Essential reading for anyone who is serious about defending their faith!
APOLOGETICS INTRODUCTION
The word “apologetics” is derived from the Greek, ἀπολογία (apologia), which means “to speak in defense of someone or something“. When used in Christian parlance, apologetics refers to the reasoned defense of the gospel in response to common arguments and objections. Essentially, apologetics has two components:
- Defensive – reasoned answers to common questions and objections
- Offensive – proposing positive, evidential arguments in support of the Christian faith
Of course, conversion and regeneration can only occur as a result of the miraculous intervention of the Holy Spirit, and, ultimately, it requires a step of faith. We cannot argue people into the Kingdom of God. On the other hand, many people have genuine questions and objections which effectively block them from moving forward in their search for faith. Apologetics seeks to address those questions and objections, so that people can move past those blockages and consider the Christian message with open hearts and minds.
Several scriptures specifically exhort God’s people to enter into this kind of apologetic dialogue: 1 Peter 3:15, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have”. Jude 3, “I urge you to contend for the faith”
The Apostle Peter’s exhortation, above, is that we should not merely be willing, but “be prepared” to answer people’s questions. Jude’s use of the word “contend” (ἐπαγωνίζομαι, epagónizomai) infers intense struggle and rigorous debate. Similarly, the book of Acts describes several occasions when the Apostle Paul “reasoned“ and “debated“ with unbelievers in order to defend the validity of the Christian faith (Acts 13:44-48; 15:1-2; 17:1-4; 17:16-33). There is no doubt that Apologetics has a clear biblical mandate!
At SmartFaith.net, we regard Apologetics as a valuable tool that can significantly enhance our evangelistic endeavours. We believe that every Christian can, and should, equip themselves to “contend for the faith“. The resource and topic links on this page will assist you to “be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have”.
FREE RESOURCES:
AP1A Apologetics Introduction(.ppx)
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