Apologetics

Apologetics. The term comes from the Greek word apologia, which essentially means speaking in defense. In today's standards, we usually relate this term to knowing your religion well enough that you can speak in defense of it. But is it something that we as Christians should take seriously?

A friend of mine was talking to me on the subject of apologetics, and he made a few good points. What is the purpose of most christian apologetic writings? They are to convince the reader through logical means that Christianity makes sense. Who usually reads such writings? Obviously the normal christian is the most likely person to read about apologetics. Why then should a believer be convinced of something that he already believes in? Isn't that counter-productive?

As I see it, being an apologist should a priority in a Christians life. We should not look at the subject as "Defending our faith", but apologetics should be the study of how to discuss biblical truths with an unbeliever correctly. That is, with a loving heart, and a sound mind. The mind part we must construct on our own through biblical studies, which is what being an apologist should be all about. Knowing what to say to someone who has a question about the bible is important in our life.

I would not call myself an apologist, as I struggle with certain biblical matters when asked about it. But God has been faithful. He has giving me a neighbor who likes to ask LOTS of questions, and this gives me lots of practice, although I hope a lot more practice lies ahead. I try to keep praying that God will give me a biblical mind to any questions asked concerning Christianity, and to work this into his plans.