Apologetics for the Glory of God

(Continued)

[blockquote]A prominent misunderstanding of Christian apologetics is that defending the faith is at odds with polite human interaction.[/blockquote]

Apologetics as advocacy means offering positive reasons for Christianity, like arguments for the existence of God and reasons for the historicity of the Bible. The flip side of Apologetics includes refuting errors and correcting misunderstandings. Muslims believe that Christians are polytheists, because we worship “three gods.” Many think that a belief in creationism means that Christianity is at war with science. Still others believe that postmodernism has spelled the end of any kind of metaphysical truth or moral certainty. These are the kinds of beliefs and opinions that Christians must be able to effectively challenge and correct.

Being ready at all times to give an answer to the questions presented us is a demanding challenge. There is a whole world full of ideas and ideologies. How can we advocate for the gospel and challenge erroneous beliefs if we don’t know what the world thinks? I think it is part of our apologetic responsibility to be well-read and well-prepared to engage in conversation, even with atheists and skeptics. One of our required textbooks for Apologetics is an anthology edited by well-known Christian antagonist Christopher Hitchens. It is called The Portable Atheist, and it contains excerpts from the writings of famous opponents of belief like David Hume, Charles Darwin, Sigmund Freud and Bertrand Russell, not to mention the new crop of 21st century unbelievers. The two quotations at the beginning of this article are taken from this work. It is my firm belief that Christians cannot be content to simply read the Bible and the work of like-minded individuals. How can we be a witness to those outside the faith if we have not read their key works?

A prominent misunderstanding of Christian apologetics is that defending the faith is at odds with polite human interaction: a genuine love for others means that we simply accept others’ beliefs and values without trying to change them. To engage in apologetics is to perpetually be angry and intolerant of others, like the sandwich-board man and the angry debater. This approach is not biblical. Peter’s apologetic command includes the injunction to do so with gentleness and respect. There are two ways to fail to show respect to unbelievers: to avoid conflict altogether and never share the gospel, or to make every apologetic encounter an all or nothing affair that inevitably leads to conflict. Not all persuasion is intolerant and disrespectful. On the other hand, acceptance of everything in the name of tolerance is not genuine love. It is interesting that even Penn Jillette, the atheist magician, recognized, in a recent video blog on YouTube, that proselytism out of a sincere belief is actually an act of love.

Apologetics is not only for our interaction with unbelievers. There is a role for apologetics in the church. If apologetics involves explaining the faith, refuting errors, and correcting misunderstandings, then certainly these sorts of intellectual activities need to be part of the educational programs in our local churches. Let me share a few examples of how I have engaged in apologetics in the context of my own church. A few years ago, my pastor and I “co-preached” a message on the problem of evil. He addressed some of the theological truths, while I explored some of the philosophical implications of theodicy. I have taught adult Sunday School classes on philosophy, ethics, and other issues that relate to apologetics. One of the most interesting experiences was with a small group of individuals from the church who just wanted to ask me questions. We met for several weeks in a row, and the agenda was simple. They asked me any theological or biblical questions they could think of, and I tried to answer them! I believe that our churches need to provide a forum for individuals in the church who have questions. It is unlikely that every question can be (easily) answered, but the process of thinking, discussing, researching is a healthy one and necessary for spiritual growth.

Recently, my wife and I attended a dramatic production of the story of Tom Sawyer at one of the small theaters in the Philadelphia area. We had a great time watching this American classic brought to life on the stage. Of course, one of the most memorable moments is when Tom and Huck listen in on their own funeral. Some of today’s critics of Christianity (like the various authors of The Portable Atheist) hope to preside over the death of religion and faith. On the contrary, I believe that we are living in a golden age of Christian apologetics. Biblical scholars are defending the Bible with great skill, scholarship, and faith. Christian philosophers are providing answers to the problem of evil and bolstering philosophical arguments for the existence of God. Popular apologists are reaching large audiences with accessible books that address apologetic issues with great skill. Examples of this apologetic scholarship can be found in the accompanying sidebar. With such a bounty of resources, my advice is simple. Read the books, study the issues, interact with other believers and seekers. In offering this exhortation, I am doing nothing more than repeating the words of Jesus, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19). May our ongoing efforts to defend the faith and to serve as divine ambassadors resound to the glory of our heavenly Father.

Recommended Reading

General Apologetics and Apologetic Method

Intelligent Design

Christianity and History

World Religions and Comparative Religions

Historical Jesus and Jesus Studies

The Bible