{"id":21147,"date":"2024-11-08T13:56:28","date_gmt":"2024-11-08T18:56:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awarningministry.com\/?p=21147"},"modified":"2024-11-08T14:06:20","modified_gmt":"2024-11-08T19:06:20","slug":"what-is-apologetics-this-post-will-examine-apologetics-and-offer-suggestions-for-increasing-apologetic-skills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awarningministry.com\/index.php\/2024\/11\/08\/what-is-apologetics-this-post-will-examine-apologetics-and-offer-suggestions-for-increasing-apologetic-skills\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Apologetics? This post will examine apologetics and offer suggestions for increasing apologetic skills."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What is Apologetics? \u2013 TruthDefended.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This post will examine apologetics and offer suggestions for increasing apologetic skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Apologetics?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The word apologetic is found in the underlying Greek text and translated most commonly as the word\u2019s \u201cdefense\u201d and \u201canswer.\u201d For example, \u201cBut sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear\u201d (1 Peter 3:15, KJV 1900). Peter says that Christians should be able to give an \u201canswer\u201d to their faith and hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another example includes Paul speaking to the mob of angry people in Ephesus. It must have been an intense few moments. Paul said, \u201cMen, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you\u201d (Acts 22:1\u20132, KJV 1900). Paul offers a defense for his faith in the resurrection of Jesus. He declares why there is only one God, and not many gods, like the Ephesian citizens, believed in. They particularly followed the false goddess ,Diana. Monotheism, or a singular God as opposed to a plurality of gods, was a new concept to the gentile world in Paul\u2019s day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In both passages above, we discover that Christians are responsible for giving an answer or defense for what they believe. \u201cThe aim of apologetics is to prove the reasonableness of our faith.\u201d[1]<\/sup><\/a> Apologetics simply offers a response and reason for one\u2019s faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is the Study of<\/strong> Apologetics Important?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Robert Mackintosh summarizes, \u201cIn studying Christian evidences, we are seeking to discover and exactly define the reason we have for believing as we do\u2014the reason for our faith in Christianity\u2014if one should not rather say, for our faith in Christ. We are studying and testing the grounds of our most sacred convictions.\u201d[2]<\/sup><\/a> Having facts ready and seeing the world with a biblical worldview go a long way towards having an answer concerning one\u2019s faith. Author Sean McDowel offers a list of potentially tough questions that seekers or skeptics may ask. They are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022     Why does God allow evil?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022     If God made the universe, then who made God?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022     If God made everything good, why shouldn\u2019t we smoke pot?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022     Does the Bible endorse slavery?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022     How can Christians say that Jesus is the only way to God?[3]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How would you respond? Would you have a thoughtful response to these pressing questions? Would your response or defense be accurate theologically and biblically?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These questions and similar ones that the Christians will be asked are why the study of God\u2019s word and investigation in the field of theology and apologetics are so important. F.J. Koch writes, \u201cThe need for apologetics arises from the fact that man reflects and inquires. Every thoughtful Christian ought to be able to give an account of the convictions bearing on his eternal destiny.\u201d[4]<\/sup><\/a> Will you respond well when asked a question about life, Christianity or Jesus? The Bible says we should be ready to respond, to give a defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suggestions for Increasing Apologetical Skills<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Truth Defended seeks to equip the church to defend its faith with engaging theology and reasonable apologetics. Through the blog (such as you are reading now), The Truth Defended Podcast (which is available on Apple, Spotify, and iHeart Radio), The Truth Defended Conference (to be held annually at the Wilton Baptist Church) and the Truth Defended website, Truth Defended is doing what it can to equip fellow followers of Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are five more areas to find apologetic and theology help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n