It may come in various forms, maybe apathy, maybe denial, maybe laziness, maybe selfishness or maybe even embarrassment. Whatever the cause, many deny we need to make a case for Christ and have answers for our faith. In other words, many deny the importance of apologetics. However, I disagree.
Let me disavow four common objections (or at least mindsets) and then give three reasons why we need apologetics.
Objections
Just blind faith – Many say we just need “simple faith” or we “don’t need reasons, rather just believe”. Some say things like “I have faith to believe it is true” or “we should not use our intellect, rather faith”. However, the Bible does not teach blind faith. The Bible teaches over and over to follow truth, use discernment, judgment and justice, and grow in wisdom and knowledge.
We are also given many examples where evidence is provided for faith, let me give you two, both happen to be from Jesus himself. Remember the paralytic man in Mark chapter two? He was brought to Jesus by his four friends. Since Jesus was in a packed house, literally, the four men removed a section of the house roof and lowered the man into the presence of Jesus. When Jesus said said something like “your sins are forgiven” and many thought it was blasphemy because God only forgives sin. However, to prove that he could forgive sin he did something else, he said something like “so all will know that I have the authority to forgive sins, rise up, take your cot and go home.” Evidence of supernatural healing showed his divinity.
The Apostle John also gives an account of Thomas who was cured of his doubt of Jesus’ resurrection. After that, John says “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (John 20:30-31)
Just the Gospel – Many say “just share the Gospel” and that apologetics isn’t important. However, many who say this don’t really share the Gospel either. Sure, the Gospel is enough to save, however many have doubts and oppositions that block them from even hearing the Gospel. Apologetics attempts to help clear away those objections.
Just my life – A preacher I know claims you should use only your life to share your faith. Since he also works besides preaching, I once asked him how many times he shared the Gospel with those he worked with. He said he never has. A preacher never intentionally sharing the Gospel? Really? Is it not a package deal in Christianity, you share the good news? And when people don’t share the Gospel (like most so called Christians), they don’t hear the objections and then they don’t see a need for answers.
Just myself – Many work for a successful career, cheer for the latest game and watch the latest shows…and oh, go to Church once a week. It comes down to the fact many focus on personal peace and prosperity. However, most of us would rather watch football, fish, restore cars or even play video games, it’s a lot more entertaining. Maybe our passion is real estate, investments, social status, entertainment or vacations. No, it may not be your interest to give reasons for your faith and call people to Christ (as some have told me in the past), but I don’t think this is even optional, don’t we all struggle with this? Also, many want a well rounded education and good social life for their kids, but are they training them in the faith for strength and sharing?
And then there is a another really bad item under this just myself category, some say they don’t need apologetics because they never doubt. First, how do they know they will never doubt in the future? Second, I think they are quite selfish! When one says this I want to say “So, it’s really all just about you then?”
So this leads me into the three reasons we need apologetics.
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It’s for the unbeliever
What about your kids or grand-kids who have or will have questions? What about your family, your coworkers, your peers? Are not many pulled away every day? I was just talking to two collage girls who told me they asked church leadership for answers, and they didn’t get any, so they do doubt.
This is why we need answers, the youth have questions. This is why we need answers, many in the Church doubt. This is why we need answers, because we will be challenged by society. This is why we need answers, many will go through emotional turmoil and should have a solid foundation. This is why we need answers, it builds a strong foundation for the strengthening of our faith. This is why we need answers, it leads people to the gospel, removes wrong ideas, increases discernment, strengthen the Church and provides answers to the skeptics.
It’s for the believer
When you learn to drive a car, don’t you train? When you learn to fly, don’t you train? When you become a doctor or engineer, don’t you train? We don’t send people out into the big wide world without training on the whats, hows and whys? Should Christianity be any different? Is not Christianity much more important?
We live in an age of skepticism, you will be challenged. Many have questions that need to be answered.
If you are not being challenged, why not? Something is wrong.
It’s biblical
Aren’t we supposed to be making disciples? Aren’t we supposed to be salt and light? Aren’t we supposed to be ambassadors? Aren’t we supposed to be Christian?
And yes, God does want us to have answers: 1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify or set apart the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer or defense to all that ask of a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear or gentleness and respect
We are all called to be ambassadors for Christ, let’s do it!
The apostle Peter taught us to have answers for our faith, which is what I try to do here. I would love for you to follow iApologia to get the latest updates to your inbox. Plus, I will send you my Free Quick Guide why that gives 8 reasons science points to God.
Please tell us your thoughts below!
We are called to be ready with an answer or defense for our faith to all who ask for a reason for the hope that we have within us. This necessitates that we have studied and understood the truth as well as the flaws in the lies that are perpetrated by those who would deceive. We also need to seek the empowering of the Holy Spirit to be able to speak convincingly when the opportunity arises.
Thanks David. You sum it up in a very nice way!