Live online “Does God Exist?” debate – 8/19/12

Debate promotional poster designed by Philippe Giordana

NEPA Freethought Society Podcast – July 30, 2012

For Immediate Release

Atheist activist/blogger Justin Vacula to debate Catholic philosopher Dr. Ronda Chervin

Dr. Ronda Chervin (Professor of Philosophy at Holy Apostles College & Seminary and recipient of a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Fordham University) will be debating Justin Vacula (blogger at www.justinvacula.com and recipient of Bachelor’s Degrees in Philosophy and Psychology from King’s College) on the topic of ‘Does God exist?’ for a special live episode of the NEPA Freethought Society Podcast taking place on Sunday, August 19 at 8PM Eastern Standard Time. The debate will be streamed live at www.nepafreethought.org/debate. Karla Porter, blogger at www.karlaporter.com, will be moderating the debate.

Following the debate, viewers are encouraged to ask questions via Skype handle NEPAfreethought. Alternatively, viewers can ask questions and comment in a chat room which will accompany the debate. Viewers can also interact prior to and during the debate on Twitter using the handle @NEPApodcast or the hash-tag #NEPAGodDebate. RSVP and chat on Facebook at www.tinyurl.com/NepaGodDebate. Past episodes of the NEPA Freethought Society Podcast, including special guest interviews and topical discussions, can be found at www.nepafreethought.org/podcast.

—

Ronda Chervin received a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Fordham University and an MA in Religious Studies from Notre Dame Apostolic Institute. She is a widow, mother, and grandmother. Ronda converted to the Catholic Faith from a Jewish, though atheistic, background and has been a Professor of Philosophy and Theology at Loyola Marymount University, the Seminary of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and Franciscan University of Steubenville. She is an international speaker and author of some fifty books about Catholic thought, practice and spirituality. Ronda is currently a Dedicated Widow of the Holy Eucharist forming a small community of dedicated widows. Dr. Ronda is currently teaching philosophy at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut. Her website can be found at www.rondachervin.com.

Justin Vacula received bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy and Psychology, a minor in Professional Writing, and the distinguished W.A. Kilburn Memorial Award for Philosophy from King’s College. Justin Vacula is an outspoken atheist, activist for the separation of church and state, a speaker, writer/reporter, blogger, and host of the NEPA Freethought Society Podcast. He is currently enrolled in Marywood University’s graduate-level Mental Health Counseling program. Vacula holds leadership roles as the co-organizer, spokesperson, and a board member of the NEPA Freethought Society. Justin has appeared on various radio shows, television networks, and podcasts. Vacula will be speaking at the upcoming September 28-30 Atheist/Humanist conference in Harrisburg. His website can be found at www.justinvacula.com.

Karla Porter works with organizations that want to achieve employer of choice status, are interested in attracting candidates who will develop into employee brand advocates that drive growth and continued success, embrace diversity, desire a culture of innovation and excellence, want to enrich the community, and reward superior performance with celebrity. Porter is one of four organizers behind the upcoming NEPA BlogCon 2012 conference at Luzerne County Community College taking place on September 29. Her website can be found at www.karlaporter.com.