Added Should Atheists be Worried about Modal Calvinist Epistemology? (2025) by Lok-Chi Chan and Shawn Standefer to the Faith and Reason page and the Alvin Plantinga page under Christian Apologetics and Apologists in the Modern Documents section of the Secular Web Library.
In the philosophy of religion, ‘de jure objections’ cover a wide variety of arguments for the conclusion that theistic belief is rationally impermissible, whether or not God exists. ‘Modal Calvinism’ counters these objections by proposing that ‘if God exists, God would ensure that theistic belief is rationally compelling on a global scale’, a modal conditional that is compatible with atheism. In this article Lok-Chi Chan and Shawn Standefer respond to this modal Calvinist argument by examining it through the lenses of probability, modality, and logic—particularly, with possible world semantics, Bayesian reasoning, and paraconsistent models. After examining various forms of the argument, we argue that none can compel atheists to believe that serious theistic possibilities worth considering would involve the purported divine measure. If successful, these arguments eliminate any significant threat from Alvin Plantinga’s celebrated Warranted Christian Belief and block arguments that relativize reason by appealing to the presence of supernatural entities.
New in the Kiosk: Beyond the Veil of Belief: Why God Fails the Test of Reason (2025) by David Falls
In this essay David Falls examines belief in God through the lens of rational inquiry, arguing that the concept of God fails to meet the standards of clarity, evidence, and logical coherence demanded by reason. Drawing on Bertrand Russell’s teapot analogy and a cascade of moral, metaphysical, and epistemological critiques, the piece exposes how theological claims rest on unfalsifiable premises and speculative abstractions. The argument addresses common defenses such as postmortem justice and divine immanence, showing how they defer accountability or collapse into vagueness. Ultimately, the essay contends that faith without form or testability cannot withstand intellectual scrutiny—and that traditional theism dissolves under the weight of reasoned examination.
Recommended reading: Atheism Step by Step: How Humanity Has Questioned Gods and Learned to Live Without Them (2025) by James Smith
Curious about what atheism really means? Whether you’re questioning your faith, newly nonreligious, or just want a deeper understanding of life without gods, Atheism Step by Step is a clear, thorough, and refreshingly honest guide. In a world where religion is often the default, this book gives voice to the other side—those who choose to live without supernatural beliefs and find meaning, morality, and purpose in reality itself. With historical depth, philosophical rigor, and practical advice, this book shows that rejecting divine authority doesn’t mean rejecting wonder, ethics, or humanity. It means taking responsibility for your own life—thoughtfully and bravely.