2025 Cactus Clash

Mars Hill Speech Event

We will use the following Stoa categories for this tournament:

1. Current Film and Television (Last 5 Year)
2. Classic Film and Television
3. Current Music

Please see the 2025-2026 topics here.

Mars Hill

Description: The competitor uses books, movies, and other genre to discuss the appeal and impact of the theme(s) within the topic, holding them up in light of Christian truth found in the Bible.

Goals: The competitor learns to relate cultural references to themes common in humanity to find common ground and draw the listener to Christian truths. The competitor will share Biblical principles on a conversational, personal level to inspire reflection, understanding that God’s truth is not divorced from culture.

Purpose: Mars Hill is a speech event that trains students to connect culture and Christianity. The name of this event is taken from the Apostle Paul’s speech in Athens as described in Acts 17 where he uses Greek cultural ideas to find common ground to make a connection to Christ. The goal is to have students recognize that God’s truth is not divorced from culture; rather, God’s truth undergirds all of culture because God is the maker and sustainer of all things. In addition, it is intended that students will begin to see shared cultural experiences as a way to draw unbelievers into a conversation about Christ in a natural and understandable way.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the MH topics do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of Stoa, the Board, or the Speech Committee. Mars Hill is intended for competitors 14 and older due to some mature themes and elements included in the content.