Reasonable Faith Chapter: Chicago, IL

Chapter Info

Young people today face more challenges to their faith than ever before.  They are immersed in a world of social media and electronic "connectedness" where anyone can be an "expert" on any subject.  Theology is no exception.  There are no shortage of internet atheist "experts" and agressive, sometiimes hostile, atheist authors with faith challenges that seem difficult for the unequipped.  Studies show that around 70% of Christian youth leave the church after high school.  Some leave because they no longer believe Christianity to be true.  No doubt, many have had unanswered or intellectually unsatisfying answers to their questions about the Christian faith.  "Intellectual skepticism" is the most common reason given by these young people.  Christian parents (and other adult mentors) today have a greater need than ever before to be equipped with solid answers to the questions their young people have.  The good news is the truth is on our side and in reality the "difficult" atheist challenges and questions are not that difficult for the prepared Christian. 

This study series is based on Natasha Crain's excellent book, "Keeping Your Kids On God's Side--40 Conversations to Help Them Build a Lasting Faith".  We will take the most common objections that young people (or anyone else) encounter from atheists and make one or more of them the topic of discussion for each meeting.  When you leave the meeting, the objective will be that you are prepared to field the challenges or questions discussed and perhaps grow in your own faith.

The Reasonable Faith Chicago chapter hosts a speaker series that meets monthly via Zoom video meeting.  All are welcome to attend whether in the Chicago area or not.   The format is similar to a TED talk, in that there is a 30-45 minute talk given by the guest speaker, followed by an open Q&A session. Each month is an engaging guest speaker speaking on a topic that can grow one’s faith or provide reasons to consider Christianity and/belief in God. Topics in areas such as apologetics, faith/life experiences, Christian leadership, integration of science and faith, the Bible, adult and youth Christian education are among the topics covered.   Meeting and speaker/topic information are posted on the Facebook group page, Reasonable Faith Chicago (link is below). If you are interested in receiving email meeting notifications, contact chapter Director, Mike Parkes at reasonablefaithchicagonorth@gmail.com.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/reasonablefaithchicagonorthsuburbs/