We cannot erase it from the minds of people so we must admit that religion in whatever form it may be is a topic for earnest discussion. When losing in the ideological debates it is too easy to turn to violence in order to gain control.
Not everybody is willing to have a civil exchange of ideas. The victory must be won in the war of ideas by the power of convincing thought.
Religion, of whatever brand or stripe, is always in conflict with a contrary culture. It seeks to change the culture in which it exists. As long as people will freely discuss their differences the longer wars are delayed.
“Winning the war on world views” in the theme for the 2007 National Conference on Christian Apologetics, November 9-10, 2007, at Calvary Church, Charlotte, N.C. The Veritas Graduate School of Apologetics at Southern Evangelical Seminary sponsors the conference.
The seminary’s dean and former president, Norman Geisler, widely read author of more than 60 scholarly books, is universally recognized as the foremost Christian Apologist of our day. Alex McFarland, president of the seminary, and Dean Geisler will serve as co-hosts for the conference which will be attended by Christian leaders, both laymen and clergymen.
Leaders have announced that speakers for the year’s conference will include Charles Colson, Lee Strobel, John Ankerberg, Josh McDowell, Erwin Lutzer, Gary Habermas, Mark Mittelburg and, of course, Geisler and McFarland.
For additional information on registration and motel/hotel reservations you may write to: Southern Evangelical Seminary, 3000 Tilley Morris Road, Matthews, NC 28105 or call 704-847-5600 or visit: www.nationalapologeticsconference.com.
This conference is designed for learning, information and inspiration by listening to the world’s premiere speakers for the Christian point of view. Pastors and teachers will bring their lay leaders and students from the high school and college ranks.
Only those who are well informed and sufficiently trained and educated can persuade others in the market place of ideas. Christians must “be able to give an answer for their faith” if they hope to convince others.
In recent days I have become aware of three new books in the Oldham Inspirational Library which are edited for today’s reader and in large print for easier reading. Joseph D. Allison completed the text abridgement.
The books by the internationally known preacher, broadcaster and popular author, W. Dale Oldham, open a refreshing window for understanding the Christian faith. They take readers to the heart of the faith discussion in a language that can be correctly understood.
The Oldham books are titled: How to Grow Spiritually, Living Close to God, and Give Me Tomorrow. These books, $7.95 each, may be purchased through your local bookstore or ordered from Warner Press, P O Box 2499, Anderson, IN 46018-9988. You may also go to www.warnerpress.com or call 877-346-3974.
Christians, and every religion, should allow for others what they desire for themselves. There needs to be freedom of worship for everyone. We are not really free if we are not free to live in the realm of spiritual expression.
Whether it is in an apologetics conference with the day’s leading scholars, through books by celebrated pastors or some other means it is important that we all are spiritually connected to God.
It was Jesus Christ who said of Himself, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). He also added, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
The discussion concerning religious truth will continue in a variety of venues in an attempt to know the greatest truth and be free from fear concerning our relationship to God.
Publisher's Note: Bill Ellis, Award Winning
Syndicated Columnist, P.O. Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560.
Phone:304-757-6089
www.BillEllis.Net.
