Christian Apologetics
Christian Apologetics is a field of study that is designed to equip believers in defending their faith.
Answers.com defines
a·pol·o·get·ics (ə-pŏl'ə-jĕt'ĭks) as:
1. The branch of theology that is concerned with defending or proving the truth of Christian doctrines.
2. Formal argumentation in defense of something, such as a position or system.
You may think this realm of theology, Christian apologetics, is "over your head," but it's not. I'm using a Bible study right now based on Josh McDowell's book More Than a Carpenter.
Have you ever been challenged by someone saying Christianity is a "blind faith" or can't be proven by science?
Well, Josh McDowell brings up a great point: no historical event or person can be proven by science because it's not a hypothesis that can be repeated for a controlled experiment - one of the key techniques of modern science.
He writes: "The scientific method can be used only to prove repeatable things."
Mr. McDowell further states: "Legal-historical proof is used to verify an event. There are three types of testimony: oral testimony, written testimony, and exhibits." This type of proof is what has been used to record history and historical persons such as George Washington, Aristotle, and others.
There are many scholars of Christian apologetics that have investigated the proof of Jesus Christ not only being a real person, but also being who He claimed to be - the very Son of the Living God who lived, died, and was resurrected. As well, there are those who have also documented the accuracy of the Bible.
Yes, Christianity is based on faith - our choosing to believe and trust Jesus as our own personal Savior. However, we are also to be equipped to give a defense for our faith. 1 Peter 3:15 challenges us: "But in your hearts set apart 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,"
Also, 2 Timothy 2:15 says: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."
Josh McDowell writes: "We've been given a mind innovated by the Holy Spirit to know God, as well as a heart to love Him and a will to choose Him."
Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, said Himself in Matthew 22:37-38: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment." Let's strive to do just that - love Him with all our heart, all our soul and all our mind.
For further information on Christian apologetics, get other books by Josh McDowell including
The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict
and for young people -Don't Check Your Brains at the Door
Also, the former award-winning legal editor of The Chicago Tribune, Lee Strobel, was once an athiest, but after researching the facts he could not deny God's Truth. He has writtenThe Case for Christ/The Case for Faith, 2 Volumes in 1
Other books by Lee Strobel include titles defending Creation, the Resurrection, and more. Most of these have versions especially written for teens and children too.
Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry offers an amazing amount of research and Bible study material to help equip Christians in defending their faith and knowing the truth about such topics as popular cults, world religions, evolution and more.
The Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry even has a special section in which you can cut and paste answers to use on discussion boards or emails when defending your faith.
Don't get me wrong. The most important tool for our study is the Bible, God's Holy Word. It is to be the authority in our life. But let's also study and know why we believe the Bible is true and Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Let's be prepared to share our faith! Let's not fall short of the task God has put before us.
