Apologetics
Biblical Apologetics
Apologetics is a formal term for the discipline that rationally seeks to defend the Bible and Christianity. It derives from the Greek apologia (cf. 1 Pet. 3:15) and means to give a reason or defense of something (it does not mean to be sorry in this context). We call this Biblical Apologetics because here we are seeking to give a rational defense of the Bible, and all that goes with it.
Why do we offer up apologetics for consideration? First, because those who do believe the Bible believe that God commands it to be done: "always ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you" (1 Pet. 3:15). We try to do this with gentleness and respect. Yet, as a Christian, I have a firm conviction that what I believe and accept is the truth, and will try to persuade others to accept it also. If I didn’t try to persuade others about it, it wouldn’t be much of a conviction. See Paul’s attitude in 2 Corinthians 5:11.
Involved in the study of apologetics is the presentation of both evidence and reason. As a Christian, I believe that my faith is reasonable, and not contrary to the evidence that exists. In other words, faith and evidence are not contradictory. In fact, reasonable faith is based upon proper evidence. While some think that an attempt to "reason" and provide evidence negates "faith," that is not my position. I will talk more of this in future articles.
The study of Apologetics does not, in itself, create saving faith. This kind of faith comes from hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17). What the study of apologetics (and evidences) does do is to remove stumbling blocks that sometimes get in the way of faith. Ultimately, my goal in presenting apologetics is to convince people of the way of God. If we can help remove a few stumbling blocks along the way, that is what we’re after.
If you already believe in God and the Bible, then perhaps we can say a few things that will aid you in your efforts to talk to others about it. If you are a skeptic, then we ask that you keep an open mind and carefully weigh what is said. One more note: I realize that issues in apologetics are "argued" in different ways. Some arguments are better than others. I continually modify my approach; when I see a weakness, I try to change my approach to it. I do not suspect that all will agree with the way I approach everything. That is to be expected. But I do think that the dialogue is important. I do not pretend to have all the answers to everything that might be brought up. But I will offer up my thoughts as one who is convinced of the truth of God and the Bible as His word. It is to this end that I may glorify Him.
Doy Moyer