Case-Making 101: Honoring A Few of the Experts in Christian Apologetics – Part 1

Over the next few posts I will be showcasing some of the top Christian Apologists who are making a difference worldwide in defense of the Gospel. Of course C.S. Lewis would be one of the all time greats and one of my favorites but I couldn’t find any YouTube videos of him speaking (imagine that)! So this first week I’d like to present RZIM (Ravi Zacharias International Ministries) and a few of the standout Apologists in that organization. Here is their mission and vision statement:

MISSION

The primary mission of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries is to reach and challenge those who shape the ideas of a culture with the credibility of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Distinctive in its strong evangelistic and apologetic foundation, the ministry of RZIM is intended to touch both the heart and the intellect of the thinkers and influencers of society through the support of the visionary leadership of Ravi Zacharias.

VISION

Our vision is to build a team with a fivefold thrust of evangelism, apologetics, spiritual disciplines, training, and humanitarian support so that the mandate of I Peter 3:15 might be fulfilled: to set apart Christ in our hearts as Lord and always be prepared to give a reason for the hope that is within us, with gentleness and respect, all for the glory of God.

Dr. Ravi Zacharias is an Indian-born Canadian-American Christian apologist. A defender of traditional evangelicalism, Zacharias is the author of numerous Christian books, including the Gold Medallion Book Award winner: “Can Man Live Without God?” in the category “theology and doctrine” and Christian bestsellers “Light in the Shadow of Jihad,” and “The Grand Weaver.” He is the founder and chairman of the board of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, host of the radio programs “Let My People Think” and “Just Thinking.” He has been a visiting scholar at Ridley Hall, and has had six honorary doctoral degrees, including a Doctor of Laws and a Doctor of Sacred Theology. Zacharias held the chair in Evangelism and Contemporary Thought at Alliance Theological Seminary from 1981 to 1984. Evangelical Christian leader Chuck Colson referred to Zacharias as “the great apologist of our time.”

In this short eleven minute presentation Dr. Zacharias answers one of the most important questions often asked by our culture today: In reference to the afterlife how do we know that Christianity has it right?

Abdu Murray and Nabeel Qureshi are both former Muslims who converted to Christianity because of the evidence and their willingness to openly investigate both sides. They are both highly sought after speakers and have written books that include: Grand Central Question: Answering the Critical Concerns of the Major Worldviews, by Abdu Murray; and of course Nabeel Qureshi’s Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus. Nabeel also has a new book out called No God But One: Allah or Jesus?

Watch this 49 minute presentation and testimonial by these two great Christian Apologists:

I also had the privilege of hearing one of RZIM’s female Apologists Alycia Wood at a recent conference. Alycia graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College with a degree in Criminal Justice and from Marygrove College with a Master’s in Social Justice. She also graduated from the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and spent two years as a Fellow with RZIM in New England.

Alycia’s speaking background is quite diverse. From universities (such as MIT, UCONN, Harvard, University of Massachusetts, Boston University, Dartmouth College, and Brown University), to retreats, from conferences to men’s and women’s prisons, Alycia has addressed major issues surrounding faith to diverse audiences. Additionally, she has traveled to countries such as Haiti, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, volunteering at soup kitchens and orphanages as her passions for “showing Christ” extends beyond her local environment.

Listen to Alycia’s 28 minute presentation: Why Do I Need God?

Alycia’s presentation resonated with me because the field of Christian Apologetics is not just for the men. We need more women out there presenting the case and influencing the culture for Christ. We don’t need to have a special degree to do so, just the tools and resources like I present here on this website each week.

I encourage everyone out there to do your part in defending the faith against false assumptions and accusations whether on social media or in the home; at your Church or on the street; at your job or on the stage. Whatever you do stay strong in the LORD and own your faith, know what you believe and why you believe it, then tell others.

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. Colossians 2:8

Join us next week as we look at more experts in the field of Christian Apologetics!

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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in!  Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.

Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.

Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.

Teri Dugan

TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com