Reflecting on:

Engaging with the Real Questions

Introduction to Apologetics

6 - 11 July 2009

Thank you to all who helped make this year's course a success.  Jerram Barrs led a thought-provoking, rich course on how to approach apologetics and how Christ's love characterises our witness. Here are some comments from this year's students:   ''I can see that we are not trying to win arguments and Jerram’s very personal style has shown me that it is the person we are speaking to that matters in our delivery of the message.”   ''Loved the discipleship aspect and meeting people from all over''   ''Given [me] more tools to be open about my faith''   ''A good dose of humility to help me respect the people to whom I offer the gospel''

The Content:

Does God have a place in our society? Isn't it obvious that faith leads to fanaticism? How can anyone trust what the Bible says? Hasn't science made it completely irrelevant?

How would you respond to these challenging, and often sincere, questions?

Perhaps you're asking them yourself, but haven't had time to think them through?

Why not come and learn how to respond lovingly, accurately and helpfully?

The Lecturers:

Jerram Barrs

Jerram is the primary lecturer for the course.  Previously, Jerram worked with English L'Abri and as the pastor of an International Presbyterian Church, in Hampshire. He teaches at Covenant Seminary in St Louis, MO where in 1989 he founded the Francis Schaeffer Institute which is designed to teach theological students the importance of apologetics.

Jerram Barrs's powerpoints availble here

Stephen Lloyd

Steve will lecture on science and Christian faith. Steve is pastor of Hope Baptist Church in Gravesend, Kent and also works part-time as a speaker and writer for Biblical Creation Ministries. He has a PhD in Materials Science from the University of Cambridge and a diploma in Theology and Religious Studies.

Ard Louis

Ard will contribute to the day on science and Christian faith.  Ard is a Royal Society University Research Fellow and is a Reader in Theoretical Physics at Oxford University.

 Ard Louis' powerpoint available here

Ranald Macaulay

Ranald will contribute to the day on science and Christianity.  Ranald is the coordinator for Christian Heritage.  Previously he worked with Frances Schaeffer at L'Abri in Switzerland, was involved in founding a Presbyterian church-plant and later ran an English L'Abri in Hampshire.  He is the author of many books, including "Wilberforce, Slavery and Abolition."

The Venue:

The dining hall at Westminster College