Since Nietzche famously declared the death of God, some scholars argued that religion was entering its twilight years. Recently, however, global events and the rise of the “new atheists” has brought religion right back to the centre of both popular and academic debate. We are now experiencing a clash of worldviews that is being played out on many different levels. Bestselling authors such as Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris, are already influencing a whole new generation of thinkers to dismiss the Christian worldview “out of hand” and to attack the church’s role within society today.

How, then, should Christians respond to the objections they face? Is science really incompatible with faith? Is there not a rational basis for believing the Christian message? Shouldn’t faith schools be allowed to teach a religious worldview?

The debate provides Christians with an amazing opportunity, as well as a major challenge! Are we ready to engage people? Are we equipped to do so? Can we communicate the gospel message effectively within the global marketplace of competing ideas, ideologies and worldviews? After all, the Bible tells us that we should be ready to give a reason for the hope that we have and we are told to do this with gentleness and respect.

We hope to see you at our 2009 annual Oxford Summer School, where we will explore the Christian response to many of the major challenges we face today. 

Visit our 2009 Oxford Summer School website for further information and registration.