Forward this email to your friends who would be interested. We support and train students in all campus ministries in Christian apologetics. And we welcome the curious non-believers with their toughest questions!
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Apologetics Season
Many Christians who want to share their reasons for the hope they have in Jesus ask "How do you naturally steer a conversation in a spiritual direction?"
One answer is to take advantage of the culturally-celebrated seasons of the church - especially Christmas and Easter.
I am NOT talking about berating store clerks for saying "Season's Greetings" or joining in a flame war on social media over a retailer not being Christian enough in their advertisements.
I AM talking about letting people around you know in genuine conversations that you actually believe in the details surrounding Jesus' birth and at Easter Jesus' death and resurrection. These are fantastic opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations.
So how to begin? I think you should avoid declarative statements as much as possible. They put people on the defensive. Rather, ask good friendly questions. Ask people what their favorite Christmas traditions are. Or, start slowly by asking if they celebrate Christmas or some other holiday during this time of year. Take a genuine interest in others and it is likely they will take a genuine interest in you. Be a friend. This is the perfect season for true friendship. And that is a great start to making the apologetic case for Christ.
"42 And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water [or a cup of coffee, a peppermint mocha, etc.] because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward." [Matthew 10:42 ESV]"
Ratio Christi Tree Ornament
Part of taking advantage of the cultural celebration of Christmas is happening THIS MONDAY AND TUESDAY.
Monday night at 6:30 PM in CFS 123, the Ratio Christi Club is building and decorating a Christmas tree ornament for the SHSU Tree of Light. We want to proclaim the beauty of the Christmas Story on the university tree for all to see.
Then, Tuesday night at 6 PM at the Bearkat Plaza, the student organizations will hang their ornaments, the SHSU choir will sing, the dancers will dance, and the President will light the tree. Don't miss this tradition that is 97 years old!
Won't it be nice to walk by the tree on your way to finals and to see the wonderful name of Jesus proclaimed on our tree.
While we are decorating our ornament, we will be listening to Christmas Carols and sharing hot chocolate. (and of course discussing the theology presented in the carols... because that's what we do. haha.)
Love to all!
Darren
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Why join Ratio Christi?
Are you a Christian who has a great relationship with Jesus, but who feels reluctant to share your faith because of the tough questions you might get? --- Then, this group is for you.
Are you an Atheist, Hindu, Muslim, Agnostic who wonders about how Christians can believe the crazy things that you have heard that they believe? --- Then this group is for YOU TOO.
If this sounds like "your group", then go to OrgLINK and become an official member.
We feature civil dialog. We believe that truth exists and can be known. We make a case (an apologetic) for Christianity, but we do this as ambassadors with gentleness and respect.
Come join us!
Darren Williams
Chapter Director and Faculty Adviser
Ratio Christi at SHSU
O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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About Ratio Christi
Ratio Christi - Latin for the Reason of Christ - is here to discuss how the Christian world view addresses life's biggest questions of self-identity, moral obligation, and ultimate purpose. Click here for the Mission, Vision, and Goals of Ratio Christi. Visit our blog for a thoughtful presentation of the Christian worldview.
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