The word “apologetics” derives its meaning from the Greek word ἀπολογία (apología) meaning defense. The Greek term refers to a reasoned defense that would be given in a court of law. The classic example is Plato’s Apology, Socrates’ defense against the charges of atheism and corrupting the youth. The usage of the word “apologia” in the Bible is likewise generally referred to “giving a reasoned defense for one’s particular belief, action, or position,” but not necessarily in the court of law – it could be in the synagogue, market place, or anywhere else for that matter.
Now, what does “Christian apologetics” mean? Christian apologetics is the branch of Christian theology that rationally defends the truth claims of the Christian faith against criticisms and distortion, and giving evidence of its credibility. In simple words, it is a discipline within Christian theology that gives evidence for why the Christian faith is reasonable or credible. The discipline of Christian apologetics has a strong biblical base. The primary bible passage that apologists use is1 Peter 3:13-16 where the apostle Peter urges “all” believers to be always prepared to give an answer back to those who question the reason for the hope that we have in Christ Jesus.
Having said that, every discipline has goals, functions that they perform. The goals of apologetics are many folds. Here are some key goals of apologetics:
Firstly, apologetics seeks to vindicate the Christian worldview as a system. Here the task of the apologist is to make a positive case for the validity of the Christian faith. It involves philosophical, scientific, historical, and other fields of knowledge to argue for the credibility of the faith.
Secondly, apologetics seeks to defend the Christian worldview against its assailants. Here the opponents, mostly people of other belief systems, basically criticize or attack the truth claims of Christianity. The goal of the apologist, then, is to defend the truth claims by clarifying the Christian position in light of their misunderstandings and misrepresentations; in general clearing away intellectual hindrances that might hamper the non-believers from believing those truth claims.
Thirdly, apologetics seeks to refute opposing philosophies, belief systems and theories. Here the apologist not necessarily gives evidence for why Christianity is true, but refutes the belief system or philosophy of the non-believer. He shows that there is incoherence and incongruity in the belief system/philosophy of the person whom he is dialoging with. The goal, then, is that the non-believer sees the incoherence in his philosophy and is then opened to listening to what the apologist has to say about the Christian faith.
Fourthly, apologetics seeks to strengthen believers. There are many ways in which apologetics strengthens believers. Firstly, it gives them confidence to share their faith with non-believers. Often times, the Christian is afraid to talk to a non-Christian about religion because he is afraid that he’ll not be in a position to answer questions that the non-Christian throws at him apart from just saying: “I have faith and therefore it’s true.” Yes, the inner witness of the Holy Spirit is authenticating enough, but the non-believer does not understand it. Knowing why Christianity is true based on evidence and rational reasoning strengthens the believer to share his/her faith with others. Secondly, it prevents lapses. It’s not hard to convince someone that many Christians are giving up Christianity for various reasons. Knowing why Christianity is true would have prevented them from leaving their faith. Finally, it boosts his relationship with God. The believer’s relationship with God would be strengthened if the inner witness of the Holy Spirit is supplemented with the knowledge of apologetics.
Finally, the end goal of apologetics is salvation of the unbeliever, not necessarily winning the argument. Here comes the role of Christly persuasion. As the apostle Peter encourages us 1 Peter 3:13-16, we ought to present our reason for why we believe in Christianity by being gentle and respectful. It is very critical that we give room for the Holy Spirit to work in the heart of the unbeliever by building a relationship based on love and humility. The goal of apologetics here is that it prepares the heart of the person to receive Christ.
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