October 27 to 28 marked the second annual Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) Faithful Witness Apologetics Conference, hosted by the School of Ministry. The weekend brought together some of the brightest Christian minds in the world, and attendees heard form leading scientists, philosophers, theologians, pastors, and public intellectuals. Topics ranged from the existence of God, the relationship between faith and science, the role of the imagination and stories in evangelism, the place of doubt to the strength of evidence for the resurrection.
Dr. Paul Gould, associate professor of philosophy of religion and director of the M.A. of Philosophy of Religion program at PBA, and one of the main organizers of the conference, explained that “apologetics is helping others see that Christianity is true to the way the world is and true to the way the world ought to be.” He continued by stating that “apologetics is important because we believe that Jesus is our highest good and our greatest need, and the Christian story is the good and true story of the world. We want to equip others to share this good news in their home, work and beyond.”
Gabriel Martinez and his father, Sam, shared about the significance of the conference and how special it was to attend together.
“I am really looking to grow my faith,” said Gabriel, who is a current PBA student. “PBA does a great job already, and I am really excited to dig deeper and have some of my theological questions answered,” he stated.
During the conference’s keynote speeches, Dr. Michael Ward spoke about the revelatory life of C.S. Lewis. Next, Dr. Erica Carlson emphasized God’s creative hand in nature, Travis Dickinson instructed on the reality of doubt and Dr. Joy Clarkson presented on apologetics in modern literature.
Over the course of two days, these speakers were able to defend and explain the Christian faith, as well as challenge the minds of both students and other attendees.
Additionally, break out groups hosted by Dr. Copan, professor of philosophy and ethics, Dr. Brandon Rickabaugh, assistant professor of philosophy of religion, Dr. Gould and other distinguished scholars helped attendees tackle tough issues such as the morality of God and the importance of Christian intellectualism, in a smaller setting.
Dr. Gould said his hopes for this conference were that it would “bless, encourage, inspire and equip local students and families to show the brilliance and beauty of Jesus and the gospel in West Palm Beach and beyond.”
To learn more about PBA’s School of Ministry Apologetics Program, visit https://pbaapologetics.com/.
