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You’re Called to Be an Apologist [VIDEO]

what is apologetics

WHAT IS AN APOLOGIST?

The words “apologist” and “apologetics” stem from the Greek word apologia. This word means “defense” or “answer.” It appears 17 times as either a noun or verb in the New Testament—including 1 Peter 3:15-16:

“But in your hearts revere 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (NIV)

Although we have made Christian apologetics its own area of scholarly expertise, we are still held accountable to be prepared to give an answer. Not all of us will write lengthy books like Lee Strobel or give mind-blowing explanations like C.S. Lewis. But, we can all do our part to soak up the knowledge of these apologists, learning to share this information with those we come in contact with.

Plus, who wouldn’t want to be able to answer someone’s questions about the “reason for the hope that you have”?

APOLOGETICS WITH DR. BILL MOUNCE

4 AREAS OF APOLOGETICS

There are differing opinions of the function of apologetics, but these four are typically taught in apologetics courses and books.

VINDICATION or PROOF

Presenting proof for the Christian faith requires philosophical, scientific, and historical evidence. Through positive statements, we can show how Christianity is the true worldview.

DEFENSE

When other world views present doubts, questions, criticisms, and objections to Christianity, we can defend the faith. To do this well, we must first know the opponent’s argument and then provide information on how Christianity answers these questions.

REFUTATION

Although this function doesn’t necessarily prove Christianity to be true, it is still important. Refutation is the system of disproving opposing world views. If we only know why Christianity is true, not knowing why other options are false, then we may easily be swayed toward universalism.

PERSUASION

We can’t convince people to become Christians. This requires the work of the Holy Spirit! But we can be persuasive, respectful, and heartfelt. We should be willing to recognize that apologetics isn’t about winning an argument, but about opening the minds of non-believers to the truth of the Gospel and inspiring Christians to find the answers to their doubts. Most importantly, we want the world to know and love Jesus Christ.

BECOME AN APOLOGIST BY STARTING WITH THE BASICS

HCSB Apologetics Study Bible

HCSB Apologetics Study Bible

The HCSB Apologetics Study Bible reveals flaws in today’s bizarre worldviews while it helps you grasp the depth of biblical insight on each and every issue. More than 100 articles relate biblical truth to science, history, archaeology, psychology, philosophy, and other critical subjects.

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CSB Apologetics Study Bible

CSB Apologetics Study Bible

The CSB Apologetics Study Bible helps today’s Christians better understand, defend, and proclaim their beliefs in an age of increasing moral and spiritual relativism. This revised and updated edition includes new articles and extensive apologetics study material from today’s leading apologists to reflect and provide deeper understanding of the relevant apologetics issues and questions being discussed today.

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NKJV Unapologetic Study Bible

NKJV Unapologetic Study Bible

The NKJV Unapologetic Study Bible cuts through the confusion with clear answers for today’s most complicated and controversial issues. With timely articles, thoughtful book introductions, insightful quotations, and profiles on some of history’s most unapologetic defenders of the faith, this is a Bible that won’t leave you guessing.

You’ll grow in confidence as you discover how to defend your faith and share it with others in a world increasingly at odds with the truth of God’s Word. The Bible doesn’t shy away from the tough topics, and neither should you.

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Holman Apologetics Commentary on the Bible

Holman Apologetics Commentary

The primary purpose of the Holman Apologetics Commentary on the Bible is to equip readers to defend the reliability of Scripture and the historic evangelical understanding of its teachings. It is designed for use by general readers, though scholars will find it a probing and welcome resource as well. A secondary purpose is to encourage awareness and discussion of Bible difficulties that are not commonly mentioned from the pulpit or even the seminary lectern.

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The Big Book of Christian Apologetics

Big Book of Christian Apologetics

The Big Book of Christian Apologetics is a comprehensive resource designed to equip you with information to help you defend and explain your faith to anyone, anywhere. Examining nearly every key issue, person, and concept related to Christian apologetics, this helpful book gives you the background you need to intelligently and persuasively talk about your Christian faith with skeptics and seekers in private or in the public square.

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Want to see what else we have available? Browse all Apologetics titles for the Olive Tree Bible App.

Already a fan of apologetics? Who’s your favorite apologist?

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18 Comments

  1. Krishna

    We have our Lord Jesus Christ ‘S word which we do not need man’S wisdom to refute worldly knowledge. We have Bible and study with intention to understand it and pray with earnest. Devil is clever to sway us from truth by making us to think we are well educated . He does not want us to know that The real truth is hidden in Christ Jesus. It was in God’s Right hand and no one knows until Holy Spirit unveiled it.

    • Charlie

      I am confused by what you wrote. Not sure even the point you are making. Could you please clarify?

      • Ray

        What I think Krishna is saying is, some of us believers think the more we know doctrine the better chance we have of leading a non believer to Christ, maybe? I do know that when a person is filled with the Holy Spirit, doctrine will lead a believer closer to Christ, but when dealing with non believers, love and patience will often work. Being a light and example to our family, friends, neighbors, in laws etc, may sometimes take many, many years of them watching us, how we get along with our spouses, how our kids grow up and how they are as adults, and so on. Most of the time it’s not a “quick fix” or debate that will lead a person but a truly Holy Spirit filled Christian that is filled with Gods love day in and day out that will lead people to Christ!

    • Antonio Rivera

      I have to disagree with you Krishna. God uses the Bible and people to bring people into the Kingdom. God uses many ways to bring us to Him. It helped me to read the Bible and Books by Francis Shaeffer, Dr. Lane Greg, Greg Koukl and others. God grants us Wisdom if we ask Him and with that wisdom we can be part of the process God uses to brings others into the Kingdom. Of course God can just zap a lost person with the knowledge to get saved but instead he uses me and you to lead others to Christ. It is easy to criticize something you do not understand or are not capable of understanding. Apologetics is not for everyone.

  2. Jim Dukes

    My favorite apologist is the late R. C. Sproul.

  3. Tade Agbesanwa

    My favourite apologist – Ravi Zacharias

  4. Mary Cox

    Ravi for sure. I own this book. It has been very useful as I study the Word. I have become bolder when people ask controversial questions. I am over 70 and I take this subject very seriously. I no longer remain quiet, unable to answer questions both by believers and unbelievers. The sad thing is that it has caused more problems within my church. I have learned through teaching that most people have little idea of what they actually believe. Church has become a social event for too many so called hrisfians. FhNk Vod for this book.

  8. Debra De Silva

    Dr. Phil Chamberlain out of Langley, BC opened my eyes to this subject, and so graciously and intelligently conveyed the truth about God when asked the difficult questions our culture is posing.

  11. Lin Hutton

    Ironically, I am teaching an Apologetics course in my church right now. Since the Christian Church became a “State Church” under Constantine, for 1700 years we ministers have not felt the need to teach the defense of our faith. However, the rise of Islam and the overt hostility of atheism has created a real need to address the Christian apologetics of the first three centuries. Ordinarily, I would use C.S. Lewis’ “Mere Christianity,” but I am using Nabeel Qureshi’s “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus” video and text. Because he approaches Christianity from OUTSIDE the faith, he brings a unique and valuable perspective to the fulfillment of 1 Peter 3:15-18.

  12. Randy Chesnut

    The “Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics”, by Norman L. Geisler is the Tome all other imitators is based on .
    Frank Turek has been mentioned – Norman L. Geisler and him also corroborated on “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist” – another fine piece .
    Most of the other guys mentioned earlier use Geisler’s and Turek’s works as bases for their “findings”….

  13. Prabha Prakash

    I’m interested in the subject. I have often been asked about my faith. “Bible a fairy tail “I’ve often been asked.

  14. Irene Ngobeni

    My favorite apologist is Ravi Zacharias. The way he articulates issues is mind-blowing, he opened my eyes to the sphere of Christian apologetic.
    The testimony of Nabeel Qureshi opened my eyes to the reality of evangelizing in d way Dr David Wood did.
    There’s really more we can do for the body of Christ, and apologetics is d way to go.