No Apology Needed
November 10, 2008
Even though apology and apologetics share the same root word, today they have very different meanings. Apologetics, taken from the Greek word “apologia” (ap-ol-og-ee’-ah; from or out of the word), is not the art of saying you are sorry, but the art and science of defending the Christian faith against false teaching and accusations. This term was used in ancient times in court proceedings.
In Peter’s first epistle, we see him responding to the difficulties that the Christians of that day were facing. These Christians were suffering great persecution at the hands of the Roman empire, yet Peter implored them to stand strong and weather the storm of the day. Peter’s words are no less appropriate for the Church today.
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” (1Pe 3:15 AV)
Columbo Tactic
The following video is a good tool to use when encountering someone with a contrary worldview. It is called the Columbo Tactic.
It is important to remember this rule of thumb, “the one who frames the question, wins the argument.” Now, talking with someone who holds an opposing worldview, we are not simply trying to win an argument, but in framing the question, you are able to set the framework of the conversation. The essence of this tactic is to help find out what people actually believe and then, as you listen, you will better be able to defend the “reason for the hope that is in you.”
I hope you will take a few minutes to watch the video and as always, let me know if you have any questions.
Video from: http://www.str.org
Once we are set apart for the cause of Christ, giving a sound, logical reason for our relationship with Jesus is a normal and right part of a Christian’s life. It can be difficult at times to stay under control emotionally, but Peter also reminds us that when we are defending the faith we are to do so with meekness and fear.
The apostle Paul was also an apologist. In Acts 17:17-18, we see Paul “reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and in the market place every day with those who happened to be present. And also some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers were conversing with him.” Paul was a man who was set apart in Jesus and a learned man ready to “reason” with all who would hear the truth of the Gospel message.
The word “reasoning” in verse 17 is taken from the Greek word “dialegomai,” which means; to converse, discourse with one, argue, discuss. Paul was simply presenting the truth of Jesus Christ and responding to the variety of thoughts, ideas and opionions that were presented to him. We may all encounter someone who is very hostile to the Christian faith, but how often do we simply encounter somone who simply has questions they need answered? After speaking at a church recently, a young man came up to me afterward and thanked me for sharing about how God had brought me through some difficult questions about the Bible and the creation account. He said that he had been thinking about some of the things I shared and I was able to help him see them better from a Biblical perspective. Sometimes, people want to know that we can give a clear, concise account of what we believe and demonstrate the hope that is in us.
Apologetics speaks to both the saved and the lost by being the intellectual tool in which the stumbling blocks and questions of life can begin to be removed with sound reasoning and with the tact and skill of appropriate presentation.
Be prepared, know God’s Word and know how to share it with a gentle heart and a learned mind.
Grace Be With You,
Tommy