Christian Apologetics: Exactly What Am I Apologizing For?

I was reading some hubs on Christian Apologetics and decided to add my 2 cents worth. Very simple really.

Christian Apologetics is not about apologizing but defending. Apologetics is all about defending one’s faith.

The word Apologetics comes from the Greed word APOLOGIA which essentially means ‘to defend’. A person who practices Apologetics is called an Apologist.

2 years ago when I started on hubpages, I just wanted to do my part in witnessing by showing how the Bible can help you in your daily life. Since then I have developed my own bible website and blog. I even enrolled in a Bachelor of Theology Degree course which is where I am now learning about Apologetics. I suppose in my own way I was being an Apologist even though I did not know anything about it at the time.

Christianity Under Attack

But why is it necessary to defend one’s faith? For one, it is mentioned in the Bible that you should do so.

“But in your hearts set apart 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.” I Peter 3:15

Christianity is a hated religion. When you visit religious forums and you read what others have to say about God and the Bible, it is really overwhelming. There are people who despise God and what he stands for. As a matter of fact, even before Christianity, there were those who hated God and His people.

The story of Moses is a good example. The Israelites were taken captive in Egypt and Moses (with God’s help of course) had to fight to free them. God had to use signs to show Pharaoh that He is real.

Today, more than ever, Christianity is under attack via different methods, Science being one of the main culprits. Of course, there is nothing wrong with Science per se, but when it is used to try and disprove God, then that is a different story altogether.

People Choose to Live Apart from God

People don’t like to be told what to do. When they hear the words – sin, judgement, salvation – they get jumpy. They don’t want to hear about the things they do wrong and how they can be made right. They just rather go about life doing what ‘feels good’ regardless of the consequences.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 16:25

Some of the consequences don’t just rob you of eternal life, they rob of you happiness right here and now. This is what I try to do with my writings, to show that if you choose to live according to the teachings of the Bible, a happy and fulfilled life can be had right now.

Why Apologetics?

Apologetics is really about establishing and maintaining truth. It is to help those who have doubts find the answers to their questions and help them restore their faith. It should be noted that once a person is biased against the Bible and Christianity, there is nothing an Apologist can do to change his mind. Only divine intervention can do that. Apologetics should not be wasted on these people. The Apologist should concentrate on those who sincerely seek the truth.

Apologetics is a very interesting subject. To become an Apologist means a lot of hard work. For one thing, you must know and understand your Bible very well. Lots of Bible study and prayer is required.

Also a lot of patience is needed. When you read some of the negative things that people say about Christianity it can really upset you. But again, everybody is entitled to their own beliefs and opinions. Even God does not force anyone to choose His ways. We are all free to choose our own paths. However, when things go wrong, it is unfair to blame God for the consequences.

My Beliefs

I don’t apologize for my beliefs though. I believe in God the Father Almighty, creator of Heaven and Earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord. I also believe that the Holy Bible is the only Word of God.

Whatever mistakes I make, I take full responsibility (especially for not resisting the Devil). I seek forgiveness and I move on.

Christian Apologetics is something every Christian should practice. Don’t compromise your faith. Defend it when necessary and remain true to the one who gives you life.