Since time immemorial, man has wondered about the existence ofGod. An attempt to answer that question for some University ofMemphis students will be made Saturday at Michael D. Rose Theatreat 7:30 p.m.
"God on Trial" is being put on by the Bellevue ChristianFellowship. Ravi Zacharias, a worldwide religious scholar andlecturer, will present the case that God is real for approximately45 minutes, followed by a 15- to 20-minute question-and-answersession. Free coffee and snacks will be provided.
Zacharias has spoken before the United Nations, the writers ofthe peace accord in South Africa and at the Pentagon, as well asseveral universities. He is also the host of the weekly radioprogram, "Let My People Think," and the author of several religiousbooks.
Rob Mullins, alumni advisor for Bellevue Christian Fellowship,said the organization was lucky to get Zacharias.
"He's extremely knowledgeable, and he's spoken all over theworld," Mullins said. "He debates atheists at Harvard."
Anne Lemmon, president of Bellevue Christian Fellowship and asenior Integrative Studies major at The U of M, said she wanted tohold the event on campus to answer students' questions about theexistence of God.
"College students have all kinds of questions on things," Lemmonsaid. "This will be a safe place to get those questionsanswered."
Mullins said the event would help "level the playing field" oncampus to counter those who have no belief in a higher power.
"There are a lot of people screaming 'God is not.' We want tosay 'God is," Mullins said.
College students may be more spiritual than thought, accordingto a recent study by the Higher Education Research Institute atUCLA. It concluded that 71 percent of undergraduates said they"gain strength by trusting in a higher power."
The study also found that a majority of students do not feeltheir college education has increased their spirituality, with 62percent saying their professors never encourage discussion ofreligious matters. The study surveyed 3,680 students from 46universities.
Another survey taken by Student Center Polls found similarresults, with 62 percent saying they believed in God, while 24percent said they did not. Seven percent weren't sure, while 7percent gave the answer of "sometimes." The survey was given onlinewith 2,960 respondents.
While the facts presented by Zacharias will be from a Christianperspective, Lemmon said the purpose of the event is to createdebate, not indoctrinate.
"Nothing's gonna be pushed," she said. "We're saying, 'Here'sthe evidence,' and you decide for yourself."
