When people ask me what I am studying in seminary, I often get confused looks when I reply with the answer “Christian apologetics.” Many who are honest enough will ask “what exactly is apologetics?”, so in this article I’d like to give a down to earth overview of what Christian apologetics is, and why I think that it is one of the most essential subjects that a follower of Jesus can study.
Perhaps the first image that comes to mind when you hear “Christian apologetics” is someone apologizing for being a Christian - something along the lines of “I’m so sorry, but I do believe that Jesus is the savior of the world… I hope it doesn’t bother you too much.” Well, that’s not quite what I’m talking about here. The term apologetics comes from the Greek term apologia, which is a legal term that means “defense.” I would succinctly define Christian apologetics as a reasoned defense of the truth claims of Christianity.
An important scripture passage regarding Christian apologetics is 1 Peter 3:15, which says “…in your hearts regard Christ as holy, always being prepared to make a defense (apologia) to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience.” This passage teaches several important truths; specifically that all Christians are called to be apologists for their faith, and that we are not to be arrogant, but gentle and humble, in our defense of Christianity.
But there is more to Christian apologetics than merely making a defense to others. In order to defend any belief, including the beliefs of Christianity, a person must (1) have beliefs about the subject, and (2) have reasons why they believe what they believe about the subject. So I see two facets of the Christian apologetic enterprise. The first is personally coming to believe that Christianity is true on the basis of good reasons, and the second is being able to present your reasons for believing to others.
Perhaps there are some Christians who would say to me, “if I have to go through and find reasons why I am a Christian, then I’m leaving no room for faith.” I think that this is a serious question, but one that is caused by confusion about what exactly biblical faith is. The best way to understand biblical faith is by realizing that faith is not a source of knowledge, but is instead what we do with knowledge. Our God-given reasoning capabilities enable us to have knowledge that there is a Creator God (Psalm 19:1-3; Romans 1:20) and that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who conquered death so that we might have life, but we must have an active trust and commitment in Jesus if we are to become his disciples and be adopted as sons and daughters of God. In other words, faith and reason are complementary to each other and not in opposition.
Others may think that by attempting to do Christian apologetics, the Christian is leaving no room for the Holy Spirit to convict the unbeliever. In response, the apologist cannot replace the Holy Spirit in the role of drawing the lost person to God; but John 16:13 tells us that the Holy Spirit is “the Spirit of Truth.” The Holy Spirit can use us if we are willing vessels to point others to the truths of the gospel, truths which we have good reasons to believe.
In closing, all Christians are called to know what they believe, why they believe, and to be able to tell others what they believe and why they believe. Apologetics is not opposed to faith, but actually strengthens true biblical faith. And although we cannot argue anyone into the kingdom of God, we can be used by our Lord to show others that the doctrines of Christianity are not just beneficial and therapeutic; they are true.