Skip to main content

Concerning Apologetics...


Apologetics (from Greek ἀπολογία, (“speaking in defense”) is the discipline of defending a position (often religious) through the systematic use of information. Early Christian writers who defended their faith against critics and recommended their faith to outsiders were called apologists.

Paul, the Apostle employs the term apologia in his trial speech to Festus and Agrippa when he says, “I make my defense” (Acts 26:2). A cognate term appears in Paul’s Letter to the Philippians as he is “defending the gospel” (Philippians 1:7 & 16), and in 1 Peter 3:15 believers must be ready to give an “answer” for their faith. The word also appears in the negative in Romans 1:20: unbelievers are αναπολόγητοι (anapologētoi) (without excuse, defense, or apology) for rejecting the revelation of God in creation.

Christian apologetics combines Christian theology, natural theology, and philosophy to present a rational basis for the Christian faith, to defend the faith against objections and misrepresentation, and to expose error within other religions and world views.

Christian apologetics has taken many forms over the centuries. Christian apologists employ a variety of philosophical and formal approaches, including ontological, cosmological, and teleological arguments. Many Christian apologists also note, however, that the Gospel is the best defense and living a life according to the tenets of Jesus’ teachings is the best argument. One Christian apologist believes that “the best argument is one that is made without words.”

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Wolves in Sheep's Clothing (Entry 1): Six Character Traits of False Teachers, Prophets, and Ministers

  Both testaments abound with warning and admonitions to aid those who would serve God to recognize those who were false. Outside of tainted ministerial activities, false ministers can be identified by their character. As the apostles warned the Church of false ministers, they identified certain character traits. If believers are to stand against the false, they have to see them before they are given the opportunity to preach and minister in the Church. In this post, we will discuss the character traits of false ministers. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you. (II Peter 2:1a)           False Ministers are fleshly. False ministers will preach, teach, minister, and even prophesy. Their ministries may seem powerful, but their personal lives will be filled with discrepancies. Sin and carnality in their lives will be evident. In addition, they will twist scriptures to justify their error. ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Wolves in Sheep's Clothing (Entry 2): Eight Ministerial Activities of False Teachers, Prophets, and Ministers

            Recognizing a false prophet or minister can be daunting at times. However, the Bible gives us clear guidelines as to how to identify someone who is misrepresenting God for their own purposes. It is imperative that we are able to recognize the activities of any false minister (or layman). Jesus warned His disciples about false ministers who would come (Matthew 7:15-20).           One true way to recognize false ministers is by the fruit that they bear. Fruit refers to their lifestyles and not their ministries. Moreover, not everyone that is false calls himself an apostle or prophet. Though false prophets exist, there are also false evangelists, pastors, and teachers. In our last post, we discussed the character traits of false ministers. In this present post, we will look more closely at their activities in particular. Regardless of the title that a false minister has, he (or she) will exhibit some, if not all, ...
Post a Comment
Read more