What is Apologetics?
It wasn't long after the Christian faith emerged in the first century that accusations of every kind began arising against the new faith. In addition, heresies started filtering in to the early church demanding a response from the apostle Paul and others in the second century. It was out of necessity that the early Church fathers took up the discipline of apologetics and began to push back on these accusations which ranged from atheism to cannibalism to mysticism. Since then, Christendom has had a very rich history in apologetics, starting with Paul and moving through the centuries with great apologists such as Justin Martyr, Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, C.S. Lewis and many others.
The word apologetics has its roots in the Greek word ἀπολογία (apologia) which is usually translated ‘defense’ in our English Bibles. This term is derived from the Greek words ἀπὸ (apo) meaning out of and λόγος (logos) meaning logic or reason. Thus meaning ‘out of logic and reason’. It refers to a rational defense that would be given in a court of law. In its original form, it referred to a defense made in a court of law following the charges that where raised against an individual. The word appears 17 times in the New Testament. Christian apologetics is rooted in 1 Peter 3:15 which states, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; …" The word defense here is the word apologia which is where we get the word apologetics.
Contemporary Definition
Apologetics is putting forth any reasonable defense or argument in favor of the Christian worldview. Historically it has been done using logic, reason, philosophy, science, archaeology, history, etc. William Lain Craig describes it this way, "A branch of theology that attempts to give a rational justification for Christianity’s truth claims." We tend to think of apologetics as scholarly and academic, but the truth is if we spend any time evangelizing, we will often find ourselves using apologetics in our arguments. For example, if someone were to say that the Bible's morals are outdated, we can respond by asking the question; Don't you think our society would be better off with less lying, stealing, adultery and hatred? In this example we just defended the Biblical worldview using reason. Apologetic arguments are typically used with unbelievers who don't necessarily believe the Bible. Therefore, using the Bible to convince them the Bible is real is unlikely to have any impact on them. However, if we use logic and reason, we can often engage them in conversation that presents a case for the reality of the Bible and the need for Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Presenting the Gospel under Different Circumstances
The reason we so strongly urge the need for apologetics in our evangelism is two fold. First because the attacks and misrepresentations against our faith is ever increasing in the 21st Century and therefore the best defense is a literate church that answers the call to "always be ready". The second is because it is Biblical, as Paul himself used various approaches to evangelism which was wholly dependent on his audience. Most importantly, we learn apologetics because proper evangelism is dependent on the needs of the audience, and we must be prepared to address various audiences. That is to say, while "Jesus loves you" may work for some skeptics who are in need of love, others need to hear a more rational explanation of Christianity's claims. With others we may have to remove obstacles before they can receive the Gospel. If all we have is one approach to sharing the Gospel, we will be very limited in our effectiveness as evangelists. Below is a sample of some of Paul's various approaches to sharing the Gospel.
Paul understood his audience and had a ready approach for each. He never diluted the Gospel as he always closed with the message of salvation. He was simply sensitive to the needs of each individual and tailored the message of salvation in such a way as to make it as persuasive as possible.
While personal testimonies seem to be the method of choice in the 21st century, this has its flaws, primarily that you can insert any religion or experience and make the same case. As an example, if I say that Jesus brought meaning to my life, that Jesus brought me peace, or that going to church saved my marriage, I can easily insert the word Buddha or Allah and make the same case. And make no mistake about it, Buddhists and Muslims are making this case every day. Personal testimonies do have a place in evangelism but it is important to note that they are rarely used in scripture by the apostles, and when it is used by Paul, he does not talk about how wonderful his life became, rather he references his persecutions and afflictions.
Apologetics and Salvation
Apologetics is not the Gospel, it is simply a tool to move people closer to the Gospel. It is the Gospel of Christ that saves, not apologetics. So that begs the question; why learn apologetics? Below is a list of the many reasons why we should incorporate apologetics into our evangelism.
Let me speak briefly about the first point. I have often thought of apologetics as removing the weeds or the obstacles to the Gospel so a skeptic who has been fed misinformation can open his heart and mind to the truth of the Gospel. As an example, if you've been told your whole life that the Bible is full of contradictions, it is unlikely that you will be open to hearing the central theme of the Bible. So quite often, if we spend some time properly addressing these kinds of objections it can open the pathway necessary for the hearing of God's Word. The role we can play removing obstacles cannot be understated, especially in light of the overwhelming amount of misinformation and lies on college campuses and the internet about God and the Bible.
James W. Miller
There are those who wholly question the enterprise of Christian apologetics. They assert that God will call those whom he chooses and apologetics is just a distraction to the work of the Holy Spirit and the revelation of God. This idea is prima facie nonsense. When a missionary travels to another country to proclaim the Gospel, she learns the language of the people so as to communicate in terms that they understand. Apologetics is simply the language the secular world uses to talk about God. To say we shouldn’t practice a rational defense of the Christian faith is like saying the missionary need not study language, because the Holy Spirit can do whatever [He] wants. James W. Miller, Hardwired: Finding the God You Already Know
Articles
What is Apologetics? Paul Rutherford
Five Methods of Apologetics Steven Cowan
An Apologetic for Apologetics Norman Geisler
What is Apologetics and Why is it Important Dr. Greg Pritchard
The word apologetics has its roots in the Greek word ἀπολογία (apologia) which is usually translated ‘defense’ in our English Bibles. This term is derived from the Greek words ἀπὸ (apo) meaning out of and λόγος (logos) meaning logic or reason. Thus meaning ‘out of logic and reason’. It refers to a rational defense that would be given in a court of law. In its original form, it referred to a defense made in a court of law following the charges that where raised against an individual. The word appears 17 times in the New Testament. Christian apologetics is rooted in 1 Peter 3:15 which states, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; …" The word defense here is the word apologia which is where we get the word apologetics.
Contemporary Definition
Apologetics is putting forth any reasonable defense or argument in favor of the Christian worldview. Historically it has been done using logic, reason, philosophy, science, archaeology, history, etc. William Lain Craig describes it this way, "A branch of theology that attempts to give a rational justification for Christianity’s truth claims." We tend to think of apologetics as scholarly and academic, but the truth is if we spend any time evangelizing, we will often find ourselves using apologetics in our arguments. For example, if someone were to say that the Bible's morals are outdated, we can respond by asking the question; Don't you think our society would be better off with less lying, stealing, adultery and hatred? In this example we just defended the Biblical worldview using reason. Apologetic arguments are typically used with unbelievers who don't necessarily believe the Bible. Therefore, using the Bible to convince them the Bible is real is unlikely to have any impact on them. However, if we use logic and reason, we can often engage them in conversation that presents a case for the reality of the Bible and the need for Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Presenting the Gospel under Different Circumstances
The reason we so strongly urge the need for apologetics in our evangelism is two fold. First because the attacks and misrepresentations against our faith is ever increasing in the 21st Century and therefore the best defense is a literate church that answers the call to "always be ready". The second is because it is Biblical, as Paul himself used various approaches to evangelism which was wholly dependent on his audience. Most importantly, we learn apologetics because proper evangelism is dependent on the needs of the audience, and we must be prepared to address various audiences. That is to say, while "Jesus loves you" may work for some skeptics who are in need of love, others need to hear a more rational explanation of Christianity's claims. With others we may have to remove obstacles before they can receive the Gospel. If all we have is one approach to sharing the Gospel, we will be very limited in our effectiveness as evangelists. Below is a sample of some of Paul's various approaches to sharing the Gospel.
- Acts 17:1-4 With the Jews – Paul uses Scripture and prophesy.
- Acts 17:16-34 With the Stoics and Epicureans – Paul uses reason and existing culture.
- Acts 14 With the heathen at Lystra - Paul appeals to nature to make his case.
- Acts 26 Before Agrippa and Festus - Paul speaks of tradition, prophesy and his conversion.
Paul understood his audience and had a ready approach for each. He never diluted the Gospel as he always closed with the message of salvation. He was simply sensitive to the needs of each individual and tailored the message of salvation in such a way as to make it as persuasive as possible.
While personal testimonies seem to be the method of choice in the 21st century, this has its flaws, primarily that you can insert any religion or experience and make the same case. As an example, if I say that Jesus brought meaning to my life, that Jesus brought me peace, or that going to church saved my marriage, I can easily insert the word Buddha or Allah and make the same case. And make no mistake about it, Buddhists and Muslims are making this case every day. Personal testimonies do have a place in evangelism but it is important to note that they are rarely used in scripture by the apostles, and when it is used by Paul, he does not talk about how wonderful his life became, rather he references his persecutions and afflictions.
Apologetics and Salvation
Apologetics is not the Gospel, it is simply a tool to move people closer to the Gospel. It is the Gospel of Christ that saves, not apologetics. So that begs the question; why learn apologetics? Below is a list of the many reasons why we should incorporate apologetics into our evangelism.
- To refute false objections to the Gospel.
- To remove obstacles to the Gospel.
- To obey God’s command to "always be ready to give a defense".
- To clarify our faith to non-Christians.
- To strengthen faith of Christians.
- To become more effective evangelists.
Let me speak briefly about the first point. I have often thought of apologetics as removing the weeds or the obstacles to the Gospel so a skeptic who has been fed misinformation can open his heart and mind to the truth of the Gospel. As an example, if you've been told your whole life that the Bible is full of contradictions, it is unlikely that you will be open to hearing the central theme of the Bible. So quite often, if we spend some time properly addressing these kinds of objections it can open the pathway necessary for the hearing of God's Word. The role we can play removing obstacles cannot be understated, especially in light of the overwhelming amount of misinformation and lies on college campuses and the internet about God and the Bible.
James W. Miller
There are those who wholly question the enterprise of Christian apologetics. They assert that God will call those whom he chooses and apologetics is just a distraction to the work of the Holy Spirit and the revelation of God. This idea is prima facie nonsense. When a missionary travels to another country to proclaim the Gospel, she learns the language of the people so as to communicate in terms that they understand. Apologetics is simply the language the secular world uses to talk about God. To say we shouldn’t practice a rational defense of the Christian faith is like saying the missionary need not study language, because the Holy Spirit can do whatever [He] wants. James W. Miller, Hardwired: Finding the God You Already Know
Articles
What is Apologetics? Paul Rutherford
Five Methods of Apologetics Steven Cowan
An Apologetic for Apologetics Norman Geisler
What is Apologetics and Why is it Important Dr. Greg Pritchard