Tonight and Tomorrow. I'll be there both days, so send me a pm or something. Would love to meet some of you guys.

http://www.rethinkapologetics.com/alabama/

Maybe all the ho's

LOL. fixed it.

I had originally planned on taking my youth group (my church is basically right across the street from Briarwood), but couldn't get enough students to commit to going. Let me know how it goes! I guess I could technically just walk over there...

Are you at Rocky Ridge Cumberland?

Oh no!
Gosh I hate to miss that... NOT!

Bummer

Lakeside Baptist

Used to take classes through NOBTS at lakeside

You have Dr. Boutwell?

the topic sure sounds interesting ...

it's been about 10-11 years. I don't remember all my teachers names. The only one that jumps out from the lakeside campus is John killian

Briarwood lost me when they decided they need their own police force. I'm not setting foot on a site where the sworn police officers are working for and paid by the landowner/business, not for the city.

Since no one else has ask or may already know. What is this thing.....??

Christian apologetics conference for students. Had 1500 students from all over the country.

Please explain a little more. The title is very confusing.(not knocking this by no means) sounds like a snowball fest to me. Again please don't take this the wrong way

Christian apologetics is basically the study of biblical defense of the Christian faith--knowing why we believe what we believe and having an answer when asked.

The conference covered topics such as:
Is the Bible accurate?
Forensic case studies on manuscripts
LGBTQ issues and how believers can share the gospel.
Evolution
Creation
Islam
Moral relativity vs Absolute Truth
Why do bad things happen to good people?
A case for Christ
Etc...

Bible based study on issues. Leading biblical worldview biologists, chemists, physicists, scientists, scholars and forensic investigators put on the conference.

So basically paying someone to tell you what you should think or believe.

Absolutely wrong.
Not at all.
Apologetics simple means having a reasoned defense for what you believe. Apologetics more or less helps you understand what other people believe and how to combat it based off of and solely on Gods word. In this case with Christianity, It's ones faith and Christianity that is defended. Defended against all other arguments out there I.e. Moral arguments, which God exist arguments, does God exist argument, the design argument and a whole lot of other arguments out there that may come up in conversation or in a debate type situation with a non believer.

I'm assuming if the conference is how I think. It'll consist of someone explaning how and where to find your info in the Bible to combat some one who is bringing (insert argument) against your faith and how to be prepared on the spot for it. Also how to use certain anologies that debunk what they believe and more so prove what you believe to be true.

Religion doesn't really need an "argument" in the United States as long as it doesn't infringe on other people's rights.

You're correct. You don't have to technically reason why you believe anything weather its sports, politics, religion etc. However it is important to be able to effectively explain what and why you believe if someone says, " what you believe is wrong" or " why do you believe that" or "I believe (insert argument) and your faith in Jesus is wrong" so on and so on.

It's simple having the ability to make sense while you explain your faith against the number of arguments out there. Vs just saying " because it is right". As a Christian you're never going to run into someone who says (insert argument) is right because I said so. They are going to have a hodge smodge of info of what they believe to be true to throw at you. Gotta be able to defend your faith in those situations.

Not even close.

As Christians we are called to share the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ and his atoning death for all who believe and repent. Not just that but as Christian parents we are called to teach and train our children in the truth. Further we are called to be salt and light in a dark world so that others may come to know Christ. Additionally we are called to be prepared to give an answer for the hope and faith we have in Jesus.

How and where do we prepare for these tasks? How do we become equipped? There are many ways. Some examples would be:

By deep studying the Word of God.
By consistent in prayer.
By the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
By growing in knowledge, wisdom, understanding and discernment...through God, not just ourselves.
By engaging in worship.
By receiving sound teaching and preaching.
By fellowship with other believers.
By supplementing all the above with quality bible study, small groups, apologetics, conferences, retreats, etc...
Lots of ways for a person to be equipped. Everyone has different preferences so this isn't a must do list, just examples.

An apologetics conference is just one of many opportunities to study, learn, question, explore, and increase knowledge, wisdom and understanding. It's a time of worship and fellowship too.

Paying to be told what to believe? That is suggesting a lack of integrity and blind following. That ain't correct.

Excerpt from a guy that explains it better than me:

"Jesus was unconcerned with proving his divinity, in any sense, even when Satan or the religious gatekeepers tempted him to do so. He instead lived his divinity through his convictions and works, in which he relationally engaged with others–both with his disciples and those he encountered through moments in time. Therefore I see no point in quoting scripture against others also quoting scripture because neither’s desired outcome will ever become reality. Rather, we must live our theology such that Jesus’ divinity does not have to be proven but felt, and related to, through our own conversations, works, and relational engagements."

Link

1 Peter 3:15 ESV
but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

^^That is excellent advice. Thomas of Assisi once said "Share the gospel at all times, if necessary use words". Matthew 5:14 in context emphasizes living out our faith so Christ is seen and glorified.

However, there are times when we really need to understand why we believe what we believe and be able to articulate that position...plus learn how to recognize false doctrine or teaching. Jesus and Paul share this message to us too.

The first line in the article is

"Specifically regarding the biblical texts regarding homosexuality"
And continue to talk about how arguing scripture with someone else arguing scripture is pointless. No where is his article or his scripture reference does it say not to defend your faith. It basically says to live out what scripture says and by conviction.

I am in the process of packing for a move. Totally bummed I missed it. We had 20 or so from our church attend

If I had known about it in time, I would have enjoyed attending. Did y'all have some good speakers?