While living in Louisville, I was driving to work one day and listening to local talk radio. The morning’s guest was Alexandra Pelosi (daughter of Nancy Pelosi). She had produced a documentary about evangelical Christians titled “Friends of God” in which she found — among other things — that born-again believers tend to be joyful, motivated and giving people whose children enjoy the benefits of a stable environment. Despite Pelosi’s relative objectivity, the host went on the attack, saying that the very idea of being born again is small-minded, offensive and even ridiculous. After a fair amount of on-air give-and-take, the two seemingly concluded that evangelical Christians, while generally happy, harmless people, are nonetheless weird and should be viewed with skepticism.
Christians in America feel the trend. A few decades ago, Christianity maintained backbone status in the social order, but now the faith is increasingly viewed as a social disorder — an eccentric fringe group with abnormal ideas. As the trend continues, Christians will increasingly find themselves in a situation similar to that of the New Testament era — social exiles tasked with shining gospel light into mounting spiritual darkness. As a result, believers will need to be ready to defend their faith against misperceptions and false accusations.
As an academic discipline and practical endeavor, defending the Christian faith is known as apologetics. The term derives from the Greek word apologia, which means “defense,” normally in a judicial sense. The term occurs 17 times in the Greek New Testament, and can be translated “defense” or “vindication” in every case. For example, in Acts 22, 24 and 25, Paul makes his “defense” before his accusers. In 1 Peter 3:15, believers are exhorted to “be ready to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” Scripture nowhere prescribes a theory or method of apologetics, but the classic biblical example of an apologetic encounter occurs in Acts 17, when Paul reasons with the Athenian Areopagus.
Apologetics has been part of the Christian witness to the world since the apostolic era and, throughout the centuries, has come to serve three functions.
First, apologetics demonstrates the reasonableness of Christianity by employing philosophical, scientific and historical evidences to support its truth claims. In Athens, Paul used reason, argued philosophically, and even quoted Greek poetry to support the coherence of the gospel. Admittedly, no one comes to faith in Christ by reason alone, but apologetics seeks to show that there is nothing unreasonable about faith. For example, one may point to the intricate design of the universe and reasonably suggest a Designer — God. Or one may support the historical, bodily resurrection of Jesus by pointing to the faithful witness of the apostles, the inability of the Romans to counter the claim, the quick spread of Christianity, or even the testimony of the women who first discovered the empty tomb.
Second, apologetics refutes false charges brought against Christianity. As early as the second century, Christian writers like Justin Martyr and Tertullian defended their beliefs against erroneous charges such as cannibalism (a misperception of the Lord’s Supper) and wild orgies (a misperception of the church’s close fellowship). In our day, Christianity is often accused of being bigoted, arrogant and exclusionary. Christians, indeed, believe that faith in Christ is the only way to be reconciled to God, but the gospel message is for all people and not restricted to a particular race, nation or tribe. Others believe that Christianity is anti-intellectual and mythological. The Christian faith, however, is rooted in actual, historical events and is not the result of speculation by fanciful minds. Apologetics seeks to ward off the false accusations leveled against it by an unbelieving culture.
Third, apologetics shows the unreasonableness of non-Christian beliefs by demonstrating the inconsistencies and inaccuracies of false religions and secular philosophies. For example, Islam believes that God is both merciful and just, but has no way of reconciling these two characteristics. Christianity has the cross of Jesus, where God’s justice and mercy meet — He punishes sin and acquits the sinner. Philosophical modernism attempts to find truth strictly by scientific inquiry, but Christianity demonstrates that ultimate truth can be known only by God’s revelation. Because God is true and reveals truth, any worldview or system of belief that excludes what He has revealed is ultimately incoherent, and apologetics works to expose the errors of false belief.
How can believers become effective apologists in their homes, workplaces and neighborhoods?
First, get equipped. Every believer should learn basic arguments concerning the existence of God, the truthfulness of Scripture, and the historicity of Christ’s resurrection. Purchase and read resources such as “The Apologetics Study Bible” or Timothy Keller’s book, “Reason for God.” These and other resources will introduce believers to essential arguments. Also, Greg Koukl’s book, “Tactics,” will help Christians build skill in reasoning with those who object to Christianity.
Second, remember that apologetics is not evangelism. Evangelism is sharing the gospel and calling for a response, while apologetics is mostly concerned with supporting the truthfulness of Christianity. Apologetics may assist evangelism or lead to evangelism by removing intellectual barriers to belief, but salvation occurs by faith in Christ alone, not by proof or argument.
Third, remain respectful. Even when the intent is to defend the faith, sheer intellectual engagement can push people away from the gospel, making it possible for a Christian to win an argument but lose the witness. Even as 1 Peter 3:15 exhorts believers to be “prepared to make a defense,” it also demands that Christians do so “with gentleness and respect.” Resist the urge to view an objector as an adversary. Instead, see the person in terms of the very gospel you are defending — as a fallen, sinful person who desperately needs Jesus.
As American Christians become a minority in an increasingly secular society, believers will find themselves on defense from the attacks and misconceptions of an unbelieving culture. Apologetics can help us to “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering” (Hebrews 10:23).
— Chuck Fuller is assistant professor of Christian Studies at Anderson University.