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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

OBU to Host Annual Student Apologetics Conference March 2

December 6, 2023

Registration is now underway for OBU’s annual youth apologetics conference, Generation Why. Students, youth groups, college ministry groups and others around the state and region are invited to attend the conference on March 2, 2024. The event will take place on the OBU campus in Shawnee.

Generation Why, also referred to as “GenWhy,” enlightens and equips students to recognize the importance of reasonable faith in a post-Christian age.

According to conference organizers, for most of the 20th century, people identified themselves according to their faith. But then everything changed. Join in as this conference looks at what it means to be a Christian in the post-Christian age.

The conference is designed for students from middle school, high school and college to be prepared to recognize and know their faith more deeply, and to be able to defend their faith more effectively.

Students will learn about the rational foundations that show how the Christian faith is true while gaining practical tools to tell others about that truth. This year’s one-day conference centers around the theme of “Biblical Apologetics.” The sessions will focus on the truthfulness of Scripture, including addressing such issues as the reliability of the Gospels, the relevance of Jesus’ teachings and the nature of the canon.

GenWhy will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 4:30 p.m. In addition to sessions, the day will include a time of worship.

Registration cost is $10 per person, $60 per group for groups with six to 14 people, and $70 per group for groups of 15 or more.

Featured speakers are Dr. Matthew Y. Emerson, Dr. Craig A. Evans and Dr. Jonathan T. Pennington

Emerson is a theologian and professor who specializes in biblical studies, hermeneutics and systematic theology. He is known for his contributions to the field of biblical interpretation, particularly his work on the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. Emerson serves as Co-Provost and Dean of Theology, Arts, and Humanities at OBU.

Evans is a prominent biblical scholar and archaeologist, recognized for his extensive research on the historical Jesus and the New Testament. Holding multiple academic degrees, Evans has authored numerous books and articles exploring topics such as biblical archaeology, textual criticism, and the cultural context of early Christianity. He serves as the John Bisagno Distinguished Professor of Christian Origins at Houston Christian University.

Pennington is a respected biblical scholar and professor specializing in the New Testament and Greek language. As the Associate Dean of the School of Theology and the Director of Research Doctoral Studies at Southern Seminary, he has made significant contributions to the study of the Gospels and the intersection of biblical scholarship and theology. Pennington is also known for his work on the ethics of Jesus and the relevance of biblical wisdom for contemporary life.

The Generation Why 2024 conference is facilitated through OBU’s Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry. Registration for the conference can be found on the Generation Why event page.