What is Apologetics? Understanding the Case for Christianity
Have you have ever come across a person, article or video that challenged your faith? Even though we’ve felt God’s presence and we’ve believed the gospel, it’s easy to start doubting all our experiences. That's when knowing God's Word is crucial. It provides direction, stability, and strength, regardless of our circumstances.
Understanding what the Bible says can combat the voices telling us what we know isn’t true. But what happens when you begin to doubt that the Bible is true or is the real Word of God? What happens when someone challenges scripture and your beliefs?
Matt Andruscavage, Parkway’s Bible Studies Coordinator, says that this is where apologetics comes in.
What is Apologetics?
Apologetics isn’t a commonly used word, so not everyone knows what it means. Matt explained that apologetics has nothing to do with apologizing. The word actually comes from the Greek word “apologia,” which means “to give an answer or give a defense.”
Basically, it’s about explaining and defending our beliefs in a logical way. Apologetics involves answering questions and doubts people might have about the gospel, using different arguments and evidence to show why our beliefs are true. It involves lots of different topics, some related to theology, philosophy, history, and even science to make our case stronger.
Why Is Apologetics Important?
When we understand the evidence proving that the Bible is really God's Word, it can keep us from doubting our faith and help us convince others. You see, there’s danger in not being able to defend our beliefs.
Statistics show that over 75% of young people will leave the church when they reach college. One of the reasons is that they doubt whether Christianity is true.
If we don't know why Christianity is true or can’t defend our beliefs, just one skeptical friend or one TikTok video can completely derail our walk with God.
We all have questions and even doubts, and that's okay! Christian apologetics provides a great avenue for us to work through those questions and doubts. And it will actually increase our faith, not diminish it.
In Luke 7, Jesus was asked, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus didn’t respond with a cliché, such as ‘Just have faith.’ He pointed to the evidence of fulfilled prophecies and miracles, such as the dead raised and the blind receiving sight.
Jesus used apologetics to convince people of who he was!
Scripture tells us to “contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 1:3). And we are encouraged to firmly hold onto the gospel message and “refute those who oppose it” (Titus 1:9). In fact, we are all told to be ready to defend the message:
“. . . 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 within you: yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
How to Use Apologetics
Scripture tells us to be respectful and gentle, and not to quarrel. It’s also important to be compassionate. We should also look for ways to use evidence to build the other person’s faith, always teaching and discussing with love. And above all, we need to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 14:1 tells us to “receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to dispute over doubtful things.” Matt explained that the person who is ‘weak in the faith’ is usually a new believer or someone lacking spiritual maturity.
In this case, it is important to focus on the essentials, such as God is real, He loves them, and He wants to enter into a relationship with them.
If we get pulled into a heated discussion about a nonessential topic, we should do everything we can to diffuse the situation. It’s not important to be proven correct in everything. It’s better to say, "You know, you could be right" or "We see it differently and that's okay."
However, don’t be afraid to stand firm on the core gospel message and have an honest debate without becoming emotional.
Ready to Learn More About Apologetics?
We all have doubts and questions sometimes. Apologetics helps us to address these for ourselves and for others. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians emboldens all of us to defend the gospel. God’s work in us is powerful, and He is faithful to equip us!
Matt recommended some great resources for those wanting to dive into Apologetics:
Cold Case Christianity (J Warner Wallace): The author of this book applied the same investigative process he used as a homicide detective to examine the claims of Christianity. There are also podcasts and a free Cold Case Christianity app.
Stealing from God: Why Atheists Need God in Order to Make Their Case (Frank Turek): This book is a powerful exposé of the fallacies atheists use to prove God doesn’t exist. It will bolster your faith and help you engage with those who disagree.
Evidence that Demands a Verdict (Josh McDowell): This book provides an expansive defense of Christianity's core truths, rebuttals to some popular forms of skepticism, and insightful responses to the Bible's most difficult and misused passages.
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. ”