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I just returned from the annual Evangelical Theological Society and Evangelical Philosophical Society conference in Atlanta. I attended papers by William Lane Craig, Gary Habermas, JP Moreland, Alvin Plantinga, and Angus Menuge. I heard arguments against naturalism and materialism, saw the latest research on the Shroud of Turin, and heard a response to Graham Oppy on the argument from consciousness. I also attended a session at the Society of Biblical Literature on “Is Yahweh a Moral Monster?” This discussion was outstanding. It included New Zealander, Matthew Flannagan, Canadian, Randal Rauser, also, Paul Copan and Richard Hess. Paul’s new book, “Is God a Moral Monster?” on this subject will be released December 1, 2010, but can be pre-ordered at Amazon.com.

While I was attending the annual meeting for ETS/EPS, I also gave a presentation at the 9th annual EPS apologetics conference,

“Set Forth Your Case,” at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. Johnson Ferry’s pastor, Bryant Wright, is the new president of the Southern Baptist Convention. It is so exciting to see the new president of the SBC hosting an apologetics conference!

This event was well-attended with at least 1000 to 1100 participants. My session, “The Redefining of ‘Faith’ and How Christians Can Respond,” was also very well-attended. The chapel was packed full of people who were ready to interact with the material! One very interesting comment came when I asked “Who cares if our society redefines faith as a lack of critical thinking or as opposed to evidence and reason? And why does it matter?”

Several folks responded with answers, but a lady in the front row said something I had not heard from an audience member before: it was offensive to her as a medical doctor–as a professional–for people to denigrate her reasoning skills in this manner. Usually, the audience members discuss how it can stifle conversations before they even get started or they discuss the impact on the Church. I responded, in agreement with the doctor’s statement, that this is ad hominem. I further discussed how ad hominem attacks seek to divide rather than to thoughtfully consider the issue.
One sweet moment came after my session when a gentleman brought his family back to meet my husband and me. He wanted his son to ask me some particular questions he’d been struggling through. Roger and I talked with the family for a while and interacted with both of their sons’ questions. It was a great reminder of why we do these conferences: to touch lives.
Finally, after all the ETS/EPS activities had wrapped up, I had the privilege of speaking at Roswell Street Baptist Church to their youth and college group on “Asking the Right Questions.” They asked me some hard questions on the problem of evil, on science and religion, on talking to people who believe in “fate,” and on talking to people

who don’t seem to care about the question of God.
After our session, Roger and I worshiped with their “Connections” service. They had a phone number on the big screen during worship that congregates could use to text questions concerning the sermon. At the end of the service, about four text questions were answered and then the rest were answered in the Q&A room. What a great idea! Our thanks go out to Roswell Street for hosting us on Sunday. We had a great experience there.
It was a wonderful week of learning, seeing old friends, making new friends, and encouraging the life of the mind! I hope to see even more of you in San Francisco at the annual conference next year.
MJ

7 thoughts on “ETS/EPS Annual Meeting and Apologetics Conference”

  1. Though this is off-topic it can help a fellow sister in Jesus alot:

    Please sign the following petition the FRENCH PRESIDENT so that he will do something to help ASIA BIBI,the Pakistani Christian lady condemned to be hung on 7 NOV for "blasphemy":

    http://www.petitionpublique.fr/?pi=P2010N3807

    I already have.

    To know more about her:

    http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Pakistani-Christian-sentenced-to-death-for-blasphemy:-a-campaign-like-for-Sakineh-19963.html

    TO SIGN ANOTHER PETITON FOR HER (campaign led by ASIA NEWS):

    http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Your-signature-to-save-Asia-Bibi-and-Pakistan-19997.html

  4. It sounds like the conference was a blast. I've been able to attend once, back in 2006, but my fellow Kiwi Matt Flannagan was there this time.

  7. Good job Mary Jo,most people (and I was one of them)have the attitude of "I don't care about religion/God/the afterlife".I know one has to fight indifference tooth and claw.
    Sadly some Christians waste their time.

    PAULO COELHO(literaly "Paul Rabbit"in Portuguese)

    He is a true Catholic believer,he believes in Christianity but,as far as I know,he NEVER mentions Jesus,his teachings,that he is the Saviour.His book "The Alchemist" has sold 40 million,his other bestseller "Veronica decides to Die" has been made into a film.
    I don't want to say it,but he has been a Christian for at least 10 years or 20 and he does nothing for Jesus,it's the sad truth.
    Is HE DOING something to HELP the PERSECUTED Christians in Muslims lands?Does he care?It seems even if he were to be told he would forget about it in 5 minutes.So goes the world.
    Again,good job,and to the readers please contribute financially to Mary Jo's minsitry,which is awesome.

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