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

The Confident Christian: Seven Truths of the Assurance of Salvation

Salvation is God’s greatest gift to man which was provided to us by Christ Jesus. God sent Christ so that men would be saved from their sins and live in peace. The peace that comes with salvation is knowing that your salvation is assured and it will hold until the Day of Judgment. ASSURANCE – confidence of mind or manner : easy freedom from self-doubt or uncertainty; also : excessive self-confidence. Christians need to remain confident, understanding that they can walk free from doubt or uncertainty in their walk with Christ. The word of God helps us to maintain assurance in our salvation. As the Christian lives accordingly, he never has to doubt his eternal destiny. In this post, we want to give seven signs and/or assurances (by the scriptures) of a Christian’s salvation. 1. Those who believe on Him are promised eternal life. Though one has to live a Christ-like life, it is his initial faith that places him on the path to eternal life. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall...
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