What is Apologetics?

Apologetics does not mean saying you’re sorry for doing something. Apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia (ἀπολογία), which means “to defend”. Christian Apologetics means to defend true Christian teaching against false teaching. The Apostle Paul used the word several times:

• Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.(Acts 22:1 ESV)
• This is my defense to those who would examine me. (1 Corinthians 9:3 ESV)
• The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. (Philippians 1:16 ESV)

The New Testament clearly shows the Apostles defending the Gospel message, and Christians should be “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15 ESV) Some Christians have a hostile attitude when presenting the Gospel, which can cause people to turn away from God rather than bring them closer. Gentleness and respect will show the non-believers they are cared for. At some point they may take an interest and start asking questions. Only the Holy Spirit’s work in someone’s life can cause that person to become a Christian, but God may use us in the process.

I was first exposed to Christian Apologetics in high school by my Bible teacher. Over the years, I would occasionally come across something that would remind me of my high school class, but I never pursued it. About 25 years after my high school class, my wife and I went to an apologetics conference at the church we attended. My eyes were opened to the broad range of topics covered by apologetics, and the great speakers in the field, and I got excited about it again.

I’ve been informally studying Christian Apologetics as a hobby for about five years. There is an overwhelming amount of information available, and I frequently forget what I’ve learned. I realized a blog would be a way to help me study and understand what is orthodox Christianity and to help keep my thoughts organized. I’m hoping other people will get something out of it, too.

Paul Gibson