2010 Presenters and Topics
- Keynote: Robert Bowman, Jr.
- Plenary: Dr. Angus Menuge
- Plenary: Dr. Corey Olsen
- Workshop: Dr. Bernard Bull
- Workshop: Mr. Robert Velarde
- Workshop: Ms. Mary Jo Sharp
- Workshop: Mr. Anthony Horvath
- Workshop: Mr. Graham Kell
- Exhibitor Presentation: Jamie Greening
Bios
| Robert Bowman, Jr.
TOPIC: Surprised by Truth: Defending Christian Faith and Values in Literature and the Arts. While Christian theologians and philosophers produce admirable textbooks and treatises defending the faith, millions of people in our culture are swept away by novels, films, and other art forms that erode or even attack the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yet there are opportunities for Christian artists and writers to produce compelling works that will influence the world today for truth.
Executive Director of Institute for Religious Research Robert M. Bowman, Jr., is IRR’s Director of Research. Previously he served as Manager of Apologetics Interfaith Evangelism for the North American Mission Board (2006-2008). For ten years Rob taught graduate courses in apologetics, biblical studies, and religion at Luther Rice University (1994-99) and Biola University (2001-2005). He has also worked with other apologetics and discernment ministries, most notably the Christian Research Institute (1984-91), the Atlanta Christian Apologetics Project (1994-99), and Watchman Fellowship in Alabama (1999-2000). Rob has spoken at over a hundred churches and at some three dozen conferences and debates. He has five years of experience hosting call-in radio talk shows focusing on apologetics, including the nationally famous Bible Answer Man show. Rob Bowman earned the M.A. in Biblical Studies and Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1981 and completed doctoral studies (all but dissertation) in Apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary. He is currently pursuing the completion of his doctoral dissertation at the South African Theological Seminary. He is the author of over 50 articles (e.g., in the Christian Research Journal, Moody Monthly, Pastoral Renewal, Mission Frontiers, and Journal of Evangelism and Missions) and 12 books pertaining to apologetics, religion, and biblical theology, including two winners of the Gold Medallion Award, An Unchanging Faith in a Changing World |
|
Dr. Angus Menuge TOPIC: Myths and their Makers Myths can be classified into the categories of non-Christian, anti-Christian, sub-Christian and Christian. In doing so, it is possible to see how they work and how they help explain the paradox that Christians can be both profoundly opposed to myth and profoundly in favor of myth. It is also interesting to contrast the mythmaker’s agenda and what the myth actually does. Myths seem to have a power of their own which is sometimes at variance with the official motivations of the artist. This leaves it open that some of these myths are at least partly the work of God, not man.
In 2003, Menuge earned a Diploma in Christian Apologetics from the International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism and Human Rights, which meets each July in Strasbourg, France. His thesis, a critique of scientific materialism, went on to become the book Agents Under Fire, Materialism and the Rationality of Science Menuge has also edited volumes on C. S. Lewis, Christ and culture and the vocation of scientist, and has written several Bible studies. He is currently working with Joel Heck (Concordia Texas) on a collection of essays defining Lutheran education for the 21st century, entitled Learning at the Foot of the Cross (Concordia University Press, forthcoming). A frequent speaker, Menuge has given presentations on Christianity and culture, science and vocation, philosophy of mind, C. S. Lewis, Intelligent Design and the case against scientific materialism. He is a member of the Evangelical Philosophical Society. |
|
Dr. Corey Olsen TOPIC: Tolkien’s Mythology and Representation of Evil: Implications for Today’s Christian Authors J.R.R. Tolkien’s robust representation of evil in his mythology is one of the most theologically and philosophically nuanced ones to ever be expressed in mythology. A hard hitting understanding of evil, pain, and suffering is essential for artists- Christian and otherwise- if they want to accurately speak to the real world around us. The Tolkien Professor Web Page
The literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien first captured the imagination of a seven-year-old boy smitten with magic and dragons. Twenty-eight years later, as an English professor steeped in the medieval ethos, Corey Olsen still thrills at reading Tolkien and exploring an imaginative world that refreshes our view of the tangible one. From his early forays into Middle-Earth, Olsen says he was destined to become a medievalist. His personal quest now is to engage in intellectual conversations about the books he loves with a mass audience. To that end, he recently launched a website featuring a series of podcast lectures offering an extended close analysis of the Tolkien books and a discussion forum led by “The Tolkien Professor.” “Good scholarship and popular literature are not mutually exclusive,” Olsen notes. “These are fun and interesting books that people can read on many levels. I want to bring the work I do to a general audience—I find that so rewarding.” |
| Dr. Bernard Bull
TOPIC: The Impact of Digital Narrative in Contemporary Culture Digital narrative could be an effective medium by which Christians can direct people to a Christian meta-narrative. Narrative, digital and otherwise, has an impact on contemporary culture. This workshop will be an exploration of how some Christians are actually using digital narrative. The workshop will also speak to the dangers, strengths, and limitations of digital narrative even as it presents its virtues.
Bernard has a M.A. in curriculum and instruction, a Master of Liberal Studies, an Ed.D. in instructional technology, a Certificate in Distance Education from UW-Madison, and is currently working on a MFA in Creative Writing. Research and scholarship interests include digital culture, digital narrative, new literacies, critical perspectives on technology, online learning communities, virtual teaming, cyber-spirituality, alternate approaches to instructional design, and educational theology. |
|
Mr. Robert Velarde Topic: Film and Television: Engaging the New Literature Description: In 1985 Neil Postman described television as “the command center of the new epistemology.” One could say the same about film. Together, film and television reach millions of people the world over, but what kinds of messages are they sending? Based on the premise that film and television are the new “literature,” this workshop will explore the influence of film and television and offer suggestions for engaging both mediums creatively and intelligently. Areas explored will include metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. Examples of films and programs discussed include “Avatar,” “WALL-E,” “Lost,” “24,” “Dexter,” and “Flash Forward.”
A former atheist, Robert received his undergraduate degree from California State University Long Beach and studied philosophy of religion and apologetics at Denver Seminary. He will soon graduate with his M.A. from Southern Evangelical Seminary. Robert is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society, Evangelical Philosophical Society, the Society of Christian Philosophers, Evangelical Ministries to New Religions, and the International Society of Christian Apologetics. Robert resides in Colorado with his wife, four children, and lots of books. |
| MaryJo Sharp
TOPIC: Conversational Apologetics Whether you are just beginning to dig into apologetics or your knowledge is extensive, engaging in conversation can seem intimidating at times. This session will focus on a few key questions to be ready to ask people in everyday conversations that can spark a deeper discussion on beliefs about God
Before she became a Christian, she thought religion was for the weak-minded who needed a crutch to lean on. Her main influence in this decision was the portrayal of Christianity she saw on the television in the 80’s. Coming from a loving home where she was taught to think for herself and to be accepting of all people, she did not see the need for religion or a personal savior. For Mary Jo, God basically did not exist in her thought life. She desires to challenge all people to provide reasons for why they believe in whatever they believe. As a Christian apologist, Mary Jo is prepared to offer reasons for why she believes in the existence of God. |
|
Mr. Anthony Horvath TOPIC: The Counter Attack: Literary Anti-Apologetics The Da Vinci Code, Pullman’s His Dark Materials series (ie, The Golden Compass), Sagan’s Contact… and Harry Potter? This exploration of the impact of literature in shaping the thoughts and attitudes within the culture will examine how the arts, and literature in particular, have the ability to form non-Christian, and even anti-Christian, attitudes. It is already apparent that Hollywood is effective in framing what constitutes ‘Christianity’ but literature is, too. A discussion of the authors’ motives in relation to their actual impact will fuel a discussion about what exactly constitutes ‘non-Christian’ and ‘anti-Christian’ values and how they might be reflected in the titles mentioned in the topic title. Anthony Horvath is the Executive Director and founder of Athanatos Christian Ministries. A former junior and senior high school religion teacher and parsh minister, he is now actively involved in Christian apologetics, which already had been a burning passion. ACM has a heavy emphasis on promoting the Christian world view and the Gospel through the arts, and literature in particular. Anthony is the author of three books, two of which are the first in his Birth Pangs series. Fidelis and Spero are an example of literary apologetics as they contain discussions and events that provide an opportunity to explore The Deep Things. He is currently pursuing his MA in Christian Philosophy and Apologetics. |
|
Mr. Graham Kell The 1st Prize Winner of the 2010 Christian Writing Contest TOPIC: Using Literature to Speak Your Culture’s Language Literature not only influences culture, it shapes it. So if believers wish to engage their culture they first need to understand the language of that culture’s literature, and then learn to speak it themselves. In this presentation, we’ll consider how to do this in the 21st century by looking at how Paul did it in the 1st. The winner of the 2010 Christian Writing Contest in the 19 and up category was invited to present at this conference. Mr. Kell was this winner. Bio: Graham holds a Th.M from Dallas Theological Seminary and B.Sc in Natural Resource Management from Adelaide University. He loves writing almost as much as reading, and works as a tour guide in Israel and a teaching pastor at Chancellor Park Community Church on Australia’s Sunshine Coast. Graham is a wildlife ranger by trade, an avid student of Biblical history, and a self-confessed geography geek. He has been married to Rachel for 18 brilliant years and has two boys Josh and Brad who love life and keep him busy with movie making and soccer coaching. |
|
Exhibitor Jamie Greening will present on: Unanswered Questions: The Strength of Literary Apologetics The arts, particularly storytelling, are a central part of Christian apologetics. The arts are uniquely positioned to address the questions raised by science and technology as well as address important issues science cannot. Life, death, love, and purpose continue to be the realm where the arts are far more equipped to communicate faith than propositions. This workshop seeks to explore not only how this has been done through the arts, but how storytelling could influence the major discussions surrounding faith today as well as define where literary apologetics shouldn’t go. |
(1997) and 
(2001; 2d ed., 2006). His most recent book (co-authored with Ed Komoszewski), 
(2007), has received 
Dr. Angus Menuge joined Concordia University Wisconsin in 1991. He earned his BA from the University of Warwick, England, and his MA and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied philosophy, computer science and psychology. Menuge’s dissertation was on the philosophy of action explanation, and his current research interests include philosophy of mind, philosophy of science and Christian apologetics.
(Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield, 2004).
Bernard Bull is Assistant Professor of Education, Director of the M.S. in Education – Educational Technology, and Director of the Instructional Design Center at CUW. He completed his undergraduate studies at CUW in 1994 with a B.A. in education, history, and theology. Upon graduation he spent the next eleven years serving in Lutheran middle school and high school classrooms. During his service in Lutheran schools he continued his studies and served in a variety of part-time capacities: youth director, director of outreach, instructional designer for corporate and higher education clients, and a technology consultant for nonprofit organizations.
Mary Jo Sharp is an aspiring author and Christian apologist. She is a Certified Apologetics Instructor with the North American Mission Board (Southern Baptist Convention). Mary Jo holds a M.A. in Christian Apologetics with honors from Biola University (May 2008) and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with distinction from the University of Oklahoma.
Conference Sponsors:
