Christian apologetics is the rational defense of Christianity. The term is derived from the Greek word apología (ἀπολογία), which means to speak in defense of something. It is not to be thought of as offering someone a regretful acknowledgement for some aspect of Christianity that they might find offensive. Rather, Christian apologetics demonstrates that Christian doctrine is rational, can be believed by reasonable people, and is not the unreasonable caricature commonly ascribed to it by anti-Christian secularists. This is the “defense” part of apologetics. But there is also an offensive component. Douglas Groothuis writes, “Christian apologetics is the rational defense of the Christian worldview as objectively true, rationally compelling, and existentially or subjectively engaging.”[i] That is, the broader scope of Christian apologetics is to demonstrate its superiority to other worldviews and faith systems.
Although Christian apologetics is closely related to theology, it also draws heavily from philosophy and, to a lesser extent, evangelism. Theology is required so that apologetics correctly understands what to defend and how to defend it. Philosophy is required to address general metaphysical issues with respect to Christian answers as compared to both secular and non-secular alternatives. Evangelism is required such that apologetic arguments can be framed in a way to be most effective to those with anti-Christian views, to those with honest questions about Christian doctrine, and to those unfamiliar with Christian doctrine.
There are some Christians who object to the entire discipline of Christian apologetics, typically because they feel that nobody has ever become a Christian because of rational arguments. They feel that conversion is an emotional response to the work of the Holy Spirit and that engagement time with non-Christians is best spent focusing on a gospel invitation. But this is a very limited perspective. Many non-Christians are not open to the Christian message because they suspect that certain aspects of Christian doctrine are either unreasonable or are contrary to a currently held belief. Common examples are the atheist’s belief that God does not exist and the agnostic’s uncertainty as to whether God exists. Typically, the atheist and the agnostic will not be open to the gospel message until they are convinced that a God exists that is compatible with the Christian understanding of God. In this situation, the role of apologetics is to first put forward philosophical arguments for the existence of God.
There are many other examples of where apologetics can be useful and even essential in removing mental roadblocks that people may have with respect to believing Christian doctrine. A person may think that Christianity is sexist and results in the oppression of women. Another may think that Christian beliefs are not compatible with modern science. Still others may believe that Christianity is responsible for or complicit in historical atrocities such as racism, slavery, and imperialism. It is the job of apologetics to counter preconceived notions in these and other area such that actual Christian doctrine is understood rather than false doctrine. Ron Kubsch summarizes, “[O]ne must recognize that apologetics, while it can uncover the weaknesses and errors of other systems of thought and can help dispel obstacles to accepting the Christian faith, cannot produce belief. Faith is a gift of God, and for this reason our apologetic efforts should be marked by a joyous equanimity.”[ii]
Furthermore, Scripture is clear that Christians should be ready to rationally explain and defend their faith. The first letter of Peter specifically uses apología in this context. “[S]anctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense (apología) to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect” (1 Pt 3:15). Notice the emphasis on the importance that is placed on gentleness and respect, as an aggressive or disrespectful apologetic approach will typically result in a defensive and unreceptive response in addition to the representation of Christians as obnoxious and sanctimonious.
Perhaps the best scriptural example of effective apologetics is Paul’s speech to the Athenians on Mars Hill. Paul is addressing people with polytheist beliefs. The Athenians have altars to many gods, including an alter to an “unknown god.” This alter exists in case there is a god of which the Athenians are unaware. But Paul uses it to introduce the Christian God:
“Men of Athens, I see that you are very religious in all respects. For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, “To an unknown god.” Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything that is in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made by hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might feel around for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, “For we also are His descendants.” Therefore, since we are the descendants of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by human skill and thought. So having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now proclaiming to mankind that all people everywhere are to repent, because He has set a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all people by raising Him from the dead.” (Acts 17:22-31)
Notice how Paul approaches his apologetic task. He first complements the Athenians by recognizing them as a religious people. He then finds a possible connection between their religion and Christianity in that their unknown god could possibly be the Christian God. Paul has also taken the time to understand Greek religion and Greek culture, even to the extent of quoting Greek poetry. Paul understands that his credibility in arguing for Christianity over the Greek religion is greatly increased if he is seen as knowledgeable about both. Last, he highlights the resurrection, which at the time was a verifiable event that shows Christianity to be far more than just a philosophy.
Paul’s speech on Mars Hill did not result in the instant conversion of all who had listened. But his speech did spark the curiosity of many. “Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to scoff, but others said, ‘We shall hear from you again concerning this.’ So Paul went out from among them. But some men joined him and believed” (Acts 17: 32-34). The approach of Paul is highly relevant today, especially as communities become increasingly multi-cultural. Tanita Maddox specifically describes how this apologetic approach can be useful when engaging with younger generations.
“Paul observed the Athenian culture, built rapport, used common language with his audience, found common ground as a cultural doorway for his message, and redefined the audience’s understanding of the relationship between God and humans. The same steps can be applied to gospel proclamation go Generation Z for effective and relevant evangelism.”[iii]
When defending the reasonableness of Christianity, it is important to know precisely what you are defending. It will generally not be possible to start with nuanced theological arguments or denominational distinctions, but it is still important to defend the core of orthodox Christian beliefs. C.S. Lewis refers to this as “mere Christianity.” Mere Christianity can be summarized with the following points:
- God exists, has always existed, is a personal God, is a moral God, and cares about the moral behavior of people.
- God created the universe. He is not part of the universe but sustains it.
- As part of creating the universe, God created mankind as spiritual creatures.
- People know that they should behave according to God’s moral code but fail to do so. This failure separates people from their proper relationship with God.
- People are powerless to fix their sinful nature on their own.
- God the Father sent His only Son to suffer, die, and rise again. This atoning act has the power to fix a person’s broken relationship with God through faith and trust in its redemptive power along with sincere repentance.
- Once someone has sincerely repented and accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior, they are spiritually reborn, forgiven of their sins, adopted in to God’s spiritual family, have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of them, and can be assured of eternal blessedness in the presence of God.
[i] Douglas Groothuis, Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2022: 10.
[ii] Ron Kubsch and Thomas Schirrmacher, “Apologetics: Intellectually Bearing Testimony to the Christian Faith,” Evangelical Review of Theology, Vol. 46, no. 4, Nov. 2022: 306.
[iii] Tanita Maddox, “Applying Paul’s Areopagus Model to Generation Z,” Great Commission Research Journal, Fall 2022: 31.
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