Friendly Freethinker: Fearless Faith, Freethought and Free Inquiry

On a bright summer Sunday morning, I was invited to speak in a synagogue on the rather dark subject of Christian Nationalism. Having lectured on the topic in classes and churches, I’m prepared to present a basic introduction to the dangers of this politicized form of faith. Several years ago I joined a rabbi in another Jewish community to present an evening program on the same subject. In both synagogues I was introduced as a former evangelical Christian who served as a minister and chaplain for many years before emerging as a freethinking secular humanist. Both presentations led to positive conversations that addressed fears as well as practical ways to resist the powerful forces of extremist faith. I’ve been invited to address the same topic at a Baptist church this fall.

I mention these opportunities for education and dialogue in order to highlight the way some faith communities are practicing a devotion to free exchange and common learning. Honest curiosity is a revealing sign of health in any group, providing clear evidence they are not fearfully defensive but courageously engaging what may be very difficult issues.

In the August/September 2026 issue of “Free Inquiry,” the editors open with a variation of an old joke: “If you put three secular humanists in a room to discuss an issue, they’ll leave with five different opinions.” Remind you of any other groups? The editors explained: “We humanists are thoughtful, engaged individuals who have opinions on a wide range of matters but who also believe that discussion with others, including others with contrasting views, is an effective way to search for the truth—a way that respects the ideal of free and open inquiry.” The intention is to avoid being dogmatic, choosing open dialogue and cooperation with a fearless, questioning attitude.

Some religious groups may not practice the same commitment to this open search for truth—they guard against too many questions, too many opinions. Determined dogma gets in the way of discussion. And yet, I’ve met a number of believers who are willing to have civil conversations, even with non-believers. When people who hold divergent beliefs and opinions take the time, and make the effort, to listen and learn from others, it can be a constructive moment for all.

Now and then I hear from a reader or student unhappy that I raise uncomfortable questions. They resist giving serious consideration to something they may never have thought about before. I’m sensitive to the fact that new ideas can touch sensitive feelings, especially to those who are fearful of being challenged.

Thinking about my presentations among Jews and Baptists, I’m aware these are two faith traditions that have historically experienced serious persecution. Jefferson wrote that religious freedom includes "the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and the [Muslim], the [Hindu], and [the] infidel…" He assured a Baptist group in Connecticut there was a “wall of separation between church and state.” Why would he need to affirm that? Minority religions, like collectives of non-religious citizens, are protected from an authoritarian government as well as from dominant religious powers. What may be overlooked at times is that free exercise of religious belief and conscience should go hand in hand with free inquiry—practicing a reasonable, responsible investigation of the strengths and weaknesses of one’s own beliefs. Like the faith groups I speak with, any balanced belief needs to look in the mirror, not simply peek out from behind well-defended walls.

Someone approached a Jewish member of Congress, known for being a freethinker, and said: “I’ll pray for you!” The Congressman replied: “Thank you. I’ll think for you.” This may sound flippant or even disrespectful, but it may actually show more respect since it’s a response based on reason. This representative regularly stands up and speaks out for religious freedom, not just for his own beliefs, but to protect all people of faith as well as humanists, agnostics and atheists. Though I’m aware that someone saying “I’ll pray for you” may be sincere, coming from a place of good intentions, I also know that prayer, like the Bible, can be used like a weapon. To reply to this in a thoughtful way—“I’ll think for you”—might serve to remind the “prayer warrior” that rational people also deserve respect, particularly when they are doing some hard thinking and acting to benefit those who pray, and those who do not.

Inquiry must be free and unrestricted in order to investigate and interrogate claims to truth. Having an inquisitive nature means fearlessly digging into what we believe and why we believe it. It’s centered in curiosity and an honest intention to discover what has meaning and really “works” in the complex and confusing world in which we live.

Chris Highland

2026

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Chris Highland was a minister and chaplain for many years. He is a writer and teacher in Asheville, NC. www.chighland.com, (chris.highland@gmail.com)