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Reasonable Faith Adelaide. 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
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Reasonable Faith Adelaide 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? • Shaping Culture • Strengthening Believers • 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 • www.reasonablefaith.org • 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 • www.reasonablefaithadelaide.org.au • 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