We apologize for a lot of things throughout our lives, but one of those things should never be our faith in Christ. Apologizing to the world is what many people think we are doing, or are being called to do, when engaging in "apologetics." Apologetics, however, has nothing to do with apologizing for our beliefs; in fact, it is quite the opposite.
The word apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, which means "to speak in defense of something; to give a defense." Therefore, Christian apologetics involves the practice of defending the faith with reasonable arguments (or statements leading to a conclusion). Below are a few reasons we believe Christians should learn the basics of apologetics and also participate in it often.
Apologetics Is Part Of Our Calling
Defending the faith in our culture is part of our calling. As we respond to this call—using apologetics wisely—we will begin to slowly but surely shape our society towards what is good...towards God. The most important verses regarding apologetics are found in 1 Peter 3:15-16, which say: "In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense [apologia] to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is within you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame." The apostles and other New Testament writers even engaged in apologetics themselves (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Acts 17:16-34; Colossians 2:8-10; Jude 3).
Having well-reasoned arguments for our faith in Christ will make the Christian worldview—and Christ—even more appealing to the unregenerate thinking person who seeks truth. Douglas Groothuis, in his book Christian Apologetics, asserts that, "one reason Christianity has failed to exert much influence on the major intellectual institutions of America is that too many Christians hold their beliefs in an uninformed and precarious fashion. Instead of pursuing answers to the toughest questions an unbelieving world can marshal, they attempt to preserve certainty through ignorance and isolation, relying on platitudes rather than arguments." Let us not fall into this unfortunate state, but let us study to show ourselves approved workmen of Christ (2 Timothy 2:15).
Apologetics Sets The Stage For The Gospel
Back in Jesus' day, many cultures (especially the Jews) believed in God, or at least in a god(s). They believed that there was a higher power of some kind—secular humanism and naturalism (as they are known today) were not introduced yet. Half of the apostles' work in their location, therefore, was already done for them. In other words, in many occasions they did not have to first try to convince people that God exists, instead they simply had to convince them that Jesus was the Messiah, God in the flesh.
In today's society, however, (especially in the U.S., Europe, and Canada, where naturalism and secular humanism have flourished) many people do not even believe in God in the first place, much less the Christian God. So when presenting the Gospel nowadays, we must first lay down the foundation that God exists! Without that base, the Gospel seems even more "foolish to those who are perishing"—for why would God, in whom they do not even believe, come in the flesh to save us by dying on a Cross?
We must, then, give the Gospel a chance at being taken seriously in the present public square. Christian philosopher and theologian, and founder of Reasonable Faith, William Lane Craig says in his book On Guard that, "if the Gospel is to be heard as an intellectually viable option for thinking men and women today, then it is vital that we as Christians try to shape American culture in such a way that Christian belief cannot be dismissed as mere superstition. This is where apologetics comes in."
Apologetics Breaks Down Barriers To Belief
Another benefit to apologetics is the fact that it helps Christians break down the intellectual barriers that usually keep people from believing the Gospel. Many people have false notions of God, Christianity, faith, religion, truth, the faculty of reason, etc. Some do not believe that truth is objective or that it can be fully known; others believe that there is no such thing as truth. And, still some others believe that if there were a God, He would not be personal, but rather some distant being who orchestrates everything or is uninterested in humans altogether. Apologetics can help to dispel common myths, misconceptions, errors, and outright misrepresentations of everything pertaining to Christianity.
When apologetics is employed to serve our Christian faith it helps to lend reason to everything, from the very existence of God, the universe, and humans, to why Jesus had to die on the Cross, to how we know and can believe that He actually rose from the dead. Apologetics is unique in that it makes the best use of theology, philosophy, ancient and modern history, archeology, textual criticism, biblical languages, methods of biblical interpretation, methods of debate, and even politics to successfully ground the Christian worldview as one to be honored, respected, and followed—because it is the truth.
With practice, anyone and everyone can become a decent enough apologist to make a difference in someone's life. Although it takes a certain amount of philosophical training and biblical studies, laypeople all over the world can learn the basics by using great resources by apologists, philosophers, and writers such as William Lane Craig, Ravi Zacharias, Lee Strobel, Paul Copan, Norman Geisler, Josh McDowell, among many others. With prayer, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, and the guidance of great teachers, the case for God, Christ, and Christianity can be defended by just about anyone...including you.
Apologetics May Strengthen Our Faith
Apologetics can also serve to strengthen our personal faith in Christ. Douglas Groothuis, in his book Christian Apologetics, assures us that "as Christians master apologetic arguments, their knowledge of the truth and rationality of their beliefs increases, thus giving them a stronger platform for explaining and defending 'the Good news of God's grace' (Acts 20:24). The Christian's goal should be to gain 'all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge' concerning the Christian worldview (Colossians 2:3)." It is our duty to be able to defend our claim that Christianity is true; if we won't do it, who will?
Also, with a strong grasp on apologetic arguments for God's existence, the Bible's history and inspiration, the case for Christ and His resurrection, etc., and, of course, the Bible and the Holy Spirit, we will be able to overcome our darkest hours regarding our weak faith. We all have times of low faith, when we feel that God is not near, but when our feelings kick in, we can rest in the fact that God is, that Jesus is, and that Christianity is true. Apologetics offers us help in "getting back up" with the knowledge that we have; no amount of troubles can dissuade us of the truth of the Gospel, especially when it is a faith built on evidence and on the ministering of the Holy Spirit (whose presence, in and of itself, is enough to justify belief in Christ).
Dr. Craig also believes that, "knowing why you believe as well as what you believe will make you more confident in sharing your faith with others" (On Guard). Therefore, being able to clearly articulate your faith will give you a boldness that, even in the face of great opposition, you will be able to stand firm and know that you hold the truth of God in your heart and mind—and you will be better prepared to share it with others. People will notice that you at least hold your beliefs sincerely and rationally. So, not only does apologetics build up your faith, but it could help to establish others' faith in Christ.
Conclusion
Engaging in apologetics can be a daunting task to those who are unfamiliar with it, but as you begin to learn about how to defend the faith with various arguments and reasons, and use them in your everyday conversations, you will get better at it. And not only that, but you will also gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the wonderful works of God in all of creation and in the Gospel itself. You will begin to own your faith.
There has been a deep change in our culture, and that cannot be denied. Skeptics today begin from the presupposition that God does not exist or cannot be known if He exists with any degree of certainty. Therefore, we must first convince people that there is a God, a personal God that made them and loves them, and then show them that He manifest Himself through Jesus Christ, who took on human flesh, died for our sins, and rose again on the third day. Apologetics aims to do just that—reason with people that believing in God is rational, justifiable, and good, and that Jesus is the answer.
So...go out and make disciples of Christ; give them the best reasons you learn about why God is and why Jesus is your Savior. And of course, when defending the faith, do so with humility, understanding, patience, and the love of Christ. Also, remember that, ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit who goes before you and convicts people of their sin and guides them to repentance—your goal is to present them the truth and win them to Christ, not win an argument.
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