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* Apologetics by Reference - [[Apologetics: Genesis|Genesis]], [[Apologetics: Exodus|Exodus]], [[Apologetics: Leviticus|Leviticus]], [[Apologetics: Numbers|Numbers]], [[Apologetics: Deuteronomy|Deuteronomy]]* Apologetics by Topic** [[Apologestics: Atonement|Atonement]]** [[Church History Criticism]]** [[Apologetics of God|God]]** [[Apologetics: Paul|PaulScripture Index]] - Did Paul invent or change Christianity** [[Apologetics: Trinity|The Trinity]]** [[Textual Criticism|Textual CriticismTopic Index]] - Is the Bible historically accurate** [[Apologetics: Women|WomenTrilemma argument]] - Is Christianity chauvanistic |
{{stub}}[[Category:Apologetics]]
subtopics = [[Christian doctrine and debates]]
* [[Apologists]], [[Apologists Index]]
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Islamic Apologetics (JBJ)]] * [[Is God Invisible? (JBJ)]] |
}}
Apologetics is the science practice of defending Christianity from disproof against derogatory and derogatory false claimsaiming to show its truth. Hence apologists Apologists are people who defend Christianity. In the first few centuries of Christianity, the Apologists played a significant role in counteracting unorthodox and heretical teachings.
[[Scripture]] encourages each believer to be an apologist
: [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; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. ([[1 Peter 3]]:15-16)
Some contrast apologetics with [[polemics]] as referring to the practice of challenging and refuting doctrinal errors within the religion. In this view, apologetics may be viewed as dialogue to defend [[Christianity]] to non-Christians and polemics as dialogue internal to Christianity to refute error or provide correctives. However, the general (dictionary) meaning of the term 'polemics' centers not on what is being refuted, but on its being controversial -- its root meaning has to do with war. If treated that way, polemics would be known by how the matter is being handled. Apologetics, by its root meaning, would be more of a ''logic''al discourse and a way of explaining a [[truth]], while polemics would be 'fighting words'.
The [[early church fathers]] are sometimes categorized as either polemicists or apologists based on the thrust of their writings.
There are some important considerations for a Christian apologetic of today. (There are others, but these are three.)
===(1) Credibility (true-ness, believability)===
==Quotes==
[[Van Til]]'s Apologetic: Reading and Analysis, pages 27 and 28
: ''Christians in the ancient world knew what it was to have accusations and ridicule directed at them for their religious convictions and practices. The report of Jesus' resurrection was taken as an idle tale ([[Luke 24:11]]), a lie ([[Matthew 28:13]],[[Matthew 28:14|14]],[[Matthew 28:15|15]]) and an impossibility ([[Acts 26:8]]). For preaching it, believers were arrest by the Jews ([[Acts 4:20]]-[[Acts 4:23|23]]) and mocked by the Greek philosophers ([[Acts 17:32]]). On the day of Pentecost, the disciples were accused of being drunk ([[Acts 2:13]]). Stephen was accused of opposing previous revelation ([[Acts 6:11]]-[[Acts 6:14|14]]). Paul was accused of introducing new gods ([[Acts 17:18]],[[Acts 17:19|19]],[[Acts 17:20|20]]). The church was accused of political insurrection ([[Acts 17:6]],[[Acts 17:7|7]]). Experts openly contradicted what the Christians taught ([[Acts 13:45]]) and prejudicially vilified their persons ([[Acts 14:2]]). So, on the one hand, the Christian message a stumbling block to the Jews and utter foolishness to Greek ([[1 Corinthians 1:23]]). On the other hand, the early Chrisitians had to guard against the wrong kind of positive acceptance of what they proclaimed. The apostles were confused for gods by advocated of pagan religion ([[Acts 14:11]],[[Acts 14:12|12]],[[Acts 14:13|13]]), given unwelcome commendation by sooth-sayers ([[Acts 16:16]],[[Acts 16:17|17]],[[Acts 16:18|18]]) and had their message absorbed by heretical legalists ([[Acts 15:1]],[[Acts 15:5|5]]). 21st century believers can sympathize with their brothers in the ancient world. Our Christian faith continues to see the same variety of attempts to oppose and undermine it.''
==Links==
* [http://www.apologeticsindex.org/ Apologetics Index] Apologetics research resources on religious cults, sects, world religions, and related issues.
* [http://www.theopedia.com/Apologetics Theopedia - Apologetics]
* [http://reformedword.org/History_of_Apologetics ReformedWord - History of Apologetics]
* [http://www.apologetics-wiki.com Apologetics Wiki] A wiki for Christian apologetics.
{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Christian doctrine and debates]]