There are 3 main reasons why EVERY Christian should engage in apologetics:
- The Bible Commands It.
- The Early Church Practiced It.
- This World Needs It.
1) The Bible Commands It:
1 Peter 3:15 – But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
- In the original Greek, the word answer is: ἀπολογία or apologia (ap-ol-og-ee’-ah), which means a verbal defense, speech in defense, or a reasoned argument/statement.
- This is a Biblical command to verbally defend the faith of Christ against opposition.
Jude 3 – Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once and for all entrusted to God’s holy people.
Titus 1:9 (Keep in mind Paul is describing qualifications for pastors in this verse) – He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
2) The Early Church Practiced It:
Acts 18:27-28 – When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.
- Here we are given an example in the early Church from Scripture for public debate against those of other beliefs. Are we able to prove from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah?
3) This World Needs It:
- In a world where we are taught – What is good/evil or right/wrong is all relative, life is pointless or meaningless, “there is no God,” “Science has removed the need of a Creator,” or “Traditional values are old/outdated,” this world needs clear thinking Christians who are able to defend the faith against those who oppose it. Are you up to the task?
Here is some recommended reading for your apologetics journey if you’re just getting started:
- Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
- Tactics by Greg Koukl
- On Guard by William Lane Craig
- Reasonable Faith by William Lane Craig (this book is scholarly and not for a popular audience)
- Finding the Right Hills to Die on by Gavin Ortlund
- I Don’t Have Enough Faith To Be An Atheist by Frank Turek and Norman L. Geisler