What Is Apologetics?
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By Joel Settecase
First, a little backstory: When I first started my podcast, I wanted to create something that would help everyday Christians defend what they believe. So I called my podcast “This Is Apologetics.” I’d been studying apologetics for about seven years at the time, and for me the word made perfect sense. But I quickly learned that many Christians had no clue what "apologetics" meant! So now I’ve got one minute to define it, answer a few questions, respond to one objection, and give you one clear step on how to get started.
So let’s set the clock to one minute, and here we go.
What does “apologetics” mean?
Christian apologetics is, "the application of biblical truth to unbelieving thought in a compelling way."
Why is it called apologetics?
It comes from the Greek word "apologia," meaning "a reasoned argument," found in 1 Peter 3:15, which says believers must be ready with an "apologia" for our hope, whenever we're asked.
Why is apologetics important?
It strengthens believers' confidence to know there are good answers to their hard questions. It also helps commend the Gospel to others, by clearing away obstacles to belief.
There will always be questions, so we'll always need apologetics.
Can we argue people into the kingdom?
Well, maybe, maybe not—but Proverbs 25:11 says "a word spoken at the right time is like gold apples in silver settings."
So a timely answer can go a long way.
How to get started:
Simply pick an objection and go find the answer. Start with Scripture, and check out sites like thethink.institute or gotquestions.org to help along the way.
Thanks for tuning in to the Think Podcast Monday Minute. This isn’t good-bye, just a little pit stop along the way of your spiritual journey. I hope you heard something helpful. If you enjoyed this, please like and share this video on Facebook, and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Until next time, I hope it made you think.
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