What is Apologetics?

Read: Why Would Anyone Get A Degree In Apologetics?

What do we mean when we use the term “apologetics”? Why is this notion so widely misunderstood? Why don’t more Christians embrace the endeavor? Detective Jimmy Wallace (J. Warner’s son) tackles these questions as part of his Incarnate Investigation Video Series.

[landusrigsby]

I am so thankful for apologetics ministries. It is through them that I've been sorting through so many of the questions I've had about the faith and I was able to find answers for myself. Apologetics took me from just having a belief based on emotion to really understanding why believing in Jesus is a reasonable faith. It led me to study the history of Christianity, look into topics such how our bible were translated, and seeking to learn more about the type of cultures that existed during biblical times. One of the things that blew me away was the fact that Jesus and His followers were actually mentioned by unbelieving people which confirmed their existence and history. Other religions such as Islam and Buddhism will both freely recognize Jesus as an actual historical person. In short, apologetics has allowed me to both investigate and strengthen my faith.

[rebeccaarcher]

My 90 year old mom wrinkled up her nose and said, “I wish they would have chosen a different word for it! It sounds like we are apologetic for believing in God.” Hahahaha Bless her heart.

[jennifernihongi]

This is awesome! :) I like the variety of avenues you used and explained very well why apologetics is important. :)

[everlastingscribe]

Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that we have but do it with humility and respect. ;) Apologetics has given me a richer understanding of why I believe what I believe. And given me the confidence to articulate it to other.

[karcharias]

Peter said we all need to be ready to give a reason for the hope we have. This was not a suggestion. We all need to do the work of understanding our faith more so.

[jessicapampy]

Thanks Jimmy!! Very well articulated!!!

[TheFlimsyman]

Well, I'm an atheist, so you should probably take whatever I have to say with a gain of salt! My experience doesn't prove anything, of course, I haven't interacted with nearly a large number of Christians. But in my experience, at least, Christians just don't seem to find apologetics meaningful or relevant.

Easiest example is my parents. I was raised in a pretty traditional Southern Baptist household, and I dived headfirst into apologetics in my teens (at least, I started having serious doubts and dived into science, history, philosophy, the stuff that I would eventually learn is called apologetics). Every time I went to my parents, or anyone else in my church with questions, the answers I got were almost always just some form of "Why even ask the question? You just have to have faith. Don't you trust God?"

If I'm being brutally honest, and again, this is just my own experience, it doesn't prove anything at all! ... almost all the people I've known who really studied apologetics, who really looked deep into the arguments and evidence, well, um, they became skeptics. They left Christianity. That's what happened to me!

[paulgamblin]

In apologetics, we aren't APOLOGIZING (in the modern meaning) for believing in Christ. We aren't sorry for believing, far from it. Instead, we are - like you said - making a case as to WHY we believe.

[debrahurst]

Wouldn't apologetics be the same as spreading the gospel which we are all called to do? Personally, whenever I can I just kind of give my testimony. I don't preach because I don't like preaching to people or trying to force anything.

[danmarley]

What happened to preaching and teaching, these are anointed by the Spirit.
There is no calling for apologists, maybe giving one your testimony of Jesus Christ is more effective than apologetics.
1 Corinthians talks extensively about the wisdom of words making the cross of none effect. It is here that Paul proclaims, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, it is the power of God to save them that believe.
How can they believe on him of whom they have not heard, how can they hear without a preacher, how can they preach except they be sent? How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of goo things. Faith comes by hearing and hearing hearing by the word of God.
We cannot improve upon the commission that God gave the church. We are co-laborers together with him, otherwise you are on your own.
Grow in grace and in the knowledge of God and of Christ.