9/9/2023
Apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, which means to give a rational defense as an attorney would in a courtroom. Christian apologetics is the discipline of providing a rational defense for the Christian claims (e.g., the triune God exists, the reality of soul, Christ’s resurrection), as opposed to the amusing assumption that it involves apologizing for one’s faith. Its posture is not strictly to defend the Christian claims but also to provide positive arguments and evidences for the existence of the biblical God. Hence there are both offensive (or positive) and defensive (or negative) aspects of Christian apologetics. When doing this discipline certain assumptions must be maintained: (1) truth is real[1]; (2) if the God of the Bible exists, he has revealed himself through special and general revelation[2]; and (3) meaningful conversation about God is possible. This essay is meant to introduce Christians to apologetics, to explain the benefits of apologetics, and to argue for the necessity of apologetics within the church.
Christians are typically conflicted over the ethics of practicing this sort of rational defense. They believe faith and reason are at odds, and to harmonize the two would be to relinquish faith itself. But this view is unbiblical and misconstrues the meaning of faith. Far from faith and reason opposing one another, faith is biblically defined as trusting in something you have good reason to believe. The biblical view therefore teaches that faith and reason go hand in hand. But to clarify, the goal of Christian apologetics is never to win a debate but to lead people to Christ.
Apologetics itself is rooted in scripture. 1 Peter 3:15 commands that we must always be prepared to give a reason or rational defense (apologia) for our faith. Peter requires a rational faith, not a blind faith. Moreover, Paul uses rational defenses for his faith in Christ several times in scripture. In Thessalonica, Paul “reasoned with them from the scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead" (Ac 17:2-3). He did the same in Berea (Ac 17:11). While Paul was in Athens he debated with philosophers, arguing for God’s existence using general revelation (Acts 17:16-34).[3] Paul continued to reason, persuade, and debate both Jews and Greeks (Acts 18-19). Furthermore, Jesus himself practices a form of apologetics. Through fulfilled prophecy and miracle working Jesus gave evidence for his claim to be God incarnate, in addition to employing philosophical reasoning when disputing with the pharisees. Most widely known is Jesus’ usage of the philosophical tactic called splitting the horns of a dilemma.[4] Therefore, if one would like to dispute the practice of Christian philosophy and apologetics, one must take it up with Jesus himself. It is well-established that the Bible condones apologetics and, arguably, compels followers to practice apologetics.
The biblical data also shows that apologetics is not strictly for scholars but for everyday Christians as well. At its core, Christian apologetics is about engaging in dialogue that enables questions of faith to be answered. This discipline must never be used to embarrass or insult an opponent. Rather we must follow the words of the apostle Peter when he concludes his command to maintain a rational faith with, “But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Pe 3:15). Most importantly, as firmly established in its biblical grounding, Christian apologetics, when done correctly, is always Spirit-led. But why should every Christian practice apologetics? (1) It prepares the Christian to handle doubt when it inevitably comes. (2) It builds confidence in one’s faith. (3) It is a tool for the Holy Spirit to change hearts. (4) It helps shape culture.
First, when a Christian begins to doubt their faith according to unanswered questions, their doubt is much less likely to manifest if they have a solid foundation in apologetics. Apologetics prevents doubt from sinking into our hearts and minds, for apologists already know responses to their own concerns or at least know where to look for them. For example, if I begin to wonder why God does not make his existence more obvious, I can immediately remind myself that God has provided sufficient evidence for all those who are willing to hear. Likewise if I begin to doubt the reality of miracles and God’s active hand in the world, I immediately remind myself of the compelling historical evidence that Jesus rose from the dead.
Second, apologetics challenges the widespread misconception that faith is the absence of reason. Because of apologetics, every Christian may go out into the world knowing with full confidence that there are tremendous rational arguments and evidences for their faith. This may not entail Christians feeling confident in confronting every situation or concern, but the point is, regardless of whatever difficulties may arise, the Christian remains rooted and steadfast in trusting the rational warrant of the Christian faith.
Third, it has become somewhat commonplace for Christians to assert that no one comes to faith through arguments. While arguments alone may be insufficient, why not think the Holy Spirit can use arguments to persuade willing hearts to come to Christ? The point here is to expand our horizon of the inner working power of the Holy Spirit. Our job as disciples is to plant seeds in the hearts of skeptics, which the Spirit will use to draw people to faith. Thinking that arguments cannot plant spiritual seeds is to have a small view of the Holy Spirit’s ability to draw people to Christ. While many do not need arguments and evidence to move them towards faith in Christ, some do. Another common view is that we are to preach the Gospel, not arguments. Again, Paul and others clearly utilized argumentation for the Kingdom. Theoretically, some folks hear the Gospel and want to believe but cannot overcome their intellectual concerns. Apologetics can satisfy those intellectual concerns and pave the way for genuine faith.
Fourth, we live in a culture where faith is viewed as a kind of blind faith void of any rational substance, while scientific disciplines are perceived to deal in facts. If you seek truth, go to the scientists; if you seek comfort, go to the church. Younger people today are asking genuine questions about the meaning of life, and they turn not to the church, but to the secular world for answers. Church is convenient for the broken-hearted but not for those seeking intellectual answers. This unfortunate cultural stigma is challenged through Christian apologetics. By providing rational arguments and evidence for Christianity, and by creating a positive environment for questions to be answered, the cultural stigma is discredited. It is absolutely vital that the church is perceived by unbelievers as a light of hope and reason. Even though faith in Jesus Christ continues to be less politically acceptable, people of faith are becoming more equipped to face the intellectual challenges and questions of our time. Believers may always face scrutiny, but we may now firmly stand on the grounds of faith and reason rather than blind emotional faith.
What are the steps for beginners to pursue apologetics? One should at least have a broad understanding of various topics, for it is impossible to effectively defend the faith without having some form of education. Apologetic education could be achieved through a seminary, online curriculum, classes held at the local church, or simply studying the material at your own pace (although it can be risky to study apologetics without an actual instructor). Advanced scholarly coursework is not required to do apologetics effectively. Once informed, the apologist should develop the skill of succinctly responding to common objections, which is done by watching other apologists and through hands-on experience. Apologetics may be practiced corporately or individually. Either way, remember the goal is not to win an argument but to become a tool for the Holy Spirit to plant a seed in their heart. Effective apologists give a defense without getting defensive; they give arguments without being argumentative.[5]
Moreover, mastering the skill of asking good questions is the best tip I could give for anyone studying apologetics. Asking good questions helps the apologist work through situations they are unprepared for, and it keep the skeptic from deflecting the burden of proof. If the skeptic asserts, “evolution contradicts the Bible,” do not get defensive or jump to a response. Instead ask, “what do you mean by evolution?” and “in what ways do these contradict?” Or if the skeptic says, “there is no scientific evidence for God’s existence,” do not get upset. Respond by asking, “what do you mean by science?” Or ask, “why must there be scientific evidence for God’s existence?” The art of asking good questions is an abundantly helpful and respectful method in arguing for God’s existence.
Like it or not, we have entered an era of Christianity that has moved beyond the former ways of anti-intellectualism and fideism.[6] Scholars today have worked and refined countless arguments for the existence of God, each taking many different forms, allowing for popularizers to structure them in a convenient was for lay Christians.[7] Thus, memorizing arguments is not as difficult as one might think. All Christians are able to be effective apologists! As a result of reading this short essay I hope you will have a solid idea of why apologetics is important and where to move forward as beginning apologists. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will motivate you to pursue Christian apologetics for yourself and others.
[1] By real I mean objective. Truth can be referred to either as subjective or objective. One’s own opinion, belief, or preference would be considered subjective. Objective truth speaks of statements that are true regardless of an individuals opinion, belief, or preference.
[2] Revelation simply means that God has revealed himself. When God reveals himself directly through inspiration (i.e., scripture), this is called special revelation. General revelation is an indirect sense of God’s self-revelation, as it is found through nature, logic, science, philosophy, etc.
[3] Colossians 2:8 is often quoted as Paul’s denouncement of philosophy. Clearly Paul rejects only a specific kind of philosophy—the kind that is sourced in earthly desires and considerations.
[4] Whenever one is given two options both leading to unfavorable conclusions, philosophers will split the dilemma by creating a third option. Jesus performed this splitting of a dilemma on several occasions, for example, Matthew 22:15-22.
[5] William Lane Craig, On Guard: Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision, (Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 2010), 14.
[6] Fideism is the belief that faith is essentially non-rational. Not only are reasons for faith unimportant, but unbiblical as well. Anti-intellectualism is likewise hostile to reason.
[7] To name a few types of arguments: cosmological (origin of the universe), teleological (design), ontological, mathematical, moral, resurrection, consciousness, free will, religious experience and miracles.
Further reading for beginners: Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis; On Guard, William Lane Craig; The Case for Christ, Lee Strobel; I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, Norman L. Geisler and Frank Turek; Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World, Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell; A New Kind of Apologist: *Adopting Fresh Strategies *Addressing the Latest Issues *Engaging the Culture, Sean McDowell; Tactics, Greg Koukl; Evidence for the Resurrection: What It Means for Your Relationship With God, Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell; To Everyone an Answer: A Case for the Christian Worldview, Francis J. Beckwith, William Lane Craig, and J.P. Moreland.
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