You may have already guessed, but it is not about saying sorry or apologizing for being a Christian. It is funny to think of a bunch of people walking around practicing the art of saying sorry. Apologetics is the art and practice of answering questions or challenges to the Christian faith. In our age of information proliferated with the thought that science can prove everything it is difficult to believe in Jesus of Nazareth and to many the Bible seems like a collection of fantastic stories that only the weak or superstitious would believe—it may surprise you that it is not and there are good reasons to believe.
Apologetics, if you do not know comes from the word apologia and means to offer a defense or justification of one’s belief. A well-known reference to this comes from the Apostle Peter when he directs Christians in 1 Peter 3:15 to “sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense (apologia) to everyone who asks you to give an account (logos) for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence (NASB).”
Here we have clear direction and a summary of apologetics. It is directing the articulation of clear objective truth to the world and those who seek to understand. Many jump to the defense, but apologetics is not being defensive, although it can be. Apologetics covers a wider range than just that: What Christianity teaches, why believe it, what others believe, and then answering challenges. This website and ministry is not seeking to be argumentative, but to evaluate or interrogate truth claims. This is following with apologetics; for the task of apologetics is not to win arguments or be argumentative, but rather it seeks to present the objective truth and evaluate objectors fairly. In so doing, the truth should be readily apparent, and it allows the hope that we have to be offered.
For those unfamiliar with apologetics and the fact that there is good evidence and arguments to believe Christianity is true this may be jarring. Often this is due to the incorrect view of what faith is defined as. This inaccurate definition is held by both Christians and non-Christians. It is not some blind leap into the dark as many believe. A better way to define it would be trust in what we have good reasons to believe. There is a definite need for apologetics in both our world and even within the church to communicate these reasons. I have always told people that one should know what they believe and why they believe it. This is where apologetics can fill in the gap to address intellectual barriers to faith and to strengthen one’s faith. The question we all have to ask ourselves is whether we are on a truth quest or a happiness quest?
2 Corinthians 10:5, “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” If the answer to the question is that you are on a truth quest, then let us interrogate the truth together and embrace it. To learn more please enjoy the content of the website and the ministry.
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