Christian Apologetics Chapter 1

Study Notes

Introduction to Christian Apologetics

Christian apologetics has nothing to do with apologizing or making excuses, but rather it is a branch of Christian theology that seeks to defend and explain the Christian faith.
It is an intellectual discipline that applies Scripture to unbelief, seeking to clarify issues and answer questions raised by non-Christians or 'outsiders'.

What is Christian Apologetics?

The word 'apologetics' comes from the Greek word "apologia", meaning "in defense of" or "give an answer".
Christian apologetics is the Christian theological discipline that concerns itself with defending the Christian faith, using rational arguments to clarify issues and answer questions raised by non-Christians or 'outsiders'.

Why Study Christian Apologetics?

Reasons for Apologetics

God Himself is an apologist, addressing His people with arguments to bring them to repentance and faith (e.g., Is. 1:18; Ex. 4:1-9).
It is Biblical; several times in the Bible, the people of God are found defending the faith and God's word.
It is a will of God to be obeyed (1 Peter 3:15).
It is necessary to convince unbelievers regarding the truth of the Bible and the Christian message.
It instructs and builds up believers, demonstrating the rationality of the Bible.

Importance of Apologetics in Today's World

The danger of a dying world, which has rejected God who is life.
The rejection of objective truth in a postmodern world requires Christians to defend the faith.
The rejection of absolute truth has led to fragmentation and individualism.
The new questions being raised by the New Atheists.

Categories of Apologetics

Positive Apologetics: strives to support the Christian faith.
Negative Apologetics: attempts to remove barriers to the faith by responding to attacks.
Apologetics as a Proof (Vindication): provides a rational basis for faith by gathering philosophical, scientific, and historical evidence for the Christian faith.
Apologetics as Defence (Confirmation): clarifies the Christian position in the light of misunderstandings and misrepresentations.
Apologetics as Offense (Attack): tries to change people's minds in an aggressive manner.
Apologetics as Service (Building Bridges): attempts to engage with other faiths in a respectful way.

Causes of Unbelief

Scepticism: doubts that there is a God, and requires empirical evidence to prove God's existence.
Infidel: refuses to believe in God and is intolerant of, and actively opposes, those who do.
Bias Against God: a prejudice or preconceived notion people raise against God.
Influence of Parents and Upbringing: parents' actions and belief systems can influence their children's future beliefs.

School of Apologetics 2021

Apologetics

Apologetics: the practice of defending and explaining the Christian faith.
It can be used to help both unbelievers and believers.

Forms of Apologetics

Defence (Confirmation): answers objections to Christianity, clarifies Christian beliefs, and addresses misunderstandings and questions.
Offensive (Refutation): refutes the arguments that non-Christians use to support their beliefs.
Persuasion (Witness): persuades people of the truth of Christianity and encourages them to apply it to their lives.

Core Purposes of Apologetics

Obedience to God's Word (1 Peter 3:15)
To boost or strengthen the faith of Christians
To aid in the task of evangelism (1 Cor. 1:18-25)
To bring glory to God - this is the ultimate purpose

Description

An introduction to Christian apologetics, a branch of theology that helps believers fulfill God's task according to 1 Peter 3:15-16. This chapter explores the concept of apologetics and its significance in Christian theology.