Apologetics isn't just for ivory tower elites.
From one layman to another: let's learn about Christian apologetics.
Apologetics, defined as the defense and acclamation of the Christian faith, is seen by many modern evangelicals as a niche pursuit reserved for intellectual Christians or a special calling for those plucky enough to publicly debate the likes of Dawkins and Hitchens. But the Bible paints a different picture: Peter and Paul summon the Christian layman to dive into apologia as both a means of witness and a defense against heresy. In 1 Peter 3:15-16, we are urged to “always [be] prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (ESV); similarly, we are called to “give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9, ESV)1. Cornelius Van Til characterizes the apologist as a courageous scout looking out for enemy attacks or a faithful messenger between various theological disciplines. The practice of apologetics extends back to Old Testament times and has been used throughout history to strengthen the Church against the storms of heresy and unbelief; it is a practice that is critical to both the faith of the individual Christian and the health of the entire Church.
The practice of apologetics is critical to both the faith of the individual Christian and the health of the entire Church.
When I became a Christian in my early twenties, the first apologist I encountered was the formidable C.S. Lewis. My attention later turned to the presuppositionalism of Kuyper and Van Til, but I rarely glanced further back into history than the 1800s–with the exception of the Bible, of course. As a former secular humanist and a scientist who enjoys probing the non-Christian beliefs of willing family, friends, and co-workers, I am well practiced in apologetics and familiar with common objections to Christianity. I held most, if not all, of those objections myself and worked through them in private study and in debates with fiery Christians. I am so grateful that I met people who cared enough to grapple with my biting comments and I hope to be a loving Socratic gadfly towards others– and to inspire you to be one as well!
I invite you to journey with me throughout history to read primary sources from esteemed Christian apologists. In each blog post, I will relay to you what I’ve learned through my readings and I will give a practical example of how to apply these lessons to real situations and people. In my experience, many well-meaning Christians are armed with extensive knowledge of the Bible and profound love of God, but they often communicate their faith to non-Christians in ways that are perceived as strange, aggressive, or socially awkward. Although I welcome readers with all ideological backgrounds, my intended audience are fellow Christians and I will consequently use Christian jargon throughout my writing. However, I hope to provide some funny anecdotes of failed apologetic attempts and teach you how to communicate your faith in an edifying and witty manner. My prayer is that we will learn together and let the Spirit do the rest.
The Socratic gadfly from Plato’s Apology:
“And now, Athenians, I am not going to argue for my own sake, as you may think, but for yours, that you may not sin against the God, or lightly reject his boon by condemning me. For if you kill me you will not easily find another like me, who, if I may use such a ludicrous figure of speech, am a sort of gadfly, given to the state by the God; and the state is like a great and noble steed who is tardy in his motions owing to his very size, and requires to be stirred into life. I am that gadfly which God has given the state and all day long and in all places am always fastening upon you, arousing and persuading and reproaching you. And as you will not easily find another like me, I would advise you to spare me. I dare say that you may feel irritated at being suddenly awakened when you are caught napping; and you may think that if you were to strike me dead, as Anytus advises, which you easily might, then you would sleep on for the remainder of your lives, unless God in his care of you gives you another gadfly.”2
In summary:
I am a secular humanist-turned-Christian who loves apologetics, debates non-Christians all the time, and wants to learn from respected apologists alongside you.
In each post, I will provide 1.) a summary of a primary source from a Christian apologist, 2.) relevant quotes from said primary source, and 3.) practical tips and tricks on how to enact those teachings.
ESV Study Bible. 2008. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
Plato and Michael C. Stokes. Apology of Socrates. Warminster: Aris & Phillips, 1997.