Apologetics Inc. announces ‘The Great Debate 2027: Did Jesus Rise from the Dead?’

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Free registration now open for the March 7, 2027 Live Simulcast

TRINITY, Fla. — Churches across North America and beyond are invited to host a free live simulcast of THE GREAT DEBATE 2027: DID JESUS RISE FROM THE DEAD? on Sunday evening, March 7, 2027. Moderated by New York Times bestselling author Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg of Apologetics, Inc., this intellectual clash will be hosted at First Baptist Dallas, featuring two leading scholars with profoundly different conclusions about this central claim of the Christian faith. Dr. William Lane Craig, one of Christianity’s foremost philosophers and apologists, will debate Dr. Michael Shermer, founder of Skeptic magazine and one of America’s leading skeptical voices.

THE GREAT DEBATE is a turnkey outreach opportunity for churches, youth ministries, and campus clubs. Scheduled just before Easter 2027, the debate happens in the same season as the premiere of Mel Gibson’s highly anticipated movie about Jesus’s resurrection as well as the theatrical release of The Chosen’s episode about the crucifixion of Jesus.

The two-hour live simulcast is available at no cost thanks to event sponsorship provided by Apologetics, Inc., in:ciite Events, First Baptist Dallas, and other key partners such as Interstate Batteries. Free downloadable promotional materials and technical support will be provided to all host churches and organizations. Christians can invite friends and neighbors to attend the March 7 live simulcast and consider whether Jesus really rose from the dead and why it matters.

Apologetics, Inc. is a nonprofit ministry committed to reaching the spiritually curious, equipping believers to defend and share their faith, and partnering with the church to proclaim the truth of Christianity and the hope of Jesus Christ. “Don’t just hear what other people believe,” says Mike Sherrard, President of Apologetics, Inc. “Listen to the arguments. Examine the evidence. Decide for yourself.”

“THE GREAT DEBATE 2027 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to present the case for Christianity to millions worldwide,” says Jeff Myers, Ph.D., President of Summit Ministries. “Apologetics, Inc., the ministry spearheading the debate, is a trusted partner of Summit Ministries because they’re passionate about equipping believers to know and live the truth. I urge churches, schools, and small groups to seize this moment to sharpen your own understanding and to reach out to skeptics and the spiritually curious.”

The Wheaton College Billy Graham Center will host THE GREAT DEBATE simulcast in the Barrows Auditorium at Billy Graham Hall. “The Christian faith has been tested and tried by skeptics throughout history and has withstood the toughest scrutiny,” states Andy Cook, Executive Director of the Center. “We look forward to a robust debate and welcome every spiritual seeker to examine the claims of the resurrection for themselves.”

“Get your church involved! THE GREAT DEBATE is an ideal opportunity for the spiritually curious to hear the Resurrection proclaimed and defended. It promises to be eye-opening for students and adults alike,” said Dr. Sean McDowell, noted Biola University professor, author, and YouTuber. 

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
Register your church or group today at thegreatdebate.live

DEFENDING THE RESURRECTION: Dr. William Lane Craig

William Lane Craig is an internationally recognized philosopher, theologian, author, and Christian apologist whose scholarship has focused extensively on the historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus, philosophy of religion, and natural theology. He holds two earned doctorates – a Ph.D. from the University of Birmingham, England, and a D.Theology from the University of Munich, Germany – and currently serves as Emeritus Research Professor at Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology.

Craig, the founder of Reasonable Faith, has authored 30 books, including Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics, Atonement and the Death of Christ, and Systematic Philosophical Theology (two volumes now available), and has published more than 100 articles in professional journals of philosophy and theology. An internationally known lecturer and debater, he has presented at leading universities including Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Stanford, Oxford, and Cambridge.

In 2016, Dr. Craig was named one of the 50 most influential living philosophers by The Best Schools, and Biola University subsequently established the William Lane Craig Endowed Chair in Philosophy in recognition of his scholarly legacy.

CHALLENGING THE RESURRECTION: Dr. Michael Shermer

Dr. Michael Shermer is a leading public intellectual, science writer, and advocate for scientific skepticism. He is the Founding Publisher of Skeptic magazine and founder of The Skeptics Society, and has spent decades examining why people believe what they believe and how evidence, reason, and critical thinking can be used to evaluate extraordinary claims.

Shermer holds a B.A. in Psychology from Pepperdine University, an M.A. in Experimental Psychology from California State University, Fullerton, and a Ph.D. in the History of Science from Claremont Graduate University. He has taught at the college and university level for decades and has served as a Presidential Fellow at Chapman University.

A former 18-year monthly columnist for Scientific American, Shermer has authored numerous books, including Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters, The Believing Brain, Why Darwin Matters, The Science of Good and Evil, and The Moral Arc. Dr. Shermer’s essays and commentary have also appeared in publications including The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Science, and Nature, and his TED Talks have been viewed by millions worldwide.

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Contact:
Pamela McClure
Apologetics, Inc.
pamela@mmpublicrelations.com

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of RNS or Religion News Foundation.