The famous atheist Bertrand Russell declared that what humans really crave is certainty. Yet when we look at our world today, certainty seems to be in short supply. We live in an extremely sceptical age where the influence of postmodernism has even eroded the concept of truth itself. Furthermore, recent global events have conspired to shatter our confidence in the financial institutions upon which our society has depended.
During these troubled and uncertain times, many people are beginning to ask questions about life that may have otherwise remained dormant. But it is often difficult to know how to respond in such a situation. What answers can we give to someone who has been influenced by authors such as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens? Can we be certain in the gospel of Christ crucified? Is there any ultimate hope?
Uncertain Times, Certain Hope? is a day of apologetics teaching and training designed to help the Christian gain confidence in communicating the gospel more effectively to those who do not share the same viewpoint. Alister McGrath and John Lennox will lead sessions looking at how to respond to the challenge of new atheism, drawing upon their own personal experiences in public debates. Michael Ramsden and Michael Green will then speak on the reality and the certainty of the gospel respectively. The day will conclude with an open question and answer session where delegates will have the opportunity to ask any question to the speaking team.
Details on the Day:
| Date: |
Saturday 7th February 2009 |
| Venue: |
St Aldate's Church, Oxford |
| Price: |
£25 per person or £20 for students and unwaged (includes lunch) |
| Time: |
Doors open 8:40am. Registration from 9:00am. Event closes at 5:00pm |
| Registration is online. Tickets will also be available on the door, however tickets purchased on the door DO NOT include lunch. |
Have your payment card ready as you will be required to pay to complete registration. PayPal registration may also be required.
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Provisional Timetable
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| 9:00 |
Registration and Coffee |
| 9:30 - 9:45 |
Welcome, Introduction & Worship |
| 9:45 - 10:45 |
Session 1 - New Atheism, Alister McGrath |
| 10:45 - 11:15 |
Tea & Coffee |
| 11:15 - 12:15 |
Session 2 - New Atheism, John Lennox
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| 12:15 - 12:30 |
Zacharias Trust Update |
| 12:30 - 1:30 |
Lunch |
| 1:30 - 1:45 |
Worship
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| 1:45 - 2:45 |
Session 3 - Divorce from Reality, Michael Ramsden |
| 2:45 - 3:00 |
Tea & Coffee |
| 3:00 - 4:00 |
Session 4 - Confidence in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Michael Green |
| 4:00 - 4:15 |
Prayer |
| 4:15 - 5:00 |
Session 5 - Question & Answers |
| 5:00 |
Depart |