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What is Apologetics?
Introduction to apologetics
The word "apologetics" comes from the Greek word "apologia," pronounced, "ap-ol-og-ee'-ah." It means, "a verbal defense." It is used eight times in the New Testament: Acts 22:1; 25:16; 1 Cor. 9:3; 2 Cor. 7:11; Phil. 1;7,17; 2 Tim. 4:16, and 1 Pet. 3:15. But it is the last verse that is most commonly associated with Christian apologetics. "but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence" (1 Pet. 3:15, NASB).
Therefore, 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 don't have to read a ton of books to do that.
Apologetics can be defensive and offensive.Ê 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.Ê 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 Christianity's 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.
What do you study?
You could pray and ask the Lord to teach you what He wants you to know. Ask Him to give you a burden for something to learn. It doesn't matter what it is. Just ask. Whatever you become interested in is what you should learn about because it is probably something God wants you to know for later use.Ê It is like having tools in a tool shed. The more you have, the more you can accomplish.
Another way to find out what God wants you to study through circumstances. Let's say that a Jehovah's Witness comes to your door and debates the deity of Christ with you and you find you don't know how to defend it biblically. In that case, you know you need to study biblical verses that teach Jesus is God in flesh. Or maybe a coworker asks you how you know the Bible is true? If you don't have a answer, pray, and start researching. Go to a Christian bookstore and get some books on it. Talk to your pastor. You'll learn.
Sometimes God will make a verse or subject in the Bible "come alive" to you and it might strike you as odd or interesting. You could get a commentary and read up on it. You could ask others about it. In so doing, you are preparing yourself through learning to be ready to answer questions and point people to the truth. You'd be surprised how many details God can use to help you in your witness, even through those apparently odd times when verses suddenly "come alive."
Webmaster note: In a non-scientific poll offered on this site, we asked readers if they felt Christians knew the Bible well enough to defend their faith. Out of just over 50 respondents, an overwhelming 80% felt that Christians did not know the scriptures well enough. -J.P.
Get An Ignorance Notebook
The ignorance notebook is something I started almost 20 years ago to help me study. You can make one yourself. It's simple. Get a 3 ring binder and fill with blank pages. Then ask God to fill it with what you need to know. As in the examples above, God will put burdens on your heart, or cause you to find places where you are lacking in knowledge, or a Bible verse will strike you. Write down what you learn in your notebook. Date the pages as you go. You'll be amazed at what you learn.
Basically, apologetics is equivalent to theology in sneakers. It means getting the hay down off the loft and down to where the cows can eat it. Anyone can 'do' apologetics. All it takes is a willingness, a little work, and the Spirit of God in you.
Are you an apologist?
Sometimes when I do seminars, I stand in front of a group of people and introduce myself. I give a very brief history of what got me started in apologetics and what keeps me going. Usually, those who are there are there to learn about witnessing to Mormons or Jehovah's Witnesses, some other cult group of principle, Christian doctrine, evangelism, or are simply there to ask questions on different subjects. Invariably, I introduce the term 'apologetics' to the group and define it as that field of Christian study that defends biblical truth against anything that opposes it. Also, I state that apologetics is as varied as there are people and subjects and that no one can master all areas. Instead, according to a person's gifts and interests, he or she will become proficient in what interests that person as God calls him into study.
But one of my concerns when doing seminars is what I call "The Speaker Effect." Basically, when a group gathers to hear a speaker, it is assumed that the speaker knows his material and is very experienced in the subject. Given the fact that public speaking is America's number one phobia, the mere fact that a person can get up there and speak for an hour on a subject (and enjoy doing it) has a psychological affect of distancing the learner from the teacher. The speaker is often elevated to the status of "A Special Teacher Called of God." Actually, in my case, the speaker is just someone who likes to blab about what he knows. I'm no different than anyone else, and that is important. People need to realize that they are called by God to study and show themselves approved (2 Tim. 2:15). Apologetics is, briefly, making a defense for the Christian faith. If you do that in any way, then you are an apologist. In fact, you are commanded to be an apologist by Peter. "But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence," (1 Pet. 3:15).
If God commands you to make a defense, then He is commanding you to be an apologist. So, you are, whether you like it or not, called to be an apologist. But don't worry. God is not in the habit of sending people to accomplish His will without equipping them.
Now, what I am going to tell you is true. I've experienced this many times. But please understand that this is the work of the Holy Spirit, not me. There would be times in varying situations when I would be discussing something with an unbeliever. He would ask a difficult question that would give me pause. I'd nod, trust God, and inhale to begin to answer. The answer would come as I began to speak. In other words, I didn't know what to say, until I started to say it. I am reminded of Jesus' words in Mark 13:11, "And when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not be anxious beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit."
I say this because I want you to learn to trust the Lord. He said He will be with us always to the end (Matt. 28:20). I believe it. He is there when we need Him. Trust God and Go!
Source: Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry
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