Because of the apologetics conference this weekend, I thought it useful to spend some time reflecting on the activity of apologetics. What is apologetics and is it a worthwhile activity? What I came up with includes this intriguing thought: apologetics renders more positive results than one would initially expect. More about that later. But first of all let's take a look at this thing called apologetics:

What is apologetics?

For the most part, apologetics is presenting evidence in a rational way that defends the truthfulness of Christianity. Some see this as central and necessary to the faith and they spend a great amount of time doing so. Others believe that the Word of God speaks for itself through spiritual revelation to the human heart and does not need to be defended. But in a way this is a false dichotomy. We must present Christ and his Word both to the mind through evidences and to the heart of each person through the work of the Spirit Himself.

How should we do apologetics?

There are many different ways to do apologetics and all of them have merit: there are some apologists whose approach is very detached, existential, and scientific. There are others that come to it from a theological appraisal of truth, comparing Christianity with other religions. Which method one uses in large part depends on the one's own predilections and talents and usually is suited to the requirements of the situation at hand. We must be careful so that we don't think that it should be done in only one way.

At the apologetics conference this weekend, try to discern how different speakers approach the task of doing apologetics. I think you will find that each one does it a little differently from the other speakers.

Why defend Christianity?

The chief reason is that we are commanded to defend the gospel: “...but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.(1Pe 3:15) In other words, we are to defend the Gospel not out of fear or anger, or aggressive moral superiority, but rather out of a heart that is patiently and humbly centered on Christ-- one that sanctifies him as Lord over all circumstances. Nevertheless, the conclusion is clear: we are to defend Christianity. Again, in the book of Jude, we see this obligaton reiterated: “...I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 1:3)

What then are some of the benefits of doing apologetics?

But even if such a defense of the faith were not an “obligation”, we should do it anyway. Why is that? If we investigate this question, we come up with several reasons.

1. Society benefits. It is true that on a very practical level we need to carve out a legal space in the public arena for the gospel so we can speak to others about the veracity, validity, and social utility of the gospel. Doing so means that we secure cultural, social, and civil rights for the gospel. The results are often self-evident: the gospel thrives when there is freedom of speech for people to meet and discuss the gospel. However, it is my conviction that Biblical Christians, following the essential spirit of their own religion, have worked throughout history towards securing not only religious freedom for themselves but for other religions also. In fact, to go a step further, I believe that true Christianity throughout history has been instrumental in securing the very essence of freedom itself. Another such proponent of this idea is David Gress. In his book,From Plato To NATO: The Idea of the West and Its Opponents, he asserts that it can not be overlooked that our freedoms and rights owe their existence in part to historical Christian influences. What has eventually evolved through this historical process is a commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights, social and religious pluralism, all under a reformed, non-governmental Christian influence.

2. It benefits the apologist and has a very personal reward: As previously cited in 1 Peter 3:15, we saw that in addition to defending the gospel, we are to set apart in our hearts Christ as Lord. This admonition points to the truth that as we go forth defending the Gospel, we also grow spiritually. We learn to be wise in our thinking (Dan. 12:3) and strong in our character. Apologetics offers us an opportunity to not just defeat other ways of thinking, but also to learn from such and to grow personally from the encounter.

In a recent correspondence, John Spaulding, director of Christians Meeting Muslims, and a speaker at the upcoming conference wrote,

"...serious engagement with people of other faiths....forces Christians to become both sharper in our thinking and more faithful in our living."

This line really spoke to me and and as a former missionary it is something that I have long understood to be true. However, what he says applies not just to encounters with people of other faiths. Even our engagement with other opinions and other doctrines within the church should provoke a positive change in us that is reflective of something good that the Lord is working in us. In other words, in such encounters, we do well to constantly be looking to God to grow closer to Him and become stronger as Christians. Hopefully, our response to those outside our faith (or doctine) will be more and more reflective of God.

In addition, even when the encounter is difficult and adversarial, it will awaken us and cause us to be less lukewarm as Christians and more energized in our commitment. (In other words, a commitment that is hot or cold like the therapeutic waters of Ephesus, valuable to the tourist/pilgrim, not useless lukewarm water...). Even when the Christian church is roundly rejected by other faiths, by other "Christians," and by the overall society, hopefully such trials will cause us to become more serious, more committed,more mature, and more Christ-like. Their is one verse that seems to reflect positively the value of meeting up with those who do not reflect your perspective within the church:

“For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.” (1Co 11:18-19)

In some regard the "division" can work towards making us more genuine! Each event, each encounter should force us back to his word, back to Himself, and towards being increasingly humbled.

3.Finally, and most importantly, people come to know the truth concerning Christ and Christianity. Apologetics is not just done in benefit of the faith, it is also about benefiting the inquirer. As Christians we are to be dedicated to bringing others to a saving knowledge of Christ. This, I think, is the most obvious reason for doing apologetics and perhaps the most important. For the sake of brevity, I will leave a discussion of this for some other time.

Is doing apologetics optional for the believer?

In my opinion the answer is no. Here is what I think we believers are called to do: we must stand up for truth; we must publically confess Jesus and explain why. And in doing so, we ourselves benefit by growing strong in character and in spirit. All that, by the way, provides some convincing justification for attending the Apologetics Conference this Friday evening and Saturday. See you there!`

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Reading Robert Osburn’s blog entry on December 31 regarding Dr. Tom Wright and his views on the war... [more >>]

Dr. Tom Wright, War and Faith Dec. 31st

Dr. Tom Wright, gloriously gifted Bishop of Durham, is the subject of a recent and fascinating... [more >>]

Art and Faith Dec. 23rd

Concerning Bob’s Osburn’s recent blog regarding art and transcendence... [more >>]

A Place for Creationism Dec. 18th

The following was written this past weekend as a "Letter to the Editor" in response to an opinion... [more >>]

The Challenge to Think and Respond: The Terri Schiavo Right-to-Live Case Dec. 17th

As society becomes more complicated and evil becomes more apparent, Christians are presented with... [more >>]

Art and Transcendence Dec. 15th

What first-year U of Minnesota art student Erin Boe wrote in last Wednesday’s (12/10/03) edition of... [more >>]

Evangelicals and Cultural Change Dec. 2nd

This pen has been unusually quiet, taking a needed breather after our stimulating, but demanding... [more >>]

Cultivating New Conservative Leaders Oct. 29th

Mitch Pearlstein's Center of the American Experiment continues to boldly go where others have not... [more >>]

Creative Image of God Oct. 21st

That "earthy Dutch Calvinist" Calvin Seerveld was with us this past weekend, matching aesthetic... [more >>]

Dynamic Christianity Oct. 15th

Philip Jenkins' 2002 book "The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity" documents the... [more >>]

Employees and Employers Oct. 7th

U of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks recently delivered his "State of the University" address... [more >>]

Francis Beckwith Oct. 2nd

These are intensely busy days at the Institute, for good reason. The pace of lectures has picked up... [more >>]

The Naked Public Square Sep. 24th

Should students studying religion receive state grants? The states of Washington and Michigan have... [more >>]

Happy Birthday Al! Sep. 19th

The evening past (September 18), a thousand Minnesotans celebrated the 80th birthday of one of our... [more >>]

Academic Bill of Rights Sep. 16th

Colorado's academicians are up in arms over a Republican proposal for an "Academic Bill of Rights,"... [more >>]

U of M Scholars Sep. 12th

The U of Minnesota's proposed $2.6 million "Scholars' Walk" befits one of the nation's top three... [more >>]

New education standards Sep. 9th

My wife, Susan, and I glanced at the headlines in today's "Star Tribune." The message was clear:... [more >>]

Welcome to MacLaurin Blog Sep. 5th

We will offer our comments, insights and ideas on a variety of issues--several times a week. Please... [more >>]