Getting Started
This site serves a dual purpose: a personal webpage and an apologetics resource devoted to articulating the Christian faith through essays, videos, and structured study materials.
- Why Should We Believe that Christianity is True?
- Three Paradoxes of Atheism
- Science and religion: is it either/or or both/and?
These introductory pieces orient readers new to Christian apologetics and to the recurring themes explored across the site.
Christian apologetics aims to present reasoned arguments for the central claims of the Christian faith, inviting readers to examine evidence rather than rely on assumption. A common starting point is the historical case for the resurrection of Jesus, which many writers treat as a question of what best explains the earliest reported testimony. Other introductory essays explore moral philosophy, the nature of religious belief, and whether science and faith must be understood as rivals or as complementary ways of describing reality. The goal is to lay a careful groundwork before moving into more technical discussions.
The site collects essays that engage with biblical historicity, philosophical ethics, and questions about the relationship between scientific theory and metaphysical commitments. A recurring theme is the exploration of paradoxes that seem to arise for naturalistic worldviews, particularly when accounting for the rational grounding of moral norms. Readers will also find reflections on selected cultural and political topics that intersect with Christian conviction. These pieces are written as sustained arguments rather than brief opinions, often unfolding over several pages to follow each line of reasoning.
Quantum mechanics has prompted fresh debate over the meaning of materialism, since certain interpretations assign a role to the observer or describe physical reality in probabilistic terms. Some philosophers argue that these features weaken the case for a strictly materialist account of mind, while others maintain that physics remains silent on theological questions. The discussion invites careful distinction between what scientific theories claim about measurement and what metaphysical conclusions follow. Engaging these questions requires patience, since the technical language can easily obscure the underlying philosophical assumptions.
The so-called New Atheist literature raised objections against religious belief that continue to shape contemporary debate. Apologetic responses typically examine the logic behind arguments from evil, the misuse of scientific authority, and the challenge of grounding objective morality without a divine lawgiver. Critics of atheism often point to tensions between naturalistic evolution and the existence of universal human rights. The exchange has produced a wide body of writing, ranging from popular essays to more specialized treatments of epistemology and philosophy of religion.
Personal reflections form a smaller portion of the site, offering glimpses into how faith intersects with family life, vocation, and the discipline of study. Readers may find notes on parenting, correspondence about doubt and certainty, and observations on the social dimensions of belief. These writings are presented as one person's perspective rather than as formal instruction. The tone tends to be candid and unhurried, inviting readers to consider how intellectual commitments are worked out in everyday circumstances and relationships.
For those new to the subject, a few starting points can help orient a careful reading. Beginning with short introductions to the resurrection question and the paradoxes of atheism provides a foundation for later essays. Following these with treatments of moral philosophy and the science-religion discussion broadens the perspective. Readers pressed for time may focus on the most frequently revised pieces, which tend to reflect ongoing conversation rather than settled conclusions. The site rewards patient study and revisits familiar themes with fresh nuance.
Essays and Articles
Written arguments covering biblical historicity, moral philosophy, science and faith, and selected current events. Topics include a lengthy response to Robert Price's The Incredible Shrinking Son of Man, moral analysis of the Syrian refugee crisis, homeschooling strategies, and discussions on abortion, faith, and evangelical politics.
Browse the Essays section for the full collection.
Videos and Course Notes
Video presentations include "Is there evidence for the Resurrection?" and "Miracles, materialism, and quantum mechanics" (slides plus audio). Structured study materials include Prepared to Give a Reason, Who is Jesus? A Study in the Gospel of Luke, and Apologetics Course Notes.
Science and Faith
Explorations at the intersection of quantum mechanics, materialism, and Christian belief, including the question of whether quantum fluctuations show that something can come from nothing, and slides for tough questions on science and religion.
Visit the Science section for further reading.
About the Author
The site is owned and operated by Neil Shenvi, a theoretical chemist at Duke University. Content may be reused or reposted with attribution. The About page describes the site's dual purpose and the author's reasons for using widely accessible references.
Contact
Neil Shenvi, Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 5301 French Family Sciences Center, Durham, NC 27708. Readers may also reach out via the Neil Shenvi — Apologetics Facebook page. Full details are on the Contact page.