(SIS S1 E9) Free Will, Consciousness, and the Demise of Materialism

By: Brian G. Chilton and Curtis and Evelo | August 29, 2021

Throughout the summer, we have begun a new series entitled the “Summer Interview Series” in which we interview the top scholars and experts in their chosen fields. This week, we interview Ben Whittington. Ben is a PhD student at the University of Birmingham, UK and received his MA in Philosophical Studies at Liberty University. He is an adjunct professor at Williamson College, an upper school teacher at Providence Christian Academy in Murfreesboro, TN, as well as teaching at many other schools. As one can tell, Ben is a busy guy! On this episode, Ben discusses his dissertation which notes how human freedom overcomes the philosophy of naturalism.

As a first-time guest, tell us about you came to faith in Christ.
You have done a lot of research on the incompatibility of free will and materialism. What are the major problems you find between human free will and an exclusive materialistic universe?
Do you find evidence for the conscious human soul from metaphysics and neuroscience?
What should the layperson take from your research?
Tell us about your ministry and how individuals can contact you or access your resources?

About our Guest: Ben Whittington

Ben Whittington is a native of Murfresboro, Tennessee. He teaches at numerous schools including Williamson College, Providence Christian Academy, Volunteer State Community College, Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana-Lafayette, and the College of DuPage. Ben is a student in the PhD in Philosophy program at the University of Birmingham, UK. He received a Master of Arts in Philosophical Studies at Liberty University. He also studied biblical studies at the same school. Ben’s focus of research is on human freedom, the immaterial soul, and the problems associated with materialism.

Brian Chilton: Founder of Bellator Christi Ministries

Brian G. Chilton is the founder of BellatorChristi.com, the host of The Bellator Christi Podcast, the author of the Layman’s Manual on Christian Apologetics, and a Ph.D. Candidate of the Theology and Apologetics program at Liberty University. He received his Master of Divinity in Theology from Liberty University (with high distinction); his Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies and Philosophy from Gardner-Webb University (with honors); and received certification in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Brian is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Evangelical Philosophical Society. Brian has served in pastoral ministry for nearly 20 years and currently serves as a clinical chaplain, an editor for the Eleutheria Journal, and an Associate Editor for MoralApologetics.com.

https://www.amazon.com/Laymans-Manual-Christian-Apologetics-Essentials/dp/1532697104

Curtis Evelo: Co-Host and Producer of the Bellator Christi Podcast

Curtis Evelo is a cattle rancher at the E6 Hereford Ranch in St. Ignatius, Montana. Curtis is the Co-Host and Producer of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He often teaches and speaks at his church Cornerstone Faith Center in St. Ignatius. Curtis provides a common-sense approach to Christianity as he contemplates the wonders of God’s creation in Big Sky Country.

Additional Resources for Reflection

If you liked this podcast, consider checking out other posts on the website based on the same topic.

Article: “Good Prophet, Bad Prophet, and the Knowledge of God in 1 Kings 13.” https://bellatorchristi.com/2021/08/24/good-prophet-bad-prophet-knowledge-of-god-1-kings-13/

Article: “4 Views on Free Will.” https://bellatorchristi.com/2018/11/26/4-views-of-free-will/

Podcast: “5 Reasons Why Free Will is Evident in Scripture and the Balance that Middle Knowledge Provides.” https://bellatorchristi.com/2017/11/05/podcast-5-reasons-why-free-will-is-evident-in-scripture-and-the-balance-middle-knowledge-provides/

Article: “Does Divine Omniscience Hinder Human Freedom?” https://bellatorchristi.com/2016/09/19/does-divine-omniscience-hinder-human-freedom/