This is what I like to call my Coming of Age Project, though I don't know by what age I intend to complete it - assuming such a thing is ever complete. Anyway, it is a grand exposition on a myriad of ideas inspired by 1 Peter 3:13-16:

"Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame." (underlining mine)

...and here is my Biblical reason why this project is so long in coming: At the end of Ecclesiastes Solomon says something like: ...of the making of many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the soul.

Speaking of the making of many books, my work on this project has been temporarily suspended as I am stuck in the research mode, or rather procrastinating on research mode. I had been reading Understanding the Times - which is of textbook proportions - and I am about half-way through. It would best be described as a book on comparative worldviews from the Christian perspective. While useful for quotes and getting acquainted with the basics of this kind of debate, it is sort of dull and so far has not brought anything entirely new to the table. I still intend to finish it, though.

I also intend to familiarize myself with historical apologetics, and specifically I want to read Mere Christianity. There are some other Lewis books that I also want to read, such a A Severe Mercy and one he wrote specifically about love - it would also be nice to finally finish The Screwtape Letters. I've recently come across an interesting book on atheism, Gentle Godlessness, and it was great 'til about 2/3 the way through when it became another one of those "I intend to finish."

I will continue to make minor revisions to what has already been written, but the next section I find particularly daunting: gathering evidence. I really prefer the conceptual arguments - I hate mere facts. They always seem to change...and then I'll find out that what I thought changed hadn't and I just never seem to get anywhere... 

For the economics, government, law and education section I want to read the following:  The Federalist Papers, The Wealth of Nations, The Age of Reason, and A Philosophy of Education. I've already read a grouping of writings by Thomas Paine, but unfortunately Age of Reason was not included and due to allusions others have made to this work I think that is the one I most need to read. It also wouldn't hurt to read the communist and humanist manifesto's, probably some John Locke and maybe something of Dewey's. Of course as I read all these lists are bound to grow...but I guess that's the point of living, right?

Recognizing the Omnipresence of Bias: EVERYBODY has one

(and though it should be obvious, remember that I've got one)

1) Applied Philosophy: Abortion

The Development of Faith 

2) Reasoning with Concepts and Possibilities 

3) Reasoning from Evidence 

4) "...the hope that is in you..." 

The Consequences 

5) Personal Ethics 

6) God, Government & Economics

7) Education, Ideally... (Psychology/Sociology)