1. The Meaning Of Apologetics

The word Apologetics comes from the Greek word "apologia" which means "to give a defense" (1) and it implies a defense supported by specific reasons and thought. This is the same kind of defense a defense attorney might give on behalf of his client, using reasons and arguments to prove innocence.

The concept of apologetics isn't unique to Christianity, either. In a more general sense, anytime a person is asked to defend a position or a belief in some system, he is asked for an apologetic. However, it seems the concept of rationally defending your convictions in today's society isn't valued as much as it had been previously. Professors may speak of someone's apologetic, but the phrase has fallen out of use in the popular vernacular.

In the Bible, the most famous apologetics passage is [b]1 Peter 3:15 where the Apostle commands believers to "sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense (apologia) to everyone that asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and respect."
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2. The Nature of Apologetics

So what does Christian apologetics entail? The above passage in 1 Peter sets forth the nature of what Christian apologetics should be. Good apologetics needs to be based on reason, it needs to be knowledgeable, and it needs to be done in a spirit of gentleness and respect.

THINGS NEEDED FOR GOOD APOLOGETICS.

A.Good Reasoning

First, our arguments should be rational and based on[b] good reasoning,[/b] again like a trial attorney. This is a very important point, since so many people today seem to view faith and reason as concepts in tension or conflict with each other.

Because apologetics at its core deals with ,facts- truths. Therefore it demands a continual examination of questions about the truth.Questions like the followings are frequently asked: "Is Christianity true?" "Did Jesus really rise from the dead?" "How can I know if God exists?"

The Apostle Paul understood this well. In 1 Thessalonians he commands us to "examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good". This is a remarkable passage. So certain was Paul of the reasonableness of Christianity, he actually challenges believers to test its truth claims against all others. If another is more rational, then you should believe it instead! Rationality therefore becomes an important part of Christian apologetics and Christianity in general.

B.Knowledgeable

Because apologetics needs to be rational, it is important for the apologist to become more knowledgeable about Christianity as well as opposing arguments. In order to provide sound reasons for the hope of Christ, we have a responsibility to understand what others believe so we don't caricature their beliefs or build straw man arguments, or become foolish when talking about our faith.

Many people get concerned at this point, thinking something like "Well, I guess I can't do apologetics. I don't know that much. I'm just not that smart." But being knowledgeable doesn't mean that you need to have a bunch of facts about world religions memorized. It first means listening to the other person and asking questions to make sure you understand their position. It also means that you know where to go to find answers to those arguments you're confronted with, and you should always strive to understand the Christian faith more clearly. Paul again warns that mature Christians should be able to handle the Scripture accurately, "rightly dividing the Word of truth".

C.Gentle & respectful

Not only should apologetics be approached Rationally and knowledgably, but it should also be executed with sensitivity to the thoughts and feelings of other individuals. Remember, faith is a central part of our self-identity; it's how we understand who we are. Faith is so fundamental to a person's understanding of himself and how he relates to the world. An attack on his faith can be viewed as an attack against him. So if the Christian just bashes a person because of the beliefs he or she holds, then his arguments become nothing more than noise. Remember, we are commanded to be "wise as serpents but gentle as doves."

3. The Need for Apologetics

Now, it sounds like apologetics is a lot of work, and that's probably true. In the church today, Christians want to have their faith, but leave the "heavy lifting" to professionals. However, it's not just important for believers to know why they believe something, it's absolutely necessary. So what are the Needs of Apologetics? Why should a christian study Apologetics? These are question we shall be answering now.

i[b].It Helps Us Deepen Our Relationship with God.[/b]

One reason we need to develop a good apologetic is it draws us into a closer relationship with God. Jesus taught us this in Matthew 22:37. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." If we are commanded to love God with all our minds, then we need to continue to become more aware of who He is, so that our worldview is aligned with God's.

Paul properly demonstrated the same idea when he said to the Christians in Rome, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed, by the renewing of your mind." (Rom.12:2) Also, notice the first part of 1 Peter 3:15, "but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense, ". By making a defense, we sanctify the Lord in our hearts.

ii.Apologetics Helps Secure Our Faith.

Besides drawing us closer to God, accurate knowledge helps us during our trials of faith. We all know that in Christianity there are trying periods. Jesus didn't promise a trial free Christianity. In that case if as a christian you find yourself in diverse trials of Faith what you need is the assurance that the lord is with you. And there is no other way for that assurance to come if not through thorough search of the reality of life which being an Apologist will help you.

4. Protection From Heretical Teachings.
The last point I want to highlight is a good apologetic will also protect Christians from believing heretical teachings. Heresy simply means falsehood or false teachings that abound everywhere.

Many of the modern cults we see today got their start in the revival movements of the early 19th century(2). Many of these cults gained a foothold because people were eager to believe in God, but had no disciplined and thoughtful people to show them why certain teachings could not be true.

Even now controversial teachings are creeping into the evangelical church. For example, a recent research showed that although most Christians believe in God, 50% Protestants believe that Satan is not a real being but just a symbolic form. Again more than two out of every five adults believe Jesus that Jesus died for the sins he committed.To them Jesus is not a savior but an impostor.


(3) Homosexual marriage and other social issues have also crept into the church.Many now conform to the world, loving the world than to Christ.

In that case what are we to do ? Is there any solution? Do we fold our hands and watch all these happen? No, We have the answer,which to reprove the world. The lord has Commanded us to teach the world the Truth. This is the essence of Apologetics.

Another thing to note in the passages above is they are all commandments, not suggestions. It's a lie of the enemy that we don't need to try and grow intellectually to deepen our relationship with God. For one thing, we need apologetics to effectively evangelize.

Jesus used it in Matt. 22 when the Sadducees tested Him on the question of the resurrection.

Paul used apologetics constantly to demonstrate the truth of Christ; the most famous episode occurs in Acts 17 on Mars Hill, but Acts 19:8 is another great example. There, it says Paul "entered the synagogue and continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God."

Paul reasoned and persuaded his audience, using arguments to bring others to Christ. Likewise, we are obligated to share the truth with those who don't know. Remember - they're lost! The Great Commission of Matthew 28:19 is as relevant here as in other forms of evangelism. We need to teach the world and apologetics is one way we do so.

4. How Do We Do Apologetics?

In all of this, I've demonstrated the need for apologetics, but how does an ordinary Christian go about in honing their apologetic skills? Does it take years of seminary or college? Not really. Just like every other facet of the Christian walk, developing reasoning skills is a life-long pursuit. But here are a few tips that everyone can do to get them started on that road.

1.Preparation

The first thing to do when beginning to study apologetics is just to gather a list of good resources you can rely on. Knowing where to go for answers whenever a difficult issue presents itself can help immeasurably. Bookmark good apologetics Web sites.

You should also build a good library of books dealing with theological and apologetic issues. Start with texts that cover a broad range of topics, on Apologetics.

2. Pick A Topic
Once you've established a basic library of knowledge, pick an issue or Topic that you'd like to discuss. Pick something you feel strongly about. Perhaps you saw an editorial in the local paper where you disagree; perhaps you have a co-worker who has an objection with Christianity. Whatever the motivator, choose one issue and start researching on it. learn as much as you can on it. Make sure that you listen to the opposing views before generating an answer. Ask questions of you opponent and restate his position back to him, or have someone else without a vested interest review your answer before you publish it. It's important to learn both sides of an issue so you aren't building a straw man.

3.Be On the Offensive.

Lastly, go on the offensive.Publish your article,online or off line. As a member of this forum, you can post a new topic. I mean a topic that will be a blessing to all of us, Rather than being abusive and myopic.

Then you can as well write a letter to the editor of any publishing house of you choice. Consequently, you can Ask others what reasons they have to hold to their belief system. Don't be like most Christians, who have formed the habits of only defending their beliefs. Rather teach in a way that - non-believers should be able to offer reasons for what they believe, too!. Be accommodating or rather do what we call ''Win-Win Approach'' in communication.
When you respect other peoples' views in matters they will respect yours too.

Having seen the importance of Apologetics it is now your responsibility to start making use of his knowledge to teach what the lord approves. Go out there to help someone who is dying in ignorance. For great is your reward!

Just great

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