Sermons by Vince Vitale

Vince Vitale is a member of the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Oxford. He holds a D.Phil. in Philosophy and an M.Phil. in Theology, both from the University of Oxford. His primary research interests are in ethics, epistemology, and philosophy of religion, areas which converge in his doctoral thesis on ‘the problem of evil’. Vince served as secretary of the Joseph Butler Society for the Philosophy of Religion in Oxford.

Before coming to Oxford, he was a Lecturer in the Philosophy and Religion Departments of his alma mater, Princeton University, where he committed his life to Christ as an undergraduate and also served as Faculty Director of the campus ministry Athletes in Action.

Vince is a sportsman who played varsity soccer at Princeton, was a “double Blue” at Oxford (competing for the University in football and boxing), and has traveled with Athletes in Action soccer teams to four continents. Vince lives with his wife Jo in Oxford.

Suffering and a God of Love

“Why would a loving God allow His people to suffer?” This is a very common question – and frequent objection to the very idea of God. In this sermon, Vince takes a deep look at some of the intellectual components that drive this debate, but takes great care to explain that emotions and personal circumstances are extremely important in any conversation about suffering.

A Vision for Evangelism and Apologetics

In this lesson, Vince established the need for all Christians to “be prepared to give an answer” to those who have questions about God, the gospel, and the many typical objections to Christianity. In addition, he makes the case that apologetics (from the Greek “apologia” – a defense) in the absence of evangelism is an exercise without merit.