The word "apologetics" comes from the Greek word
"apologia," pronounced, "ap-ol-og-ee-ah." It means, "a verbal defense."
Christian apologetics is that branch of Christianity that deals with
answering any and all critics who oppose or question the revelation of God
in Christ and the Bible. It can include studying such subjects as
biblical manuscript transmission, philosophy, biology, mathematics,
evolution, and logic. But it can also consist of simply giving an answer
to a question about Jesus or a Bible passage. The later case is by far the
most common and you dont have to read a ton of books to do that.
Apologetics can be defensive and offensive.
Phil.
1:7 gives us instruction on the defensive side, For it is
only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my
heart, since both in my 2imprisonment and in the defense and
confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me.
2
Cor. 10:15-6 gives us instruction on the aggressive side, We
are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the
knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience
of Christ. The apologist can and should defend his reasons for
believing (1
Pet. 3:15). But, he can also go on the attack. He can seek out those
who oppose Christianity (2
Cor. 10:5). Of course, he should be prepared to do this before hand
and all apologetics is to be done with gentleness.
Apologetics is the work of convincing people to change their views. In
this it is similar to preaching because its goal is ultimately the defense
and presentation of the validity and necessity of the gospel. It is an
attempt to persuade the listener to change his beliefs and life to
conformity to biblical truth and to come to a saving relationship in
Christ.
Apologetics can be, basically, evidential (often called "classical")
or
presuppositional. Evidential apologetics deals with the evidence for
Christianity: Jesus resurrection, the biblical manuscripts, fulfilled
prophecy, miracles, etc. Presuppositional apologetics deals with the
presuppositions of those who oppose Christianity, because presuppositions
effect how a person views evidence and reason.
Some areas of debate within Christian apologetics deal with the use of
evidence, reasons, philosophy, etc. Should the apologist use only those
criteria acceptable to unbelievers? Are we allowed to use the Bible as a
defense of our position or must we prove Christianity without it? Is
reason alone sufficient to prove God existence or Christianitys truth?
How much should reason and evidence be used in light of the Scriptures
teaching that it is God who opens the mind to understand? What part does
prayer, using the Bible, and the sinful nature of the unbeliever play in
witnessing? How do these factors interrelate to bring an unbeliever to
faith? The questions are easy. The answers are not.
Jesus chose one highly educated religious person as an apostle. That
was Paul. The rest were fishermen, a tax collector, a doctor, etc. They
were normal people of the day who were available and willing to be used by
the Lord. They were filled with the Spirit of God and they were used as
vessels of God. God uses all things for His glory. So, we do apologetics
by faith.
The Lord has called every Christian to be ready to make a defense of
his faith. That means you are called to give reasonable answers to
questions regarding Christianity. Now, this does not mean that you must
have a Ph.D or that you have to go to seminary. But it does mean that you
should be willing to at least give an answer for your beliefs. If you find
you cannot, then prayerfully take it to God and start studying.
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