What is Christian
Apologetics
Our English word "apology" comes from a Greek
word which basically means "to give a defense." Christian apologetics,
then, is the science of giving a defense of the Christian faith. There
are many skeptics who doubt the existence of God and/or attack belief
in the God of the Bible. There are many critics who attack the inspiration
and inerrancy of the Bible. There are many false teachers who promote
false doctrines and deny the key truths of the Christian faith. The
mission of Christian apologetics is to combat these movements and instead
promote the Christian God and Christian truth.
Probably the key verse for Christian apologetics
in the Bible is 1 Peter 3:15, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as
Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you
to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness
and respect..." There is no excuse for a Christian to be completely
unable to defend his or her faith. Every Christian should be able to
give a reasonable presentation of their faith in Christ. No, not every
Christian needs to be an expert in apologetics. Every Christian, though,
should be equipped to know what they believe, why they believe it, how
to share it with others, and how to defend it against lies and attacks.
A second aspect to Christian apologetics that
is often ignored is the second half of 1 Peter 3:15, "but do this with
gentleness and respect..." Defending the Christian faith with apologetics
should not involve being rude, angry, or disrespectful. While practicing
Christian apologetics, we should strive to be strong in our defense
and at the same time Christ-like in our presentation. If we win a debate
but turn a person even further away from Christ by our attitude - we
have lost the true purpose of Christian apologetics.
There are two primary aspects / methods of
Christian apologetics. The first, commonly known as classical apologetics,
involves sharing proofs and evidences that the Christian message is
true.
The second, commonly known as presuppositional
apologetics, involves confronting the presuppositions (preconceived
ideas, assumptions) behind the anti-Christian positions. Proponents
of the two methods of Christian apologetics often debate each other
as to which method is most effective. It would be far more productive
to be using both methods, depending on the person and situation.
Christian apologetics is simply presenting
a reasonable defense of the Christian faith and Christian truth to those
whom disagree. Christian apologetics is a necessary aspect of our Christian
life. We are all commanded to be ready and equipped to proclaim the
Gospel and defend our faith (Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 3:15). That is
the essence of Christian apologetics.
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