “cage-stage Calvinist” days, when I didn’t think Catholics were really Christians at all. In fact, I was quick to label the Catholic Church as little more than a cult. I had been told (and believed) that Catholics worship Mary and the saints, that they pray to human beings rather than to the Creator of the universe. From where I stood at the time, it seemed obvious: this was idolatry. This was not Christianity. But the more I studied—especially a

I can still remember the first time I saw those now-famous words scroll across the screen: “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…” I was four years old. And 1977 was a life-changing year for me—not just because of Star Wars, but because it was also the year I made the most important decision of my life: I asked Jesus to be the Lord of my life (one of my first memories). In fact, these two stories—one fictional and one true—were woven together in my heart and imagination

Author's Note : The blog we are revisiting was originally published in 2017 after I was first introduced to the work of compatibilists John Martin Fischer and Mark Ravizza. Since then, I’ve earned a PhD in theology and read their book, Responsibility and Control, twice. I’ve also developed several formal arguments that further clarify and reinforce the ideas explored here. While this piece remains accessible and full of Star Wars analogies, I’ve updated a few sections to ref

“. . . Before I made those stars, I already hated you." “. . . Before I made those stars, I already hated you." -- Calvinist Jesus Setting the Scene I recently shared a meme that sparked a flurry of responses across social media. It was a simple graphic. A young boy standing with Jesus under the night sky, with Jesus saying: “Just think, before I made those stars I already hated you.” The image, though stark, was not meant to mock or misrepresent Calvinists. It was a theolog

Philosophers have long wrestled with the question: What is the greatest conceivable being? The ontological argument , especially as formulated by Alvin Plantinga, says that if it's even possible for a maximally great being (MGB) to exist—a necessary being who is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent—then such a being must exist in every possible world, including the actual one. It’s a bold and beautiful argument. But it doesn’t stop at abstract theism. Once we realize t

By Josh Klein and Thomas Moller When I (Josh Klein) was younger, around thirteen years old, my best friend and I set out to write a book together. We were enamored by Star Wars. The world of Science Fiction seemed so appealing. New worlds, different species of hominids, laser swords (lightsabers), traveling at the speed of light and from system to system. I was into it all. Star Wars, Star Trek, Stargate SG-1, you name it, I loved it. The reason I loved it had to do with thes

Josh Klein teams up with  @CalibrateConversations  to analyze a recent youth leader training video that was leaked to the public from North Point church (Andy Stanley's Church). Josh and Brady analyze the training from the good to the bad to the horrific and everything in between. Support the ministry: freethinkingministries.com/donate Josh's article on Andy Stanley: https://freethinkingministries.com/the-curious-case-of-andy-stanley/ 📌 Topics Covered Theological drift

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” — 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) One of the clearest affirmations of human freedom in Scripture is found in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church. Here, the apostle addresses a body of already saved believers—not unbelievers in need of regenerat

I count it one of life’s great blessings to call Dr. Owen Anderson a friend. As a well-respected professor of philosophy at Arizona State University, Dr. Anderson is a sharp thinker, a principled man of faith, and someone with whom I agree on nearly every major theological and philosophical issue. In fact, Owen and I have found especially strong common ground when it comes to the intersection of theology and politics. We both believe that sound doctrine should shape how we en

Suffering is a universal part of life—and no one escapes it, though we may try. But despite our best efforts, we all experience suffering in some capacity. Knowing this does not make it easy, however. Whether it comes through disease, death, injury, disaster, or persecution, we all struggle to endure it, which is why we need the support of not only God but also our brothers and sisters in Christ. We need the Church. Yet despite the Church’s long history of persecution and pai

The moral argument for God’s existence has stirred up no small controversy in recent decades. From William Lane Craig’s classic syllogism to the robust work of thinkers like David Baggett, Jerry Walls, and Adam Lloyd Johnson the case for a divine foundation of morality has become increasingly refined and forceful. But one thing is clear: no matter how it's formulated, the moral argument presses this unavoidable point—if there are objective moral obligations, then atheism is

In 2018, I published a blog post titled Avengers: Infinity War & Possible Worlds , unpacking what I saw as a striking parallel between Doctor Strange’s use of the Time Stone and God’s omniscience through the lens of Molinism. A year later, in Avengers: Endgame, Middle Knowledge, & the Destruction of the Problem of Evil , I revisited that analogy and expanded it into a forceful theodicy: if Doctor Strange can heroically allow temporary suffering in order to bring about the ult

Josh takes on the Amazon hit show House of David. The problems, the good things, source material and... was it good? Note: All clips used in this review are subject to Fair Use law and fall under the guidelines and parameters thereof. Support the ministry: https://freethinkingministries.com/donate/ Notes: House of David on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DT4V5C9D/ref=atv_hm_hom_c_lZOsi7_2_1?jic=8%7CEgNhbGw%3D House of David IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/tit

Under exhaustive divine determinism (EDD), man has no libertarian freedom, and all decisions human beings make are causally predetermined based on God's (causal) will. In other words, all decisions and actions of human beings are the result of God's immutable decree. And as we have seen, this means God forces (Calvin's word) all the actions of human beings and they cannot possibly do otherwise. What does this do to prayer? We are all familiar with the common story of Christ

In today's Theology Thursday live Dr. Tim Stratton and Josh Klein introduce another new member of our team, Phil Bair. Phil and Tim will take turns responding to Calvinist tweets and offering their analysis and clap backs there. For more info on freethinking ministries and how to get involved go to www.freethinkingministries.com/donate Tim's X: https://x.com/TSXpress Josh's X: https://x.com/JoshRKlein Phil Bair's Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Phil+Bair&crid

What exactly is the Bullet Bill objection, and does it land a fatal blow against Molinism—or backfire on Calvinism? If you've spent much time in online theological circles, you've likely heard someone invoke Greg Welty’s so-called “Bullet Bill” objection to Molinism. The name might remind you of a fun Nintendo video game from your childhood, but the philosophical challenge it raises is serious. So what is this Bullet Bill objection, and does it land a fatal blow against Moli

Coauthored by Dr. Tim Stratton and ChatGPT René Descartes famously grounded the certainty of his own existence in a single, indubitable truth: Cogito, ergo sum —"I think, therefore I am." The act of thinking, he argued, necessarily implies a thinker. But in the age of artificial intelligence, that foundational claim raises a fascinating question: Can an AI like ChatGPT say, "I think, therefore I am"? In this post, I (Tim) ask ChatGPT whether it can truly think, exist, or p

In the 20th episode of FTMonthly Josh tackles cultural issues on both the left and right. The truth, is its own side, is that third wayism? Josh says no and analyzes a debate with Randal Rouser, The "woke right" and what to make of a sword ban in the UK and a troubling sermon from a Lutheran pastor about Jesus needing to "expand his goodness?" Check out full Trinity Radio debate: Be Emboldened interview in spiritual abuse - https://youtu.be/Rejb7Qk5wfI?si=xMHpE-3s11-SzSoH

As a theologian, I've devoted my life to pursuing truth, wherever it leads—and no matter the cost. I’ve sought to think logically, interpret Scripture responsibly, live accordingly, and speak the truth in love. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s this: if you are committed to truth, you will make enemies. Many of them. Not because you're trying to. Not because you're cruel or abrasive. But because speaking truth inevitably confronts error—and people do