Apologetics
is a very important discipline within the Christian faith. I think the best
definition of Apologetics would be what Belby wrote, “Apologetics is what
happens when the Christian humbly yet confidently proclaims the good news of
the gospel of Jesus Christ in a world where truth and reasons for belief
matter.”[1] We live in a world where
people are searching for something to believe in, but also there is such a
variety of different beliefs mixed up. (Anyone remember that 1990 song Something to Believe In?) Though a
secular song, it demonstrates that everyone is looking for something to believe
in. I think now is a time when there are more beliefs out there for people grab
a hold of something even if it is false.
Groothius
states that we do apologetics because, “We desire to make Christian truth
available to others in the most compelling form possible.”[2] It should be the desire
for all Christians to “defend” their Christian faith. However, the defense
should be done in a caring and humble way. There is no better time than now to
have a correct “defense for the faith”. As stated, there are many “faiths” out
there for people to give their soul to. Every Christian should have a good
grasp of what apologetics is!
Christians
should be aware of the different audiences there are for apologetic
discussions. Belby states that, “There are many different audiences.”[3] There are internal
audiences that happens when apologetic discussions happen with other Christians
while external audiences are apologetic discussions that happen with those
outside the sphere of Christian circles. Belby also states that there are
private, public, and academic audiences that involve apologetics.[4]
Private
apologetic discussions happen when there is only a small group or individual
involved. Public apologetic discussions are public debates and lectures. A
recent famous public apologetic debate was between Bill Nye and Ken Ham. This
apologetic debate happened in the earlier part of 2014. The discussion was
based more around the Creation Theory. Bill Nye “The Science Guy” and Richard
Dawkins are always trying to do public apologetic debates and lectures against
the Christian faith. The last apologetic venue is academic apologetics. Academic
apologetics is usually not directed toward an audience. It is basically describing
what apologetics is.
External
apologetic discussions would include having conversations with atheist,
skeptics, Gnostics, Agnostics, and other “religions”. Other religions that
would be great to have apologetic discussions with is those that are
Scientologists, Muslims, and those that belong to the church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints. While these are good candidates there is another rising form
of religion which is “secular Christianity”. This form of “Christianity” believes
in parts of the Bible, but disregards the miracles and the virgin birth of
Jesus; basically Gnostics. The final audience that should be considered are
those who believe in universalism. Universalist believe that all people are
basically good and that all will be able to go to Heaven. They teach only parts
of the Bible.
Everyone
that participates in apologetics refer to the same general Scriptures for the “reason”
for apologetics. Isaiah 1:18 says, “Come now and let us reason together.” This verse
really is unique in that it stands by itself within the whole context of Isaiah
chapter one. It could also be interpreted as “let us settle the matter.” The
verse was meant for the children of Israel however, it is as if this verse
speaks throughout the ages for the case of apologetics. Paul uses apologetics
in his letters by defending his faith before all people to include rulers.
Examples of this can be found in 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5 and Galatians 1:10. One
of my favorite set of Scriptures that involve the Apostle Paul is when he
defended his faith before Felix and the height of that conversation was Acts
24:25, “But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control, and the judgement
to come, Felix became frightened and said, ‘Go away for the present, and when I
find time I will summon you.’” This is a great demonstration of how apologetics
affects some people. Lastly, the famous 1 Peter 3:15-16 should be mentioned as a
biblical basis for apologetics. 1 Peter 3:15-16 says, “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.” (I will spare you all my commentary and delight of this Scripture
at this time).
It
should be very clear that apologetics is an important discipline in the
Christian faith.
Bibliography
Belby, James K. Thinking
About Christian Apologetics: What it is and Why We Do it. Downers Grove,
Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 2011.
Groothius, Douglas. Christian
Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith. Downers Grove,
Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 2011.
[1] James K. Belby, Thinking About Christian Apologetics: What
it is and Why We Do it, (Downers Grove, Illinois: Intervarsity Press,
2011), 34.
[2] Douglas Groothius, Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case
for Biblical Faith, (Downers Grove, Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 2011),
Kindle Loc. 398.
[3] Belby, Thinking About Christian Apologetics, 25.
[4] Ibid., 26-27.
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