What is Apologetics?
Ever had a tough question posed to you by a nonbeliever that you weren't sure how to answer? Over the centuries, many questions have been posed to Christianity--some more difficult than others. Apologetics was born to defend the faith from these questions and show that Jesus Christ's life, death, and Resurrection make rational sense. Chiefly, Apologetics is a discipline. Those who practice Apologetics are ones who seek to use logic, argumentation, and proper use of emotion in order to bring others to Christ by "demolishing arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God" and taking "captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5).
In addition, Apologetics is knowledge-based. Many of the objections raised against Christianity are formulated on intellectual, philosophical, or scientific grounds and thus require a reply utilizing those grounds to show either misinterpretation, lack of substantive evidence, or correction by additional unconsidered evidence.
Finally, Apologetics is personal. Jesus said, "Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me" (John 15:4). Ultimately, Apologetics will only prove useful if you keep Jesus at the forefront. One should only engage in Apologetics because one wishes to win souls for Jesus Christ, not merely to "argue people into Heaven." Apologetics, when applied properly, is a mighty tool that can, through the power of the Holy Spirit, bring others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
In addition, Apologetics is knowledge-based. Many of the objections raised against Christianity are formulated on intellectual, philosophical, or scientific grounds and thus require a reply utilizing those grounds to show either misinterpretation, lack of substantive evidence, or correction by additional unconsidered evidence.
Finally, Apologetics is personal. Jesus said, "Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me" (John 15:4). Ultimately, Apologetics will only prove useful if you keep Jesus at the forefront. One should only engage in Apologetics because one wishes to win souls for Jesus Christ, not merely to "argue people into Heaven." Apologetics, when applied properly, is a mighty tool that can, through the power of the Holy Spirit, bring others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Anderson University Apologetics Logo courtesy of Katie Miller.