CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE - 1st Sundays - 9:00 a.m. - February 2, March 1, April 5 & May 3
An introduction to Christian theology. Addresses the essentials of traditional Christianity, such as the nature of God, the person of Christ, the inerrancy of Scripture, and the necessity of salvation.
Instructor: Jim Johansen, PhD
Jim Johansen has a strong commitment to equipping individuals with Biblical truth and the methods to apply it effectively in their lives. He has background in theology, apologetics, science and religion, and engineering, with a PhD in theology and apologetics from Liberty University, two master’s degrees in science and religion, and Christian apologetics from Biola University, and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California. He serves as an adjunct professor at several local Christian universities and has ample experience in church equipping and pastoral care ministries. His research interests include science and faith, looking at how theological truth is remarkably seen in the design and harmony of nature, which is Divinely architected to be uncoverable by man with the intent of drawing us towards a deeper appreciation for who God is.
CHRIST IN A WORLD OF RELIGIONS: How to Give a Reason for Our Hope! - 3rd Sundays - 9:00 a.m. - February 16, March 15, April 19 & May 17
In this apologetics class, we will explore the complex nature of the central metaphysical claims of the three major world religions, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, and offer a robust comparison with the claims of Christianity, acknowledging the epistemological overlap while highlighting the fundamental differences between them.
Instructor: Dr. Jacob Daniel
Jacob Daniel was born in India and grew up amidst diverse cultures and religious worldviews. Over the past years he has travelled in different parts of the world pursuing education and career in International Development. He received his pre-doctoral degree in India and did advanced studies at the University of Manchester (UK). It was during this time his interest in Theology and Apologetics grew; subsequently, he earned his degree with distinction at the Oxford Center for Christian Apologetics & Wycliffe Hall (Oxford University). He also graduated with highest honors in Christian Apologetics from Biola University and is currently enrolled in a PhD program with an emphasis on Apologetics and Intercultural Studies. Jacob’s call is in evangelism and teaching and his specific interests include: cultural apologetics, comparative religion, the defense of resurrection and the problem of evil and suffering. He is passionate about presenting the gospel, both within and without the church, in a winsome and persuasive manner. His apologetic approach is motivated by an emphasis to remove the gap between the sacred and the secular and maintaining a healthy balance between faith and reason. Jacob and his wife, Preeta, currently reside in California.