A Little Personal History

Today I want to give you a little personal history on myself and where my thoughts and plans are right now. This will be an autobiography of sorts about my time surrounding apologetics and my views on how it relates to mathematics.

I was first introduced to the concept of Christian Apologetics by my father at a young age when we would go out and look at the stars. I just didn't know such a topic had a name. My 5 year old self would stare up at the stars and be amazed at the multitude. Sometimes he would pull out the telescope and we would look at certain stars, planets, and with the right eye protection on the telescope, we would even look at the sun. I always remember talking about matters of faith with my father. It has always been a favorite and frequent topic of ours. (Some might say that my upbringing is the only reason I believe what I believe. It might be a reason, but I assure you it is not the main reason.)

As I grew up, I learned the concept had a name in one my Bible courses at my private Christian high school. During my junior year, I took an independent study of apologetics course. The logic, order, and reason in the universe has always made sense to me and finding a specific subject dealing with just this was fascinating. I was hooked. I read books such as "I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist" by Frank Turek and Norman Geisler, "A Case for Faith" by Lee Strobel, and many articles from the Apologetics Bible.

Upon graduating from high school I wanted to be a math teacher or go into ministry as a preacher. (The dream has changed some with time.) Either way, I knew I wanted to major in math. I had been told by some preachers to major in something besides religion if you are planning on going to seminary. The reason being since you will get the theological training in seminary, you do not necessarily need it for undergrad.

Beyond that, I just love math.

I love the order and the reason and solidity behind it. Throughout my freshman year I continued to independently study apologetics and one day walking across campus I had a realization: I want to be an apologist. I still do not quite know what that will entail, but I had a dream.

Math fit into that dream perfectly. 

The summer of 2013 I had the incredible opportunity of interning at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM). I was able to learn from the RZIM team, study, and even give a short devotional to staff during chapel. I was able to travel to a conference, and go on a speaking engagement with Dr. Ravi Zacharias himself. I have continued to personally study and go to conferences since this summer. It kickstarted a learning experience which continues still today.

Now, many ask why I am majoring in math if I am planning on going into apologetics and vocation ministry. You see, I believe the two go hand in hand. By the way I see the world, the two are tied together. The things I study in math describe the order in the universe, which I believe an intelligent God put into existence.

The strong Christian professors in my college's math department have done nothing but encourage this idea and encourage me. They have been a wonderful support team. Someday I hope to use math, my experience in writing and editing for the school newspaper, and my love for God, people, and apologetics to be able to minister to others.