TWO of the world's heaviest hitters in the faith v atheism debates are coming to Belfast as part of an eight-event tour of Ireland.
William Lane Craig and John Lennox are among the most renowned apologists for the Christian faith, with a reputation for examining its intellectual coherence and setting out its philosophical and scientific underpinnings.
Professor Lennox, who is from Armagh, is an Oxford University professor of mathematics and has debated with Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Peter Singer and other leading proponents of 'new' atheism.
Dr Craig is research professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology and professor of philosophy at Houston Baptist University and is regarded as one of the world's leading philosophers.
Through his 'Reasonable Faith' website, he has tackled an enormous range of questions and doubts that people commonly hold about faith and the existence of God.
Under the title 'Reasons for Hope', Dr Craig and Prof Lennox will be speaking in Cork, Dublin and Belfast in a series of debates, lectures and question and answer sessions.
The events have been organised by Christian Unions Ireland and deal with topics including 'Does God Exist?' and 'God and Stephen Hawking: Whose Design is it Anyway?'.
Dr Craig will speak on 'Is Christianity Credible?' at 7.30pm on Monday March 27 in Assembly Buildings, Belfast.
Prof Lennox will address 'Cosmic Chemistry: Do God and Science Mix?' in the same venue at 7.30pm on Monday April 3.
For more information email reasonsforhopeireland@gmail.com. Dr Craig's website is www.reasonablefaith.org and Prof Lennox's is www.johnlennox.org.