Communicating a Culture of Life: The Redemptive Power of Conversion Narratives
By Ryan C. MacPherson, Ph.D.
Presented for the 2012 Online Apologetics Conference, Athanatos Christian Ministries, 19 April 2012.
Abstract:
Chastity, marriage, and procreation have suffered decades of derision in popular entertainment media, but Christians have an alternative message to communicate. Contrary to common portrayals, chastity is liberating not confining; marriage is a public necessity, not a private preference to be re-defined at will; and, children are gifts from God, not inconveniences to be eliminated by abortion. To people on the other side of these issues, the biblical message can be difficult to hear. In such cases, citing statistics, demonstrating logical proofs, or quoting Scripture passages might only cause communication to break down further. Sometimes a personal story is the best way to bridge the gap. In this presentation, Dr. MacPherson shares the biographies of several people who once were entrapped in life-threatening sins of unchastity. In the end, it was love communicated gently through actions as well as words that pointed people to their Savior Jesus Christ—culminating in repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, and newness of life. Participants will learn the redemptive power of conversion narratives and become equipped to share these stories with those in need.
Available:
- Forthcoming live online conference, 19 April 2012, 3 p.m.: http://connectpro58388802.adobeconnect.com/openaccess2012/
- Purchase full-length audio archive (including audience Q and A) from Athanatos Christian Ministries