RTB Canada - Toronto Chapter

In July 2026 scientists published a pre-print in bioRxiv entitled "A Chemically Defined Synthetic Cell Capable of Growth and Replication". (A pre-print is an initial version of a paper before it has been peer reviewed.) The popular science press piled on and claimed that scientists had "made life from non-life", that they had essentially taken inorganic and organic molecules and combined them in such a way as to produce a "living cell". This is known as abiotic biogenesis. This is an extraordinary claim. The question is, "Is it true?" What did they actually do and how much of the popular press statements are just hyperbole.

Please join us for a riveting interview with Dr. James Tour, one of the world's foremost chemists, and other key scientists who will explore these questions in detail. We will have Biochemist Don Wallar with us to help explain some of the science.

Food will be provided.

A popular narrative in today's culture claims that Christian apologetics and science do not go hand in hand. Critics often argue that apologists are more interested in making arguments than in engaging seriously with science, using it merely as a means to advance their agenda. As a result, any inference pointing to God - and especially to Jesus - is often dismissed as overreach rather than a reasonable conclusion. Dr. Fuz Rana meets with Balajied Nongrum, from RTB Asia-Pacific, discussing this issue and answering:
*what is scientific apologetics and how does it relate to other
forms of apologetics?
*how does scientific apologetics support evangelism?
*what is the mission of RTB?
*how do we counter the false view that science is opposed to faith?
*why does God appear to be hidden?
*why is there pain and suffering in the world?

Food will be provided

Should we be concerned about artificial intelligence? Will it replace us and put people out of work? These questions and more will be explored by Dr Hugh Ross. (on video) He will explain what AI can - and cannot - do. He will highlight what makes the human brain much more that just an advanced computer. Hugh will also point out how advances in artificial intelligence point to evidence for God and highlight human exceptionalism.

This recording features RTB scholar Dr. Hugh Ross and astrophysicist Dr. Brian Keating in a unique dialogue bringing together the perspectives of a Christian astrophysicist and a self-described "practicing devout agnostic" cosmologist.

This conversation covered:
• Why Earth has such an abundance and diversity of life
• Whether the universe appears hostile or life-friendly
• The prospects of discovering life in our solar system
• The search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI)
• How worldview and science shape our understanding of the cosmos

Moderated by RTB senior research scholar George Haraksin ll, this conversation models respectful engagement, clarity, and a shared pursuit of truth.

We offer a safe and relaxed environment where you and your friends can ask questions freely.

Light refreshments and snacks will be available.

Is Our Civilization the First in the Universe?

It is quite common in science fiction, as exemplified by Star Wars and Star Trek, to presume that life exists in multiple places / galaxies in the universe and has existed long before life existed on earth. In fact, many people (including scientists) think that this is highly likely to be true, given the vastness and estimated age of the universe. Is it possible that life exists elsewhere in the universe, either now or in the distant past? This talk will focus on a scientific evaluation of such an idea from the perspective of a
chemist, Dr. Steven W. Baertschi.

Free food will be provided

Noah's Flood: Global, Local, or Worldwide?

The location, extent and time of Noah's flood as recorded in Genesis remains a controversial topic. This has divided the church and its popular interpretation has proven to be one of the most significant biblical barriers to unbelievers coming to faith in Jesus Christ. Careful biblical exegesis, and recent scientific discoveries, including patterns of human migration, geography, climate and the history of the earth have shed new light on this important topic. Please join us as Dr. Hugh Ross brings this evidence together to give us a clearer, and perhaps surprising, understanding of Noah's flood.

The presentation is based on Hugh's last book and he explained that he wrote it because:
One reason people reject the Bible as the inspired inerrant word of God is they look at the account of the flood and they say, "There's no way that can be true. If that isn't true, there's no point my reading anything else in the Bible."

We offer a safe and relaxed environment where you and your friends can ask questions freely.