For those who don't know Latin, "Pro Deo, Pro Veritate" means "For God, For Truth." Every post will be intended to defend or explicate the truth of the Christian worldview in one way or another. So, in a sense, this blog is no different from any of the thousands of other blogs that are doing the exact same things I intend to do, save for the fact that many of those other blogs are by professionals in their fields, whereas I have (as of this post) barely wrapped up my first year of college. This being the case, I feel that I need to say a thing or two about why I'm adding my voice to the cacophony.

My first reason for starting a blog is that I want a place to put arguments of my own devising. I read about apologetics, philosophy, and science whenever I get the chance, so my mind is often abuzz with arguments for and against whatever I read about last. Moreover, having spent some time as a poster on the CARM forums, I have a general idea of the point of view from which skeptics will challenge whatever apologetic arguments I may be reading about, so after reading, I often ask myself how the arguments could be strengthened against possible lines of critique. Then I have a homework assignment, a short walk, or a meal with friends, and whatever progress I made with the arguments may be lost. A blog gives me a place to store my thoughts and keep track of how my apologetic strategies evolve over time. Of course, this could be accomplished just as well by a number of files on my personal computer, so there's obviously more to the story.

My second reason for starting a blog is that I have been blessed with a good intellect as far as intellects go, and I want to use it for my Lord. That's not to say that I have anything even close to equaling the talents of the professionals in their fields, but it is to say that I have a limited but real talent of my own. Keeping my ideas in my own head would be to bury my talent. Putting them down where others can access them at least allows for the possibility of a "return on investment." Perhaps I'll be able to convince a lay skeptic or two. Maybe I'll stumble upon an argument of value that a greater mind will be able to take and run with. If I keep my ideas to myself, they're worthless. If I put them where they can be seen, then God can use them if He so desires.

My third and final reason is that I simply enjoy a good conversation. I enjoyed the dialogue and debate on CARM, I enjoy learning about science and philosophy, and I enjoy composing arguments relating to these subjects. Moreover, my ideas and arguments are strengthened by opposition, just as steel is hardened by fire. This being the case, while the net may not need another amateur apologist's two cents, this amateur apologist could certainly use the opportunities for dialogue that the net has to offer.