Christian apologetics has four essential functions: (1) to show that Christianity is true; (2) to clarify the Christian position in light of the many misrepresentations and misconceptions; (3) to show why other world religions or worldview are false; and (4) to challenge and convince people to apply the truth of the Gospel to their personal lives.
Apologetics provides a thoughtful and reasonable approach to Christian evangelism. By Christian apologetics, we can establish the truth of Christianity through clear thinking and sound reasoning by using the tools in Logic and Philosophy. We also use historical data to establish the authenticity of the Bible. And we use scientific knowledge to show how Christian beliefs and teachings are consistent with the physical reality that we live in.
By Christian apologetics, we can clarify the Christian position against the many misunderstandings, misrepresentations, and objections. We can show, by using tools in Logic and Philosophy where and why the critics are committing fallacies such as the strawman fallacy, invoking a popular opinion, or making wrong assumptions.
By Christian apologetics we can help non-Christians think clearly about their own beliefs and show why their beliefs are false.
And finally, we can confront every person with the truth of the Christian message and challenge them to make a decision, whether to accept it or to reject it still.
Therefore, it is very important for the Church to embrace the discipline of Christian apologetics. We are the light of the world; we are the salt of the earth. And with Apologetics, we can shine our light to the world by speaking the truth clearly, thoughtfully, and reasonably. We can challenge the arguments and objections of non-Christians and show the contradictions and falsity of their own beliefs. This is why Apologetics is very important.
Apologetics is not unbiblical. In fact, the opposite is true. The Apostles themselves did Apologetics as they went about doing their ministry. The Bible commands us to do apologetics. It says 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense (apologia) to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” The Greek word “apologia” is where the word apologetics derives from and it simply means “the speech act of attempting to prove some act or belief to be reasonable, necessary, or right.” It is used several times in the New Testament. Another instance is found in Philippians 1:7 (ESV) “It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense (apologia) and confirmation of the gospel.” Apologetics is an intrinsic part of the preaching and proclaiming of the Gospel.
Comments