Someone suggested recently that perhaps our apologetics program should change its name to something less confrontational—like “religious studies”—so that it would be more palatable to non-Christians. Upon hearing that, Craig and I rent our garments, threw dust on our heads, and refused to eat until lunch.
But seriously, here’s why we like the word “apologetics.”
First, we find that prospective students actually like a name that suggests standing up for what you believe in. And why not? Paul argued daily in the temple. Jesus confronted the Pharisees non-stop (see my post “Arguing Doesn’t Do Any Good? Sure It Does!”). Our students want to defend the faith, not study the differences between religions.
Second, we are doing apologetics and any other suggestion that we’ve ever heard makes the program sound like it is something it isn’t or like it isn’t something it is.
Third, we want to be controversial in the sense that we want everyone to know that we are defending the truth of historic Christianity against all attacks. We want the skeptics to know that we exist and will answer them (see point one).
Fourth, other names sound like we are trying to hide (which we’re not, by the way).
Fifth, I find it a wonderful witnessing tool to have to explain to non-Christians what we are “apologizing for.” This has opened up many doors for me to share the Gospel.
Sixth, it also happens to be the biblical term for what we do. After all, the Greek word for “defense” in 1 Peter 3:15 is “apologia.”
Seventh, the problem for the average American Christian isn’t that they are too bold. Most Christians are extremely passive in communicating the Gospel. I’m reminded of C. S. Lewis’s comment that we always run to the side of the ship that is already gunwale under the waves. If we are going to err, then let us err on the side of boldness since many Christians err on the side of meekness (I don’t think we are in error, by the way).
Eighth, of course many non-Christians dislike that we actively, fervently, logically, and evidentially strive to proclaim that Christianity is, in fact, true and that because Christianity is true no argument can stand against it. Many don’t like that.
But that’s the way we roll.
Acts 18:27-28: Apollos “was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
Amen.
Apologetics is more beneficial to the Christian learning the material than the non-Christian hearing what they have learned. It is paramount to include the Gospel in every response given. Remember, the non-Christian should walk way not saying how smart you are or how you were able to answer every question they had (or hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil), but that Jesus Christ is everything, not only for the world, but for themselves personally (or hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. ~ Luke 6:22).
Hi DC,
Yes, apologetics benefits the Christian more than the non-Christian but the knowledge they gain certainly benefits non-Christians. We have many examples of that. Although we must be quick to present the Gospel, I don’t agree that the Gospel must be given with absolutely every single response no matter what the question. For example, if someone asks about the Crusades, the answer does not in every single case necessarily need include a Gospel presentation.
Great post, Clay. I’m proud of our program and thankful to see the name stand. And yeah, that’s how we roll. I love the verse you quoted from Acts. Hope you and Craig enjoyed lunch that day!
I’m always looking for local Portland area churches who want to engage in apologetic discussions with atheists, and I have great difficulty in finding willing churches/pastors. Please send any willing Apologists my way…
Events:
http://www.meetup.com/Westside-Science-Religion-Discussion-Group/
Also- if you ever want a local Portland atheist to debate, please contact me.
…Bernie
Excellent points. It’s much better to take a stand than to be wishy-washy about it. Thanks!
Excellent, Dr. Jones. I am proud of being a graduate of the program, and we should not run from doing just what we are doing for The Kingdom.