When you hear the word apologetics, you probably think it means apologizing. As close as those two words sound together, that is not what apologetics means.
According to Lingonier.org, the definition of apologetics can be best described as, “Apologetics is the task of presenting a well-reasoned, intellectual defense of the truth claims of the Christian faith”. While at Liberty University, I have picked apologetics as my minor. Most people who have no idea what that means or usually turn their heads when I describe it.
So why does apologetics matter? Apologetics is actually all around us and can be applied anywhere. Anywhere from a Christian athlete standing up for their faith in a press conference or a coworker defending their Christian faith at work.
I remember vividly when I went on a missions trip the summer after sixth grade, I was passing out Bibles in Times Square. The one lady and her daughter came up to me with the mother asking, “What will happen if I read this?”
I was stunned. It felt like I had forgotten all my favorite verses I memorized or Bible stories when she asked that. To which I replied, “I think it will change your life.” She ended up shrugging and taking the Bible.
That was an introduction to apologetics in my life. It is not that God needs me to defend him, because he is God, but rather how can I provide reasons for Bible to come to Christ and understand his word that is living today.
There is an incredible need for apologetics today, especially in the digital world. In between deep theological questions or accusations towards Christians, there is a need for Christians to stand firm in the foundation of truth in God’s word.
I love a good debate anywhere from cats or dogs to pro-life or pro-choice. While having experience with debate from my argument and debate class at my public high school, I was thrown into the belly of the beast as a Christian.
If there is one thing I have learned from my apologetics classes, it is that it is not about winning arguments with a good one-liner move. It is about learning about their background and leading them to Christ.
My favorite verse that relates to apologetics is 1 Peter 3:15, ” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”
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