I know many intelligent Christians who debate theology and apologetics from first principals. Some of my favorites are some of the Lutheran guys involved in the 1517 project.
Being a Christian isn't about talking to Jesus and hearing voices in your head. It's about is the Bible true yes or no? Did this really happen? Did Christ really die and live again just to pay for my sin..... The Bible is a wonder, it's mere existence is a signal by itself.....