What is Apologetics?

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Apologetics is a known word, but few people know what it is. Is it an apology? Is it the best methods for apologies? What is apologetics?

Simply put: apologetics is a defense. It's a defense of something. It's a legal term and we get the term from 1 Peter 3:15, which says, "But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” Peter says always be ready to make a defense…the Greek is apologia. An apologetic for the hope that is in you.

We as Christians need to be ready to give a defense…a reason for our faith. I am a trained apologist. But I believe we are all called to be apologists. But we’re not the only apologists.

 Most world religions have apologists. They are to give reasons for their truth claims.
But no other religious worldview requires it. Why does Christianity require a defense? 

Because it’s defendable. Christianity is reasonable faith that is based upon evidence which can be verified by history and archaeology.

Our faith was never meant to be a blind faith. So be prepared to give an answer but do so with gentleness and respect.

Reflect: Read Jude 3-4. Why is it important for us to contend for the faith? What does our contending for the faith have to do with apologetics?

Respond: Why do you believe or reject the claims of Christianity?

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