Christian Apologetics

What is Christian Apologetics?

Christian Apologetics:
a defense of the Christian faith and the Christian worldview

"always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you"
- 1 Peter 3:15

"We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ"
- 2 Corinthians 10:5

"knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel."
- Phillippians 1:16

"But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame."
- 1 Peter 3:14-16

The Importance of Christian Apologetics

• Commanded
• Make our evangelism more effective
• Increase our own faith as Christians
• Give us the tools to help other Christians with their doubts

Common Christian Objections

• Misinterpretation of Matt 10:19
• Misinterpretation of Colossians 2:7-9
• Job of the "professionals" and the "gifted few"

Apologetics is NOT: only for "professionals"

Apologetics is NOT: only for the "gifted few"

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Apologetics is NOT: mute Christian living

Apologetics is NOT: inviting people to church

Role of the Bible

• The Bible is our firm foundation (Matt 7:24-27), NOT flawed human reasoning! (Is 55:8-9)
• Submission to the authority of Christ is necessary for a proper defense.
• The Bible MUST be the ultimate standard of truth because no other standard can make knowledge possible.

Evidence Pointing to a Creator

• Information Science / DNA
• Irreducible Complexity
• Age Indicators

It's all about the evidence... or is it?

Rescuing Device: a conjecture designed to save a person’s view from apparently contrary evidence

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Worldview: A network of our most basic beliefs about reality in light of which all observations are interpreted.

Competing Worldviews

• Christian Worldview: "God's Word is truth"
• Non-Christian Worldview: "Man decides what is truth"

Worldview Test

• Logically Consistent
• Preconditions of Intelligibility
• Non-Arbitrary

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Steps to Remember

• Pray for Them
• Study the Truth
• Deal with Your Heart Issues
• Seek a Private Audience
• Ask Questions (HMU)

Steps to Remember

• Speak the Truth in Love
• Don't Personalize Disagreement
• Leave the Door Open
• Provide Resources
• Never Give Up

Discussion Questions

• How ready would you say you are to "make a defense" of the faith?
• What are some roadblocks that you face in effectively defending the faith?
• How do apologetics and evangelism work together?

Sources/Recommended Reading

• Every Thought Captive - Dr. Richard L. Pratt Jr
• The Ultimate Proof of Creation - Dr. Jason Lisle
• Christian Apologetics - Dr. Douglas Groothuis