Why Is Aplogetics Necessary?
"Why do apologetics? Isn't just having faith
enough?" This response is typical of many Christians who believe apologetics
is simply unnecessary. What is the purpose of apologetics?
The first reason why we need apologetics is
that the Bible says we do. Contrary to some of the teachers in the church
today who literally mock apologetics, Scripture commands us to be prepared
to give a defense to everyone who asks us about our beliefs and to earnestly
contend for the faith (1 Pet. 3:15 and Jude 3). In 1 Peter 3:15 we actually
find the Greek work Apologia, which just happens to be where we get
the word apologetics from in the first place.
The Bible provides us with numerous role models
when it comes to apologetics. The Apostle Paul was an apologist when
he gave reasons for the faith to both the Jews and Greeks (Acts 17:15-34;
18:4). Apollos is another great example. In Achaia, he earnestly contended
for the faith, publicly refuting the Jews in public debate and proving
from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ (Acts 18:27-28). Christ
himself demonstrated the significance of apologetics when he defended
his divinity in discussions with the skeptical leaders of His day (Matt.
22).
Not only that, but apologetics provides empirical
proof to the nonbeliever as to why he ought to choose Christianity rather
than any other religion. According to apologist John Warwick Montgomery,
in our pluralistic age, the unbeliever is faced with many religious
options. If he went through an alphabetical list of religions, he would
have already experienced Atheism, Baha'i, Buddhism and many other choices
before arriving at Christianity. And by then, his mind would be so "jaded"
that he wouldn't be able to know the truth if it was standing directly
in front of him!
You see, apologetics serves as a defense against
false teachings. Whether we're talking about cults, world religions,
secular humanism, or even a misguided Christian, apologetics not only
keeps the gospel messages pure, but demonstrates why we believe what
we believe. One final thought. Apologetics provides not only a defense
for the faith, but provides security to weaker Christians who need to
be sure that their faith is not a blind leap into a dark chasm, but
rather, faith founded on fact.
See, apologetics does not replace faith, but
it does remove the mental roadblocks which prevent nonbelievers from
responding to the gospel. In fact, apologetics can rightly be called
the very handmaiden for evangelism. Truly the heart cannot rejoice in
what the mind does not comprehend.
Is
Aplogetics An Option Or Responsibility?
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