Apologetics Forum of
Snohomish County (AFSC) – Letter of Introduction
Leaders (pastors, elders, teachers, apologists) in about 50 churches and schools in the local area are receiving this letter of introduction to determine their interest in the Apologetics Forum of Snohomish County (AFSC) which Dr. Heinz Lycklama and Mr. Rob Overgaard are in the process of forming. The mission and operation of AFSC, along with its “What We Believe” statement, are explained in ApolForum.pdf. Based on participation in the Creation Association of Puget Sound (CAPS) and involvement in other Christian Apologetics activities, Heinz and Rob see the need for a local Forum where Christians can be equipped to defend their Faith in the postmodern world in three related areas: 1) Creation vs. Evolution, 2) Christian Apologetics and 3) Biblical Worldview. AFSC provides a local Forum in the North Snohomish County area for lectures and DVD programs by knowledgeable Creation Science, Christian Apologetics, and Biblical Worldview presenters.
1. Foundations in Genesis of Idaho/Oregon (FIGI) – www.figionline.com [Boise]
2. Institute for Creation Science (ICS) – www.icspdx.org [Portland]
3. Design Science Association (DSA) – www.pdxdsa.org [Portland]
4. Creation Association of Puget Sound (CAPS) - caps.nwcreation.net [Bellevue].
Examples of some others in other parts of the US and Canada include:
5. Rocky Mountain Creation Fellowship – www.youngearth.org [Lakewood, CO]
6. Creation Fellowship – www.creationstudies.org/creationfellowship.html [Ft. Lauderdale, FL]
7. Creation Science Association of British Columbia – www.creationbc.org [Vancouver, BC].
The mission of AFSC is similar to that of these organizations but in addition AFSC also 1) provides a local meeting place in Snohomish County and 2) expands the scope of the lectures/programs on Creation Science to include Christian Apologetics and Biblical Worldview.
1. Chris Ashcraft, M. Sc. Biology, Teacher – www.nwcreation.net/ashcraft.
2. Dr. Heinz Lycklama, PhD in Nuclear Physics – www.osta.com/messages.
3. Spike Psarris, B. Engin. - www.creationastronomy.com.
4. Bruce Barton, BA in Meteorology and BA in Theology – www.nwcreation.net/monarch.
More Creation Apologetics resources that we may draw on, speakers as well as Creation organizations, are listed on the NW Creation website at: http://www.nwcreation.net/ashcraft/nwresources.htm.
All documents referenced in this letter of introduction to AFSC can be found here:
1. ApolLetter.pdf – Letter of Introduction to AFSC – Why, Who, When, Survey
2. ApolForum.pdf – Apologetics Forum Overview – Mission, Operation, What We Believe, Background, Plans, Resources, Tasks, Issues, Volunteers
3. ApolSurvey.docx – Survey Questions
4. heinz-bio-talks.pdf – Bio for Dr. Heinz Lycklama.
Heinz and Rob can be reached at:
Dr. Heinz Lycklama, 425-501-5075, heinz@osta.com, many lectures at www.osta.com/messages.
Mr. Rob Overgaard, 425-344-1169, rob_overgaard@yahoo.com.
Announcing:
The Apologetics Forum of Snohomish County (AFSC)
1. Candidates for AFSC Board of Directors and Advisory Board sought.
2. Volunteers for webmaster and other tasks sought.
3. First meeting of AFSC on Friday, September 27th at
7:00 PM.
Dr. Heinz Lycklama and Mr. Rob Overgaard have formed the Apologetics Forum of Snohomish County (AFSC). Based on participation in the
Creation Association of Puget Sound (CAPS) and involvement in other
Christian Apologetics activities, Heinz and Rob see the need for a local Forum where Christians can
be equipped to defend their Faith in the postmodern world in three related
areas: 1) Creation vs. Evolution, 2) Christian Apologetics and 3)
Biblical Worldview. AFSC
provides a local Forum in the North Snohomish County area for lectures and DVD
programs by knowledgeable Creation Science, Christian Apologetics, and Biblical
Worldview presenters. The mission and operation of AFSC, along with its “What We Believe” statement, are
explained below.
Why: Studies done by Answers
In Genesis (AIG), documented in recent books
Already Gone and Already Compromised, show that more
than 60% of youth raised in the church leave the church once they leave home.
The main reasons are 1) they are looking for more answers to their hard
questions, and 2) they are being indoctrinated in secularism and evolutionism. See
also this Koinonia
House article. There are a number of Creation organizations in the
Northwest that provide a forum for lectures and DVD programs for those
interested in Creation Science. These include:
1. Foundations in Genesis of
Idaho/Oregon (FIGI) – www.figionline.com [Boise]
2. Institute for Creation
Science (ICS) – www.icspdx.org
[Portland]
3. Design Science Association (DSA) – www.pdxdsa.org [Portland]
4. Creation Association of
Puget Sound (CAPS) - caps.nwcreation.net [Bellevue].
Examples
of some others in other parts of the US and Canada include:
5. Rocky Mountain Creation
Fellowship – www.youngearth.org
[Lakewood, CO]
6. Creation Fellowship – www.creationstudies.org/creationfellowship.html
[Ft. Lauderdale, FL]
7. Creation Science Association
of British Columbia – www.creationbc.org
[Vancouver, BC].
The
mission of AFSC is similar to
that of these organizations. In addition AFSC
also 1) provides a local
meeting place in Snohomish County and 2) expands
the scope of the lectures/programs on Creation Science to
include Christian Apologetics and Biblical Worldview.
Participants
in AFSC meetings can learn
that biblical creation is supported by science and that there is no need for outdated
compromises with evolution. Christian Apologetics includes such topics as Fulfilled
Prophecies, Archaeology, Manuscript Transmission, etc. Christians are also
challenged in their faith by secular ideas in regards to history, science,
false Messiahs (e.g. Horus, Mithra, Zoroaster), the Zeitgeist movie, Gnostic
gospels, etc. Answers to these challenges can also be presented. We believe the
Biblical Worldview is based on the infallible Word of God and is the foundation
of everything we say and do. All presentations are given with the
presupposition that the Bible is God's inspired word and is accurate and
inerrant in its original autographs.
AFSC Mission: The
primary mission of AFSC is to
provide a local Forum in the
North Snohomish County area for equipping believers on how to defend their Christian
faith using arguments and evidence for its truth. The scope of Apologetics
topics includes the three related areas of:
1. Christian Apologetics (what,
why, how)
2. Creation vs. Evolution
(biblical basis, scientific evidence)
3. Biblical Worldview (what,
all areas of life)
Participants
in the Forum can gain more information on these topics by the following means:
1. Lectures on Apologetics by knowledgeable
local and out-of-town speakers
2. DVD Presentations on
Apologetics
3. Guide to Apologetics Resources
4. Lending Library of Books and
DVD’s
5. Courses on Apologetics (?)
AFSC Operation: Monthly
educational meetings will be held at a church in the North Snohomish County
area either on Friday evening at 7 PM or on Saturday morning at 9 AM. [Time and place TBD]. Each meeting will
include a lecture (about 1 hour) by a knowledgeable speaker who agrees with the
Forum’s “What We Believe” statement
below or the showing of a DVD on a topic within the scope of the Forum’s
mission. There will be time (about 20 minutes) for discussion on the topic
presented, followed by refreshments.
AFSC is run by a Board of
Directors and advised by an Advisory Board whose members have knowledge in the
topics discussed at AFSC
meetings and have a strong interest in providing and supporting an environment
for participants to gain well-researched information in the defense of their
Christian faith.
The
Forum is initially designed to draw its audience from believers in the northern
part of Snohomish County [Arlington, Marysville, Stanwood, Lake Stevens, etc.] although
others from neighboring areas are welcome to participate. The Forum is meant to
be a place where hard questions about the Christian Faith, Creation and
Worldview get answered and where participants are strengthened in their faith.
1. We are always to be ready to
give an intelligent, biblically accurate defense of the Christian faith with
meekness and fear. I Pet. 3:15; Matt. 22:37; Jude 3, Col. 4:5-6.
2. The Bible, in its entirety,
is God’s inspired word. It is fully inerrant in its original autographs, not
only concerning spiritual issues, but also in history and science. II Pet. 1:20-21; II Tim. 3:16.
3. The universe and all it
contains, both living and non-living, was designed by God and created out of
nothing in six days as described in Genesis. Biological changes since creation
have been confined within the created kinds. Gen. 1:1-31; Ex. 20:11.
4. The Noachian Flood was an
historic event, worldwide in extent. Gen.
6:17; II Pet. 3:6.
5. Acceptance of the Lord Jesus
Christ, who is God, Creator and Redeemer, is mankind’s only path to
reconciliation with God. John 1:1-3;
Col. 1:16; Acts 4:12; II Cor. 5:19.
6. The biblical worldview is
based on the infallible Word of God and is the foundation of all we say and do.
The Bible speaks to all areas of life: ethics, psychology, sociology, science,
law, politics, economics, and history. We engage our culture by thinking
biblically. 1 Ch. 12:32; Col. 2:8.
Who: Dr. Heinz Lycklama has a PhD in Nuclear Physics and is now
retired after more than 40 years in the high tech industry. He has been
involved in the Creation vs. Evolution controversy for more than 25
years. Heinz is an active member of Creation
Association of Puget Sound (CAPS) and is involved with various international Creation
ministries. He has given lectures and courses on topics in all three areas of
interest to AFSC in different
venues locally as well as overseas. [See
www.osta.com/messages and heinz-bio-talks.pdf.] Mr.
Rob Overgaard has an MA degree in history and an M. Div. Degree, and
has served as a pastor with the Church of the Lutheran Brethren in Canada and
the US for 6 years. He is now employed by Boeing and has been involved with
Creation vs. Evolution, Genesis and associated apologetics issues for many
years. In recent years he has helped to promote speakers in the area from Creation Ministries International (CMI).
What: Christian Apologetics is
based primarily on the Bible and uses logic to provide a rational basis for the
Christian faith to defend it against objections. Apologists base their defense
of Christianity on historical evidence, philosophical arguments, scientific
investigation and arguments from other disciplines. We believe that the postmodern
world needs Christians who are prepared to give the reasons for the hope that
is within us – we are dedicated to that mission. AFSC creates a community where Christians can learn from
each other, ask the hard questions of our faith, and receive the support of a
community of Christian thinkers. The Forum equips Christians with
well-researched information on issues that seek to undermine or challenge the
truth of Christianity as revealed in the Bible.
AFSC provides a forum for
lectures and DVD programs by knowledgeable Creation Science, Christian
Apologetic, and Biblical Worldview presenters. All presentations are given with
the presupposition that the Bible is God's inspired word and is accurate
and inerrant in its original autographs. Genesis chapters 1-11 are foundational
to the Christian faith and are historical narrative. God created everything in
six 24 hour days less than 10,000 years ago, and most of the fossils in the
sediments of the earth's crust are a result of the worldwide Flood of Genesis,
an awful judgment of God about 4,500 years ago. As a result of Adam's Fall in
the Garden of Eden all mankind is separated from God by sin. Mankind's only
path to reconciliation with God is through acceptance of Jesus Christ as
personal Lord and Savior.
The
Bible is a total world and life view that speaks to all disciplines and areas
of life: ethics, psychology, sociology, science, law, politics, economics, and
history. It encourages Christians to engage their culture by thinking
biblically. A biblical worldview is viewing the world, the beginning of the
world, people in the world, the problems in the world, governments in the
world, issues in the world, solutions for the problems in the world, and the
future of the world -- through God’s Word. The Apologetics Forum equips people
to think and live with a consistent and cohesive Biblical worldview.
Resources:
AFSC is starting its educational
meetings in the Fall of 2013. Some of
the first lectures and DVD’s under consideration include:
1. Possible Lectures by local speakers:
a.
In Defense of Our Faith
b.
The Basics of Creation Apologetics
c.
Challenges to the Theory of Evolution
d.
Genesis chapters 1-2, Creation: Foundation
of Our Faith
e.
Ten Reasons the Bible is Unique
f.
Wonders of the Cell
g.
Our Created Stars and Galaxies
h.
Dinosaurs: Lost World of the Bible
i.
Answering the New Atheists
2. Possible DVD’s to show:
a.
A Question of Origins
b.
How Darwin Got It Wrong
c.
Unlocking the Mystery of Life
d.
Where Does the Evidence Lead?
e.
The Dead Sea Scrolls
f.
Evidence For the Bible
g.
Privileged Planet
h.
Radioactive Dating and a Young Earth
A
number of local Christian/Creation Apologists who have spoken on topics of
interest to AFSC have
expressed an interest in speaking at AFSC
meetings. They include:
1. Chris Ashcraft, M. Sc.
Biology, Teacher – www.nwcreation.net/ashcraft.
2. Dr. Heinz Lycklama, PhD in
Nuclear Physics – www.osta.com/messages.
3. Spike Psarris, B. Engin. - www.creationastronomy.com.
4. Bruce Barton, BA in
Meteorology and BA in Theology – www.nwcreation.net/monarch.
More
Creation Apologetics resources that we may draw on – speakers and Creation
organizations – are listed on the NW Creation website at: http://www.nwcreation.net/ashcraft/nwresources.htm.
AFSC may also draw on resources
from some Christian organizations that are compatible with the Forum’s “What We Believe” statement. [We do not endorse all of these organizations
in their entirety.] The resources include books, DVD’s and course material
in the three related topic areas of interest to the Forum. Organizations of
interest may include:
1. Christian Apologetics:
a.
Always Be Ready Apologetics Ministry – www.alwaysbeready.com.
b.
Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry – www.carm.org.
c.
Apologetics 315 (Apologetics Resources) – www.apologetics315.com.
d.
Stand To Reason – www.str.org.
e.
Institute of Biblical Defense – www.instituteofbiblicaldefense.com.
2. Creation vs. Evolution:
a.
Institute for Creation Research – www.icr.org.
b.
Answers In Genesis – www.answersingenesis.org.
c.
Creation Ministries International – www.creation.com.
d.
Creation Moments – www.creationmoments.com.
e.
The Creation Research Society – www.creationresearch.org.
f.
Creation Studies Institute – www.creationstudies.org.
g.
Creation Association of Puget Sound (CAPS) – http://caps.nwcreation.net/.
h.
Northwest Creation Network – www.nwcreation.net.
3. Biblical Worldview:
a.
Summit Ministries – www.summit.org.
b.
Christian Worldview Network – www.christianworldview.net.
c.
The Truth Project – www.thetruthproject.org.
d.
Colson Center for Christian Worldview – www.colsoncenter.org/wfp-home.
e.
Probe Ministries – www.probe.org.
f.
Fixed Point Foundation – www.fixed-point.org.
Tasks to be Accomplished/Issues
to be Resolved/Volunteers Needed:
Heinz
and Rob are in the process of contacting leaders in churches and schools in the
North Snohomish County area to determine the level of interest in and possible
endorsement for the Apologetics Forum. The survey questionnaire ApolSurvey.docx has been
sent to about 50 possible interested parties. Those interested in serving on
the AFSC Board of Directors
and on the Advisory Board will be identified based on survey results. If you,
or someone you know, have a passion for Apologetics and an interest in serving
on one of these Boards, let us know. Please use the Survey questionnaire to
respond to the eleven questions. Fill in the blanks in the Survey MSWord
document and return the survey answers as an email attachment to heinz@osta.com. Heinz and Rob can be reached
at:
Dr. Heinz Lycklama, 425-501-5075, heinz@osta.com, many lectures at www.osta.com/messages.
Mr. Rob Overgaard, 425-344-1169, rob_overgaard@yahoo.com.
We
are now actively working on the following items and are soliciting volunteers for
some of the tasks:
1. Contacts – We have compiled
a list of contacts affiliated with churches and schools in the area that may
have an interest in some participation in AFSC,
individually and/or as a church or school.
2. A Survey with a list of questions has been
developed to determine the level of interest of the contact point as well as
that of the church or school.
3. Introductory email to
contacts – Once the draft material is ready for distribution, we will call each
contact and email them the Survey questionnaire to solicit feedback on AFSC plans.
4. Board members – We would
like to have an active Board of Directors of 5 to 7 members with a genuine
interest in the AFSC Mission
described above. The Board would meet once a month (at least initially) to set
the direction and agenda for the monthly Forum meetings.
5. Advisory Board members – We
would like to have an Advisory Board of 3 to 5 members who would provide
feedback and set long term direction for the Forum. Meetings – 2 or
3 times per year.
6. Relationships with other
Apologetics/Creation groups – It is our intent to establish strong supportive
relationships with local Creation/Apologetics groups/entities such as CAPS
and NWCreation.net.
7. Website/Webmaster – We are
looking for someone of like mind to set up an AFSC website that can be used as a source of information on
the areas of interest to AFSC
participants and to publicize monthly meetings.
8. Mailing list(s) – We need to
develop and maintain email lists of Forum participants.
9. Meeting times. Fri. 7 PM or
Sat. 9 AM? 2nd or 4th weekend in the month?
10.
Name of Apologetics Forum – need a good acronym.
11.
More opportunities for service by volunteers – TBD:
a.
Audiovisual assistance with equipment
b.
Set up and tear down for meetings
c.
Organize refreshments at meetings
12.
Publicity – TBD.
13.
Membership – TBD.
14.
Lending library – TBD.
15.
Books and DVD’s for sale? – TBD.
16.
Monthly newsletter? – TBD.
17.
501( c )(3) non-profit organization? – TBD.
18.
Program committee – later.
We
are interested in volunteers who can help with various tasks identified above.
This includes someone with web development skills to build and maintain the AFSC website. If you, or someone you know, have an interest
in volunteering for some of these tasks, please let us know.
When: The first meeting of the AFSC Forum is planned for Friday
September 27, 2013 at 7:00 PM at the Atonement Free Lutheran Church in
Arlington, WA. Heinz will speak on “What
You May Not Know About Creation Apologetics.” There will be time for
questions and answers about the lecture as well as about the plans for AFSC in the future. Refreshments
will be available afterwards. More details later.
All
documents referenced in this AFSC
Description document can be found here:
1. ApolDesc.pdf –AFSC
Description – Why, Who, When, Mission, Operation, What We Believe, Plans,
Resources, Tasks, Issues, Volunteers.
2. ApolSurvey.docx – Survey
Questions.
3. heinz-bio-talks.pdf – Bio
for Dr. Heinz Lycklama.
Heinz Lycklama - heinz@osta.com
Last modified: November 17, 2013