Think about these questions . . .
How often has someone asked you about the claims of Christianity? How often have you not been able to give a response? How often has your lack of knowledge led to seeds of doubt? How often do you think about issues prevalent in our society from the Christian worldview (or perspective)? How often (or ever) have you truly thought about why you believe what you believe?
What is Apologetics?
The term Apologetics stems from the Greek word "apologia," which means "to give a defense." Therefore, Christian Apologetics is giving a defense of the Chrisitian faith.
Christian Apologetics is most often derived from 1 Peter 3:15; " . . . but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet to do it with gentleness and respect . . ." (ESV) (Jude 3 is occasionally referenced to a lesser extent. Also, please reference Colossians 4:6 and Philippians 1:7)
There are many false assumptions and myths about Christianity that are prevalent in our society. There are critics who attack the claims of the Bible (its inerrancy, the resurrection of Jesus, etc.). Christian Apologetics seek to defend the Biblical truth when it comes to these and many other circumstances.
Why Apologetics?
- Biblical Mandate - 1 Peter 3:15 is not a suggestion, but is a command of preparation. It is not a command just for pastors, evangelists, missionaries . . . this is a command for all Christians. The Great Commission (Mk 16: 14-15) calls for us to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation," and in doing you will encounter all types of situations including people who will have questions, critics who will challenge you, people of other faiths . . . so we are to be prepared to defend the truths of the Bible. The one and only truth (Jn 14:6).
- Intelligent discussion - In Matthew 22:37 Jesus said that we are to " . . . love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." Unfortunately, many Christians only take seriously a third or maybe two-thirds of those words from Christ. Loving God with all your mind often takes a backseat. Knowing how to intelligibly discuss the truths of Christianity with seekers and/or other Christians is vitally important. In fact, early in the 22nd chapter of Matthew Jesus had to do just that! The Sadducees challenged Jesus about the resurrection. When he answered them, scripture said he "silenced them." If Jesus himself defended the truth, why should it not be paramount for us to do the same (especially since we're commanded to)? (verses to reference 1 Peter 3:15; Luke 21:14-15; Is. 1:18)
- Know why you believe what you believe - The charge of Christianity being a "blind" faith is hurled around much too frequently . . . and much too frequently Christians have no idea how to respond. We do nothing to subdue this false assertion when we don't know why we believe what we believe. If you're just believing in Christ because that's how you were raised, well then many people of other faiths could make the same claim (and this statement also commits the Genetic fallacy). Scripture does not teach the concept of "blind" faith, and we do harm to our understanding, other people's understanding, and most importantly, the sanctity of God's word, when we don't refute this allegation. (ref. Acts 17:11)
- Fortify your faith - "so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes." Unless our foundation is strong, we can and will be easily blown away. Easily duped by doubt, other religions that tickle our ears (2 Tim. 4:3-4), and any other untrue seductions. If we are equipped with the truth, we can stand firm, and also help dispel many of the myths that exist concerning Christianity, helping bring people to a correct understanding of the faith. (ref. Ephesians 4:14, James 1:6, Hebrews 13:9, Ephesians 6:11).
How was Apologetics shown in the Bible?
Here are several apologetic examples in the Bible:
Acts 17:1-4
Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women.
Acts 17:22-34
So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription,‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for
“‘In him we live and move and have our being’;
“‘In him we live and move and have our being’;
as even some of your own poets have said,
“‘For we are indeed his offspring.’
“‘For we are indeed his offspring.’
Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” So Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.
Acts 26:24-29
And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ . . .
Philippians 1:7
It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
Philippians 1:16
The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
1 Peter 3:13-16
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