Math academic and apologist professor John Lennox has set his mind on stepping-up training for the following generation of young Christians called to have interaction with the world through apologetics.
Lennox, 80, known for his public debates with atheists corresponding to Richard Dawkins, Peter Singer and the late Christopher Hitchens — who once conceded defeat after a debate — has recently taken on the mantle of presidency on the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics (OCCA).
Lennox wrote to his supporters in June after “a really very long time” sharing “some significant updates in my journey and ministry.”
He and his wife, Sally, have endured health challenges but said “although there have been some difficult weeks we’re each feeling refreshed.”
Lennox confirmed that prior to now two years he has taken on the role of president at OCCA based in Oxford.
“This position is each an honour and a humbling responsibility,” he said. “I’m desirous to mentor and help equip the following generation of evangelist-apologists to defend and communicate the Christian faith effectively.”
OCCA is a training body offering a wide selection of courses helping people grapple with the truths of following Jesus and how you can answer questions related to problems with the Christian faith.
Lennox pledged to maintain “in higher contact” along with his supporters whose encouragement have been “a fantastic source of strength and inspiration to [my wife] Sally and me.”
The academic has enjoyed an illustrious profession and written many books helping the broader public see the rational balance between faith and science, corresponding to Cosmic Chemistry: Do God and Science Mix? and 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity.
Lennox has lectured at public events, often in academic settings, in Europe, North America and Australia. He is an emeritus professor of mathematics at Oxford University and an emeritus fellow of Green Templeton College, Oxford University. He can also be a senior fellow of the Trinity Forum and recently wrote a biblical exposition, titled “Friend of God: The Inspiration of Abraham in an Age of Doubt.”
As a student himself on the University of Oxford a few years ago, he once saw Christian apologist, academic and creator C.S. Lewis give a lecture, which he later described fondly intimately.
Students sat on the ground and throughout the rostrum of the lecture hall, Lennox said, as Lewis would “burst in through the door” and begin his lecture as he walked to the front, taking off his thick winter coat, scarf and hat.
“He nearly divested himself of all his garments and he was at full blast and that continued for 50 minutes, after which he reversed the method and he kept lecturing, and his last word was uttered as he disappeared through the door. So that is my lasting memory of CS Lewis. There was no time for questions!”
