Basic Questions About Apologetics

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.

1 Peter 3:15

Q: “Isn’t apologetics simply making excuses?”

A: ‘Apology’ is from the Greek and simply means to ‘make a defense’ in a law-court—so, it is used in the sense of giving a reasonable explanation for why you believe in Christ.

Q: “Why apologetics?

A: The first reason is because God says so (see above verse); secondly, this should be learned so that you yourself will become confident in the things of the Lord; thirdly, it is only natural that you would defend your friend from slander and lies—how much more should you know about Christ and His Word so that you can defend Him? Fourthly, it can be used by the Spirit to convert your fellow students to the Lord.

Q: “Is that not the pastor’s job?”

A: This is not an uncommon question. And the short answer is “NO”.  Comparing the above passage  with verse one, chapter one readily shows that the book of Peter was written to all the dispersed Christians of Asia Minor. And you are a dispersed Christian as well.

Q: “Don’t I have to go to school for this?”

A: No, not at all. There is no requirement in the Bible for such an idea. However, you do need to know the basics of the Word so that you can give a simple answer.  If a foreigner asked you why you’re an American, hopefully you can give a basic answer—how much more for such a vastly important question as: “why are you a Christian”?

Q: “Doesn’t this require logic and thinking?”

A: Unfortunately, I cannot say “no”. Christians are commanded by God not only to employ our will and emotions but also our mind, which is to be “transformed” (Rom. 12:2). Does not the Lord ask: “ ‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the LORD…’” (Is. 1:18)? (cp. Paul Acts 9:22; 19: 8, etc.).  You can use the normal everyday reasoning without having to take an entire course in logic.

Q: “Doesn’t it involve esoteric argumentation?”

A: It can, but normally it does not. It simply follows Proverbs 26:45: “Answer not a fool according to his folly”—don’t defend Christ with the tools of the enemy; “Answer a fool according to his folly”—show, using the unbelievers assumptions, that their own system of thought leads to foolishness if consistent with itself.

Q: “Isn’t this simply about arguing and being divisive?”

A: It should not be. If a believer cannot answer a question, instead of arguing (in the bad sense of the word), say as much and come back later after more research.  It is not a game about who can win the argument but should reflect a genuine desire to bring people to Christ and to defend His honor.