I became a Christian when I was 21 and serving in the Army. When I got back home to California, I was so excited to share my newfound faith with my unbelieving friends. However, I soon found that I did not have answers to the difficult questions they were asking. When I would approach people at my church and ask questions that I had about the Bible, I was frequently told that I just needed to have faith. This answer troubled me because I felt like there should be good answers to difficult questions. Eventually I got a job at a Christian bookstore and it was there that I first learned about the field of apologetics.
Since learning about apologetics I have not stopped soaking up as much information as I could. God opened the door for me to earn a Masters Degree in Christian Apologetics from Biola University, along with an M.Div and a Doctorate in Apologetics from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Currently I am working on a PhD in World Religions. During all my studies, God has continued to open the door for me to teach what I have learned. I have been blessed to teach apologetics conferences at different churches, teach apologetics to students in local schools, and walk alongside parents trying to answer the questions their own children are sending their way. After years of friends reaching out with questions about Christianity, in 2019, I created the podcast "Apologetics with Brian O'Connell." My desire is to take my love for apologetics and teach students who will then share their knowledge with their local churches and communities. I have seen the impact that apologetics can have on strengthening the faith of the believer and tearing down the strongholds of the nonbeliever. I believe that there is a huge need for Christians to be prepared in the field of Apologetics and desire to help people of all ages become equipped and able to give the reason for the hope that they have as commanded in 1 Peter 3:15.
Apologetics and you:
I pray that this website will be a valuable resource for you as you seek to learn as much as you can about answering difficult questions related to Christianity. I have organized my podcasts by subject, created lists of the academic sources used in each podcast, and posted YouTube videos from other people that I have found to be valuable in my own life.
Would you like to see an apologetics conference at your local church? Each of my lessons have been specifically formatted to teach in a local church setting. I would love the opportunity to come teach a weekend conference at your church. Please contact me for more details.
About Me:
I live in the Louisville, Kentucky area with my wife, Brittany, and our three young children. I am currently developing a video curriculum for families on apologetics and the Bible.