Reasonable Faith AdelaideIntroduction

AgendaIntroduction to Reasonable Faith AdelaideA sample presentation – The Existence of GodIntroduction to the On Guard SeriesQuestions and open discussionSupper

AcknowledgementsReasonable Faith SubscribersTabor CollegeGraeme Clark Research InstituteAdelaide City Bible ForumHoly Trinity Anglican Church – Fellowship

GroupIngle Farm Baptist ChurchFriends who help me even if they think I am

sillyCooks 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 sorryApologia is Greek for “defence” as in a court

of lawChristian apologetics is how to defend what

the Bible teachesMaking a case for the truth of the Christian

faith

Why is Apologetics Important?1. Shaping Culture2. Strengthening Believers3. Winning Unbelievers

Unreasonable FaithThe 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 Organisationwww.reasonablefaith.orgHeaded by William Lane Craig

William Lane CraigResearch 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 organizationsRF has a large body of resources, books,

DVDs, debates, podcasts etcClear presentationAs good as anyWhy not?Not limited to Reasonable FaithGood place to start

Reasonable Faith AdelaideLocal Chapter of Reasonable Faith USLocal Chapters all over the worldAustralian chapters in Melbourne, Tasmania and

AdelaideUse and promote resources of Reasonable Faith

USNon-denominationalMainstream Christian views (Nicene Creed)Main task is apologeticsUnique in SAAddressing a huge need

Who am I?Lay person – Electrical EngineerResearch Fellow at Uni SAFormer contributor to Australian SkepticCurrent contributor to The Investigator MagazineElder at Ingle Farm BaptistAttend Holy Trinity AnglicanUndertaking Graduate Diploma in Philosophy at

Tabor CollegeApproved to be a director of a Reasonable Faith

Chapter

Types of ActivitiesPublic talks on apologetic items of interestTraining in apologetics

ContentStrategy (tactics, manner)

Development of brochures for use by lay people

Debates with those who hold opposing viewsWeb site

www.reasonablefaithadelaide.org.au Blogs and other resources

Immediate PlansOn Guard – signature RF resource8 Training sessionDress Rehearsals with sympathetic audienceConstructive criticismTrying various formats to see what worksTraining people in public presentation

FinancesNot for profit organisationNot for lossAll volunteers - No paid staffOnly minor expenses for suppers,

incorporation and insuranceGrateful to Tabor College for infrastructure

support