"Many have undertaken....

.....to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught." (Luke 1:1-4, NIV)

As a new Christian, I have to say that my favourite gospel is Luke's. He states his intention right up front. These are things that happened, without any BS. Without any flowery language. I very much like his straight forward approach. What can I say? That appeals to me.

I have so much I want to say, I don't know where to start.

I know everyone and his dog nowadays has a blog, I suspect that mine won't attract much attention outside of my friends and family. I'm fine with that.

I guess I'll start off with some general thoughts about Christianity and Atheism.

My decision to surrender my life to Jesus Christ was more a decision that I made with my head than my heart. I investigated historical evidence, and did research. I read both Christian and atheist authors. I read a lot. When I was confronted with the evidence that convinced me that there was no real rational reason to deny that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, I knew I had to make changes. At various stages in my life I had been an atheist and an agnostic. I'd been living for myself, and although I was generally happy, I had just had the feeling there was more out there. But now, I live for God's purpose for me, and I feel more energized. Life has all new meaning that it didn't have before.

Now I feel that God is calling me to be an apologist, a person who gives rational and evidentiary defenses for the Christian faith.

"But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully." (1 Peter 3:15, Amplified Bible) This shall be my motto here.

I hope that whoever happens upon this blog will give serious consideration to the things I say. I'll post messages when I have the time.

I think at first I want to provide a few good links that have really helped me in my baby steps walking with the Lord.

http://www.tektonics.org Tekton Apologetics Ministries - J.P. Holding is probably the internet's premier apologist. I love the humour with which he attacks his topics. Also check out his "Hallway of Ouchies" at his other site: http://www.tektoonics.com

http://www.bethinking.org Be Thinking - a great resource. A number of essays and audio resources for apologists and other Christians, discussing history, arts and culture, science, etc. Most of these essays are by top flight academics.

http://www.bede.org.uk Venerable Bede's Library - run a by a guy who has nearly completed a Ph.D. in history. I believe he is concentrating on the history of science.

http://www.reasons.org Reasons to believe - A site run by a number of scientists who are Christians. The founder is an astrophysicist and a pastor.

http://www.leaderu.com Leadership U - great site from what I've seen so far, though I need to read more there.

And just to throw the other side a couple of bones:

http://www.infidels.org The Secular Web - probably the largest atheistic website on the net, followed closely by http://www.atheists.org