Two-day event on apologetics: Every Square Inch conference

Each generation faces a temptation to reject the orthodoxy of the past and pursue the new, exciting false teachings of the present. They face the choice to be swept away by the currents of today’s culture.  

This thought describes the latest book by Trevin Wax, author, lecturer and member of the North American Mission Board.

As the guest speaker in the Every Square Inch conference held Feb. 9-10, which Student Activities and the School of Divinity will host, Wax will challenge students to connect with “the thrill of orthodoxy and stumble afresh upon the electrifying paradoxes at the heart of the Christian faith.”

The conference is directed toward students who are interested in apologetics and interpreting the Bible.

“In its application, this conference is unique, but in the end, we’re trying to draw students out of the habit of passive consumption to a world of active engagement,” Director of Student Activities at Liberty University Cort Comfort said.

Wax has written several books on Christianity and apologetics, including “The Multi-Directional Leader” and “This Is Our Time.” While not every session will be based on one of Wax’s books, it will be similar to an outline version of one of
his projects.

“Finding a way to take a really complex topic and still bring it back to the gospel — I think that excites anyone at any level of Christianity,” Comfort said. “I hope that students come ready to engage with someone who is truly passionate about what (Wax is) talking about.”

While Wax has never been on Liberty’s campus, he has already had an impact on the Student Activities department.

“Every time we have a new worker come into the department, we take (Wax’s) article on consuming and creating culture and read and interact with it,” Comfort said. “He’s the only author that Student Activities brings in and allows to tell our staff what it means to work here.”

The conference will hold two workshops and one main lecture that students may attend, with the main session on Thursday night. Refreshments will be provided after each workshop and an open Q&A after
each lecture.

The first session will be held Feb. 9 in the Alumni Ballroom in DeMoss Hall from 9:45-11 a.m. Wax plans to spend the entire session speaking on his book, “Rethink Your Self.” The second session will be held that same day in the Alumni Ballroom from 2:15-3:30 p.m. and will feature the topic of “Reconstructing Faith.”

The main session will occur Thursday from 5:30-6:45 p.m. in the School of Music Concert Hall. The night will open with worship led by Hannah Cheshire before Wax’s lecture on his latest book, “The Thrill
of Orthodoxy.”

Elizabeth Stiner, a senior film major, first heard about the conference from a friend who knew of her interest in apologetics.

“First and foremost, I love Jesus,” Stiner said. “I strive to do anything that allows me to get closer to him.”

The Every Square Inch conference usually ends with a concert, and this year, a concert by singer/songwriter Jordan Searcy Friday night will wrap up events.

“I’m excited for the concert,” Stiner said. “Being with other believers worshipping God creates such a great atmosphere and spirit.”

While each event from Student Activities takes Liberty’s mission and values into account, the Every Square Inch conference is unique in that it allows students to more actively engage in the culture surrounding them.

“You could go across the country and find many universities that have similar facilities and programs to Liberty,” Comfort said. “However, Liberty is one of the few that takes the time to present students with intellectual arguments for apologetics. We want students to know how and why you should defend your faith and be passionate about understanding the Bible.

“Anyone who felt called to come to Liberty will be able to find something at this conference that calls to them as a child of Christ,” Comfort continued. “If you’re here on campus, this event is for you.”

Find more information about the Every Square Inch conference at their website.

Kicinski is a news reporter for the Liberty Champion