Introduction

Agenda Introduction to Reasonable Faith Adelaide A sample presentation – The Existence of God Introduction to the On Guard Series Questions and open discussion Supper

Acknowledgements Reasonable Faith Subscribers Tabor College Graeme Clark Research Institute Adelaide City Bible Forum Holy Trinity Anglican Church – Fellowship Group Ingle Farm Baptist Church Friends who help me even if they think I am silly Cooks in the kitchen

What is Apologetics? Always be prepared to give an answer (or defence - apologia) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15) Apologetics is not saying you are sorry Apologia is Greek for “defence” as in a court of law Christian apologetics is how to defend what the Bible teaches Making a case for the truth of the Christian faith

Why is Apologetics Important? 1. Shaping Culture 2. Strengthening Believers 3. Winning Unbelievers

Unreasonable Faith The public perception: Faith is believing something you know ain’t true. (Mark Twain) Faith means blind trust, in the absence of evidence, even in the teeth of evidence. (Richard Dawkins, The Selfish Gene) Is this your view of Faith?

Who is Reasonable Faith? US Apologetics Organisation Headed by William Lane Craig

William Lane Craig Research Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology in California Phds in Kalam Cosmological Argument and historical evidence for resurrection Outstanding debater

Why Reasonable Faith? Many outstanding apologetic organizations RF has a large body of resources, books, DVDs, debates, podcasts etc Clear presentation As good as any Why not? Not limited to Reasonable Faith Good place to start

Reasonable Faith Adelaide Local Chapter of Reasonable Faith US Local Chapters all over the world Australian chapters in Melbourne, Tasmania and Adelaide Use and promote resources of Reasonable Faith US Non-denominational Mainstream Christian views (Nicene Creed) Main task is apologetics Unique in SA Addressing a huge need

Who am I? Lay person – Electrical Engineer Research Fellow at Uni SA Former contributor to Australian Skeptic Current contributor to The Investigator Magazine Elder at Ingle Farm Baptist Attend Holy Trinity Anglican Undertaking Graduate Diploma in Philosophy at Tabor College Approved to be a director of a Reasonable Faith Chapter

Types of Activities Public talks on apologetic items of interest Training in apologetics Content Strategy (tactics, manner) Development of brochures for use by lay people Debates with those who hold opposing views Web site Blogs and other resources

Immediate Plans On Guard – signature RF resource 8 Training session Dress Rehearsals with sympathetic audience Constructive criticism Trying various formats to see what works Training people in public presentation

Finances Not for profit organisation Not for loss All volunteers - No paid staff Only minor expenses for suppers, incorporation and insurance Grateful to Tabor College for infrastructure support