Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) will host its fifth annual October 16 and 17, to showcase the importance of being able to defend faith by being intellectually reasonable and desirable. The conference will feature expert speakers in science, religion, and art from across the nation, who will give their own perspective and reasoning for believing in the one true God.
Reason and Religion
Dr. Paul Gould, professor and director of PBA’s Master of Arts in Philosophy and Religion, started the conference in 2021, after noticing a need for apologetics in South Florida. Dr. Gould notes that in 1 Peter 3:15, Scripture tells believers to always be prepared to explain their inner hope. Not only is this commanded, but it’s also demonstrated in John 14, where Jesus tells people to pay attention to the evidence he provides. Reason is used constantly in the Bible to affirm scripture and faith in God.
“It’s not just enough, in our culture to know that it’s true, but we want to help others see that it’s true,” said Gould.
The Intellectual Appeal of the Gospel
Gould also stresses that apologetics can be especially helpful for believers who face the questions, challenges, and cultural narratives of the world. The field encourages a deeper inquiry into Scripture and faith. This is why Gould views the conference as an excellent opportunity for students to see distinguished speakers from various fields defending their faith.
This year’s speakers include Erica W. Carlson, a physics professor at Purdue University; Naomi Wright, a cult survivor and nonprofit founder for people who have experienced spiritual abuse; Jim Spiegel, an author, who has published eleven books, over 100 articles, and book chapters; plus other specialists in theology and philosophy.
Gould is talking about searching for meaning in a disenchanted world, and how Christianity is the answer to those searching for a secure identity during chaotic times. The goal of these speakers is to remind students and believers of all the great reasons to believe in the Gospel.
“It’s inspiring to see people living out the Gospel in their own context, and their own calling. The hope is that people will see that and go do the same,” said Gould.
Leading Boldly and Thinking Deeply
Over the past few years, Gould has seen not only a growth in apologetics through the conference’s increasing popularity within the surrounding community, but also with students on campus. As a result, there is a PBA Apologetics Club that meets weekly, an apologetics Bachelor of Arts, minor degree options, and the flagship Master of Arts in Philosophy and Religion.
“It’s exciting to be a part of this movement at PBA. God is raising up, training deep thinkers that will have an incredible impact on culture, and serve in the church in years to come,” said Gould.
Event Details and Registration
The conference opens its doors at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, October 16, at the DeSantis Family Chapter for praise and worship, followed by the first keynote speaker, Gavin Ortland, who has a PhD in historical theology and is the President of Truth Unites and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.
On Saturday, the conference begins at 8 a.m. at the DeSantis Family Chapter for praise and worship, followed by keynote speakers Erica Carlson, Jim Spiegel, and Naomi Wright.
To learn more about registration and the full schedule, visit here.
