Todd Friel



Todd Friel is the host of Wretched Radio, a conservative, evangelical Christian radio show. From January 2006 to November 2008, he hosted the Way of the Master Radio show, a two‐hour daily Christian talk show, with both Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron as frequent co‐hosts.

Friel shares similar views with Cameron and Comfort, and he often uses several classic arguments proposed by them. Unfortunately, Friel has yet to come up with his own arguments, like the Crocoduck or banana fallacy. Friel, rather than using rational arguments, uses his crafty words alongside his charisma to appeal to audiences in order to gain support. Friel is described as "one of those glassy‐eyed glad‐handing used‐car‐salesmen of the soul types" by PZ Myers.

Friel has had many people call in on his show to debate him. One such example was Christopher Hitchens. Friel does not engage in live debates that much, but he did debate co‐president Dan Barker of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, and Eddie Tabash, chairman of the national legal committee of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

Beliefs
Friel is a born‐again evangelical Christian and shares similar beliefs with Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron. He believes salvation comes through grace and not works. He takes the Bible literally, he is a young earth creationist – he believes that God created everything from nothing, or ex nihilo. Friel does not accept evolution because he believes it is random chance, and thus insulting to our intelligence. Friel commonly argues those who do not believe in Jesus must therefore hate Jesus.

His common argument against atheists, besides that they hate Jesus, is that they cannot provide a single case for atheism and cannot prove God does not exist. Instead, they bash at Christianity over other religions, but they cannot disprove God. The burden of proof is on the theist to provide proof, and not once has Friel met it. Of course, Friel ignores all the arguments against the existence of God, such as why the first cause argument fails.

Who deserves death?
Friel is anti-choice and believes not a single doctor has ever said it is medically necessary to have a late term abortion, and there has never ever been an issue in America where an abortion could save a mother's life. However, if Friel believes God has the ability to save people (such as on 9/11), then God chooses not to save those who perish in miscarriages (there are three to four times more miscarriages per abortion every year, so God is not pro‐life). If Friel wanted an example when an abortion did save a mother's life, all he would have to do is spend a short time doing actual research. Here is one of the many examples: Sister Margaret McBride, who is described as "saintly" "courageous" and a "moral conscience of St. Joseph." She was a senior administrator at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. One year, a 27‐year‐old mother of four came in 11 weeks pregnant and seriously ill. Doctors and experts said if her pregnancy were not terminated, she would likely die, taking her unborn child with her. The Hospital stated: "In this tragic case of treatment necessary to save the mother's life required the termination of an 11 week pregnancy. Sister McBride supported that statement and many medical ethicists said it was the right call, such as Prof. Art Caplan." However, the bishop in Phoenix, Thomas J. Olmsted, did not agree; in fact, he stated he would have let the mother die. He later announced that Sister McBride was excommunicated, although she still works at the hospital, just in a different position. There are many examples of late term abortions saving the mother; even though it may not be common, it does not overrule the fact that it does happen and women should have the right to protect themselves.

We all deserve to be hurt by God
In a debate with Eddie Tabash, Friel claimed that we all deserve to be hurt by God. Whether it is a tower falling on 18 people, 9/11, etc. we all deserve to be hurt by God because of justice. Friel states that everyone wants the guilty (murderers, rapists, liars, thieves, adulterers, etc.) to be punished, and since we are all guilty in the eyes of God, then we must be punished here and now and in the afterlife unless we repent.

He believes Hell is "reasonable justice." His justification for such a belief is that any crime, no matter how small, must be punished, and the guilty must suffer in Hell for eternity. For example, if he lied to his daughter, not much harm is done. If he lied to his wife, that is troubling. If he lied to his boss, he could be fired. If he lied to the government, he commits treason. However, in the eyes of God (the big guy), it is very offensive, and so much as lying about your weight is punishable by burning for eternity. This is clearly not reasonable. The punishment should fit the crime. An infinite punishment for a finite crime is not justifiable, nor is it just or reasonable.

View on Islam
Friel holds a negative view towards Muslims and Islam (as do most of the staff on Way of the Master). After Pres. Obama gave a speech in Cairo, stating that Islam has "always been a part of American history", Friel stated that Pres. Obama had never read a history book. Friel goes on to say Muslims were not among the pilgrims, revolutionists, founding fathers, signers of the Constitution or Bill of Rights, nor were Muslims seen in the women’s suffrage movement or the abolitionist movement (in fact, Friel says that Muslims are the largest human traffickers today, they are cruel to them, and it was evangelical Christians who started the abolitionist movement because the Bible strictly forbids slavery ). Rather, Muslims have only been seen helping the Nazi Party and committing acts of terrorism. This is hardly true for either Muslims or evangelical Christians, who also supported slavery in other cases, plus other unworthy causes like opposing women's suffrage. Muslims have lived in the US from the beginning, mostly as African slaves, which includes some who fought in the American Revolution (mostly for the Americans, including Moroccan mercenaries in French service), so Friel is just wrong about that (not surprisingly).

Talk with Christopher Hitchens
Wretched Radio, hosted by Todd Friel, had Christopher Hitchens call in for an interview/debate in April 2009. Christopher Hitchens was a popular atheist and author. Throughout the talk, Friel tried to convince Hitchens that God was real. Friel rehearsed most of the common tactics performed by Way of the Master; however, Hitchens did not play along as Friel hoped for. Instead, Hitchens virtually disagreed with everything Friel proposed and provided a solid argument each time. Christian listeners may not have understood the solid arguments, and instead may have just believed that Hitchens was against God.

Friel begins by playing a game of “what if?” The people on Friel's program introduce Hitchens, they say that Hitchens hates God. Friel welcomes Hitchens and tells him that they will play a game of “what if it is true?” where Friel will tell Hitchens a story and Hitchens will respond as if they were true.

Round One: Todd's first question to Hitchens is “What if God is real, and he has provided everything for you (life, literature, food, etc.), would he not be good to you?” Hitchens responds that no, he would not, because that would imply that he has an eternal sympathizing parent who would never let him grow up and live his life without supervision and surveillance. Hitchens mentions the then-ruler of North Korea, and Todd replies that he's "not sure whether God's Kim-Jong Il". Hitchens suggests asking Kim-Jong Il ("He might have a different opinion.") Friel responds “But if God allowed you life, wouldn't that be an act of kindness to you?” Hitchens answers no, he does not want anyone's permission, especially when afterwards he is expected to grovel for eternity.

Round Two: Friel asks “Do you believe that God who has provided everything for you has rights on your life?” Hitchens answers no, why should he, why would he own me? Friel responds “because he made you.” Hitchens does not want to be owned and he believes no one has the right to own him. Hitchens mentions the section in his book where he implores the world to escape the slavery of religion, and this sort of attitude is precisely what Friel is encouraging: a form of slavery and owning another person. Hitchens, hypothetically accepting Todd's premise that God made him and cared for him, would not accept that God owns him, or especially his children. Friel responds “even though he keeps you alive, he gives you air to breathe, he provides you with food and everything that is good, do you still say he has no rights to you or tell you what to do?” Hitchens answers no, and adds "does that mean the people who are sick or poor or hungry are excused of this obligation?" Friel answers “Well, that is not part of the game show.”

Round Three: Friel introduces Hitchens again and Friel hopes that the “Everything” in the title of Hitchens book is a hyperbole, but Hitchens says no. Touching back briefly on the last issue, Friel asks “so ownership is a bad thing?” Hitchens answers “of other people, yes.” Friel then asks Hitchens, “What if there is a Judgment Day and God makes you account for every word, every deed, how do you think you will do on that day?” Hitchens responds with “I would ask by what right? If someone stops me and says 'I have a few questions for you' and I say 'Sorry, I'm in a hurry' who would you be imposing these questions?” Friel repeats the premises what if God created you and has the right – but Hitchens repeats himself “By what right?”

Round Four: Todd moves on, just playing a game of what if, Todd asks “what if God rode you through the Ten Commandments, the standard of goodness and redemption, how do you think you will measure you?” Hitchens replies saying he does not need to and does not think anybody else should either. Hitchens says he does not need to be told not to steal or kill, and such, but he does not keep the Sabbath. Hitchens maintains this standard is not wholly good or perfect; it says nothing about child abuse or abolishment of slavery or genocide. Todd asks Hitchens if he has specifically taken God's name in vain? Hitchens responds “I have never completely known” nor does he see anything wrong with it. Todd asks Hitchens if God has ever been the first thing in his life? Hitchens answers God has been nowhere in his life. Todd says that Hitchens has broken the first three commandments, Todd guesses that he broke the fifth, and then he walks Hitchens down the are you a person? routine by specifically asking him if he broke the other commandments and telling him how the Bible interprets breaking those commandments. Hitchens never killed anyone, but Todd says that since Hitchens has been angry then Hitchens has committed murder in his heart. Hitchens says he lusted after women. Todd says that it does not look good for Hitchens if God exists and there is a Judgment Day. Todd asks Hitchens “What would God do with you?” Hitchens hopes that he does not go to Heaven, and points out that Todd is basing this on if you believe in the God of the Old Testament.

Round Five: “What if God did come to this earth in the flesh of Jesus Christ, and he took the punishment from you which you deserve, what if this is true, would that be the greatest kindness gift to your life and the world?” Hitchens says no, he does not want anyone dying for him and would seek to have him prevented from sacrificing himself. Todd says “if that did happen, wouldn't it be an act of kindness?” Hitchens answers no, it takes away his free will and gives him no choice, but too bad, the son already died and now he [Hitchens] is committed. Todd begins to plead with Hitchens to admit that it would be an act of kindness, but Hitchens does not give in and his answer remains the same. Hitchens notes that he already addresses this in his book, and Todd is not asking something new. Hitchens does not think it is an act of kindness, it is a tyrannical act. Todd asks “you think it is tyrannical that someone sacrificed themselves for you?' Hitchens replies “according to you, he didn't. He was alive again shortly after.” Todd says he did die and we celebrate it called Easter, which has been going on for thousands of years – Hitchens adds in “to no effect.” He was supposed to come back during the time of his listeners, that was a direct promise, and he did not keep it.

Round Six: “What if the bible is accurate, (sharing a quote Romans 1) 'For the wrath of God is revealed from the gates of heaven, all in godliness and righteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them from his attributes, his power and divine nature are clearly perceived ever since the creation of the world and the things that have been made so that they are without excuse.' Does that sound like you sir?” Hitchens answers no. Todd repeats the question “Does it seem he is describing you in this quote from Romans 1?” When Hitchens answers no again, Todd asks his “You are not suppressing the obvious truth that there is a creator because you sir would prefer to live your life autonomously?” Hitchens answers no.

Todd asks Hitchens if he had ever heard of Charles Spurgeon? Hitchens answers he has heard of him, but isn't familiar with him. Todd says Spurgeon came across a nonbeliever who “fights and wars against God”, such as Hitchens, and asked him if the reason he was so against God you should follow him home. Todd asks Hitchens if the reason he wars against God is so he can live his life autonomously and live his life any way he wished without being accountable to his creator? Hitchens answers it may be highly probable. And with that, Todd ends the interview.

Debate with Eddie Tabash
Atheist Eddie Tabash debated Todd Friel on March 26, 2007 in Daytona Beach. Eddie Tabash is the chairman of the national legal committee of Americans United for separation of Church and State. Part 1 and Part 2.

Debate with Dan Barker
Todd Friel debated at Dan Barker at the University of Minnesota, March 2006 on the subject "Does God Exist?" The whole debate can be watched here. Throughout the debate, Todd Friel appealed to emotion, provided threats of hell, and tried to make the audience feel guilty by claiming that the conscience was given by some god.

Opening: Dan Barker
Dan Barker begins with his opening speech. To provide a short background, Dan Barker was once a leading evangelical Christian minister in America, he preached and evangelized everywhere he went even out of the country. Dan was a born‐again, bible‐believing preacher, song writer, and a missionary. However, after questioning his religion he slowly became an atheist, concluded God does not exist, and discarded faith. Dan tells a story that one day he went hiking, saw a snake on a trail, but then realized it was a stick. Dan explains why the brain functions like that, and included works by Daniel Dennett, Pascal Boyer, Justin L. Barrett, Scott Atran, and others who research the cognitive science of religion and various cognitive mechanisms. Going back to our ancestors, they saw agencies in things that cause harm and wonder, such as storms and earthquakes. Frightening they were, and man developed a link to these unexplained things to agents similar to humans to explain the unknown. Man gave these agents names, like Thor (which coincidentally the day of the debate took place on a Thursday, and Dan pointed this out that it was "Thor's" acknowledgment day) However, we now know about electricity and plate tectonics to explain these phenomena, and similarly we know the origin of the universe and life therefore we no longer need faith in deities to explain away the unknown. Dan asked why the audience does not believe in Thor, Zeus, Jupiter, etc.? Are they all doubters, skeptics, nonbelievers? Why, people believed these things very sincerely for thousands of years. Likewise, a religion arose in the desert and man created a war‐like God named Yahweh, and a few people in the room believe in Yahweh. Dan pointed out that the main difference between them was that Dan believes in one less God than those certain people, but we are all atheists to a degree (even the first Christians were called atheists). Dan brought up several valid points, such as the burden of proof is on those making the positive claims. Dan can say that he believes in unicorns and can describe them by quoting the unicorn text, but it is not Todd's job to refute Dan, it is Dan's responsibility to prove his unicorn beliefs. Dan says likewise, Todd has failed to prove the existence of his God because there is no evidence for this god. In fact, there is no clear definition of God. The common definition of an omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God cannot logically exist. Dan brings up the problem of evil, if God is all‐powerful but unwilling to help the suffering then he is evil. But if he cannot help, then he is not all‐powerful. Theists cannot agree on the nature of god and his moral principles. Believers in the Bible appear on both sides of social issues. There are many different denominations of Christians, and they believe they have the correct interpretation of the bible while the others are wrong. The Bible is a major source of confusion, history testifies to that. Dan retells several horrible acts committed by Christians against each other for simply disagreement. Dan then says there are no good arguments for the existence of God. Millions of people live happy, moral, loving, fulfilling lives without a belief in God. Dan points out that people who do believe in God are living more poorly than those who don't. Divorce rates are the highest amongst Christians, especially born‐agains. Theists take drugs (or more drugs depending on the state) than nonbelievers, but Christianity is suppose to transform people to becoming better people — however, this does not appear to be the case. In fact, the opposite seems to be true. Churches attract people with low self‐images who think they are sick (sinners) and tell these people that they need to be saved. However, Christianity and religion has made no world moral difference — some would argue the opposite. Belief in God led believers to fly planes into skyscrapers. Dan says that people only debate things we do not know, we do not debate gravity. We debate that which has a lack of certainty.

Response from Todd
Todd Friel produced a DVD titled "The Case for Atheism – There Isn't One" in which he made several responses to Dan. In the DVD, Friel will address three points: how to answer the accusations of atheists, how to witness to somebody who does not believe God exists, and finally how does someone go from loving Jesus to hating Jesus? Friel says that when he entered the debate with Dan, he recommends viewers to do what he encourages: you do not want to get caught up in the world of the intellect argument, instead the Bible says you should go for Creation and Conscience." Creation means there must be a creator, the fool says in his heart 'there is no god,' and the conscience (not the land of the intellect where we can debate and argue) that testifies that they have sinned and done wrong against that creator. Friel says the law of the Lord is perfect, they should be used as a mirror to see how sinful they are. Friel asks the audience if they ever seen a child tie their shoelace, they often put several knots and it makes it difficult to undo each knot. Friel says in this debate, Dan tried to tie Friel up in several knots, but Friel did not want to take the time to address them. However, in this DVD, Friel takes the time to address those knots. RationalWiki will provide a side-by-side format, with Dan's Opening along with Todd's response in the left column while a refutation to Todd's arguments provided in the right column. Dan's speech will be in normal font with Todds response in italics.