Who Is Frank Turek
Frank Turek (born November 20, 1961) is an American Christian speaker, author, and apologist. He is best known as the founder and president of CrossExamined.org. His books include I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, Stealing From God, and Correct, Not Politically Correct.
Early Life and Education
- Born in Neptune Township, New Jersey in 1961.
- Raised Roman Catholic.
- Served as a Naval Flight Officer in the U.S. Navy.
- Earned a Master of Public Administration from George Washington University.
- Completed a Doctor of Ministry in Apologetics from Southern Evangelical Seminary.
How He Came to Know Christ
While serving in the Navy, Turek met a fellow student whose father was a Methodist minister. This friend introduced him to books like Evidence That Demands a Verdict and More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell. These works stirred questions that deepened his search for truth and pointed him to Christ.
John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Romans 10:17 – So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Career and Notable Life Events
| Event / Role | What Happened |
|---|---|
| Seminars & Debates | Spoke at universities and debated atheists such as Christopher Hitchens. |
| Founding CrossExamined | In 2006 he founded CrossExamined.org to teach apologetics and worldview training. |
| Books | Co-authored I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist with Norman Geisler and wrote several other works. |
| Media | Hosts the TV program and podcast I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist. |
| Teaching | Taught leadership and management at George Washington University. |
His Approach to Apologetics
Turek focuses on evidential apologetics, defending Christianity through historical, philosophical, and scientific evidence. He argues that truth is objective and that Christianity provides the best explanation for reality.
Biblical Foundations
Acts 17:11 – Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so.
1 Peter 3:15 – But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.
Romans 1:20 – For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.
Chronological Summary
| Year / Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 1961 | Born in Neptune Township, New Jersey. |
| Childhood | Raised Roman Catholic. |
| Early Adulthood | Served in the U.S. Navy as a Naval Flight Officer. |
| While in Navy | Introduced to apologetics through Josh McDowell’s books, sparking faith in Christ. |
| Education | Earned degrees from George Washington University and Southern Evangelical Seminary. |
| 1998 | Co-authored Legislating Morality with Norman Geisler. |
| 2004 | Published I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist. |
| 2006 | Founded CrossExamined.org. |
| Present | Continues to speak, debate, write, and host apologetics media programs. |
Final Thoughts
Frank Turek’s story shows how intellectual questions can lead someone on a deep faith journey. His shift from Catholicism toward evangelical Protestantism didn’t happen overnight; it involved questioning, study, evidence, and conversation. His ministry is built on helping others who have doubts or seek solid reasons for their beliefs.
He illustrates something from the Bible: that faith often grows through seeking and testing. James 1:5-6 says we can ask for wisdom and receive it if we believe. Turek’s work tries to help people see that Christianity is not just faith without reason—but faith with reason, grounded in what he argues to be actual evidence.
For some, apologetics is uncomfortable; it raises doubt. But Turek’s example shows how doubt can lead to stronger faith if handled honestly. His life suggests that belief doesn’t require giving up reason, but inviting it into your journey.
