In the beginning...

The opening verses of the Bible establish the bedrock upon which the rest of scripture and the Christian faith is anchored. Many Christians, however, find these verses in Genesis difficult to digest and even harder to interpret. Over time, people's confidence in the text has been eroded by a combination of modern scientific discoveries and assaults against the authority of the Bible by groups such as the new atheists. Do believers really have to make a choice between science and religion? When it comes to philosophy, is Christianity simply 'beyond the pale'?

'In the beginning' is a training day designed to help believers grapple with these difficult topics, so that they might be able to communicate and defend the gospel message more effectively and with a greater confidence.

Book your place online

£22.50 for Student/unwaged

Prices include lunch

www.rzim.eu

events@rzim.eu

01865 302900

See our website for further information.

Speaker Bios

John Lennox

John Lennox is Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University and an Adjunct Professor at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. He is also a Fellow in Mathematics and Philosophy of Science at Green Templeton College, Oxford. He is particularly interested in the interface of science, philosophy and theology and his most recent books include Seven Days that Divide the World, Gunning for God and Stephen Hawking and God. In the past five years, Professor Lennox has debated a number of the world's leading atheists including Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and Peter Singer.

Amy Orr-Ewing

Amy Orr-Ewing is the UK Director of RZIM Europe and the Director of Programmes for the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. She gained a first class degree in Theology at Christ Church, Oxford University, before receiving a Masters degree at King's College, London. Amy has written a number of books exploring key apologetics topics, such as Deep, But is It Real? and Why Trust the Bible? Amy has given talks on Christian apologetics to many audiences worldwide, including at the Keswick Convention, the European Leadership Forum in Hungary, and to the White House staff in Washington D.C.

Tom Price

Tom Price is an Academic Tutor at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, and a speaker for RZIM Europe. He studied Philosophy at university and later completed a Masters in Christian Apologetics. Before studying for his Masters, Tom worked for the University and Colleges Christian Fellowship as the founding editor of their apologetics website www.bethinking.org. Tom is also a speaker for Damaris Trust.

Michael Ramsden

Michael Ramsden is the European Director of RZIM Europe and is also Director of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. Michael was brought up in the Middle East and later moved to England where he worked for the Lord Chancellor's department investing funds. While doing research in Law and Economics at Sheffield University, he taught Moral Philosophy and his numerous speaking engagements have included addressing leaders at NATO's headquarters and Members of the European Parliament. He has contributed to the books Preach the Word! and Beyond Opinion.

Vince Vitale

Vince Vitale is Senior Tutor at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and Tutor in Evangelism and Apologetics at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. He is in the final stages of an Oxford doctorate in Philosophy, having first completed an M.Phil. in Theology. His primary research interests are in ethics, epistemology, and philosophy of religion, areas which converge in his doctoral thesis on ‘the problem of evil.' Vince is an Associate Editor of Forum Philosophicum: International Journal for Philosophy and he previously taught with rank of Lecturer in the Philosophy and Religion Departments of his alma mater, Princeton University.

Current Schedule

Extra Information

Parking and directions

St Aldate’s Church, St Aldate’s, Oxford. Postcode is that of the parish centre in Pembroke Street: OX1 1BP

Getting to the venue

The venue is St Aldates Church located on St Aldates street opposite the entrance to Christchurch College in the centre of Oxford.

There is no parking at the church and we recommend that if you are planning on driving to use the Oxford Park & Ride.

Car parking

Alternatively, there is a public car park in the city centre called the Westgate Centre, following signs for public parking approaching the city from the south (Abingdon Road) or west (Botley Road). Parking is NOT affordable, so expect to pay upwards of £15 for a full day.

Rail routes

The rail station is 15 minutes walk from St Aldates Church and serves the network section between Reading and Birmingham among other destinations. Please consult National Rail Enquires for train times and route planning.

Bus routes

The main bus station at George St. is 10 minutes walk away and serves all major routes throughout the country. A particularly good option if travelling from London; use the Oxford Tube or the Oxford Express. Alternatively, consider the Oxford Park & Ride.

When to arrive

Doors Open registration starts at 8:50am, with the Welcome, Introduction, and Worship session starting at 9:15am.

What to bring

We will supply all materials (pens, paper, etc.). We will also be hosting a book store where purchases can be made with cash, cheque or card payments.

Lunch

All delegates will receive a sandwich lunch.

Terms and conditions

Click here to view RZIM's Terms and Conditons