Have you ever heard of the term apologetics, but didn’t know what it means? Simply put, it is to give a defense for our Christian faith. We read in 1 Peter 3:15, “but in your hearts honor 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,”
Gotquestions “There are two primary methods of Christian apologetics. The first, commonly known as classical apologetics, involves sharing proofs and evidences that the Christian message is true. The second, commonly known as “presuppositional” apologetics, involves confronting the presuppositions (preconceived ideas, assumptions) behind anti-Christian positions. Proponents of the two methods of Christian apologetics often debate each other as to which method is most effective. It would seem to be far more productive to be using both methods, depending on the person and situation.”
It good on to say, “Christian apologetics is simply presenting a reasonable defense of the Christian faith and truth to those who disagree. Christian apologetics is a necessary aspect of the Christian life. We are all commanded to be ready and equipped to proclaim the gospel and defend our faith (Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 3:15). That is the essence of Christian apologetics.”
According to Answers in Genesis, over 70% of young people raised in the church will leave the church after one year attending a secular university. I find that statistic staggering. Why do so many people leave the church? When they encounter questions about what they believe what they believe, they do not know the why behind their faith. Simply put, the church has taught the stories, but have not given them the tools that are needed to counter the secular world.
I remember the first day of Psychology 101. The professor said that Christians do not do well in my class. He was right, I did not get a very good grade in his class. Not every one had the assumption that the Bible is the source of all truth. My daughter went to a secular university, but did not have the crisis of faith. Maybe it was because she lived at home when she was taking all the classes that seem to question and challenge Christianity. My son went to a Christian college. Prior to graduation, seniors had workshops with information on coping with the secular world.
The current trend in many popular churches is entertainment. We have fancy bands and wonderful lighting. It’s all based on an emotional experience. Don’t get me wrong, I love praise music and praise bands. I also love our hymns. Praise music is great, but it often lacks depth. There is a tremendous amount of repetition to them, but less depth. Hymns offer more depth and more spiritual theology contained within the words. New is not always better.
We wow our kids with Bible stories, but not theological truth. We want every thing to be fun so our kids will want to attend and participate. Honestly our schools are the same way. People expect things to always be fun. As a former high school teacher, I was asked every day if we were going to do something fun. Unfortunately life is not always fun. When our young people run up against real life, they do not possess the tools they need to combat the world.
What is the answer? Christianity doctrine is the answer. We need to know what we believe and why we believe it. Personally, I don’t think the church does this well enough. It’s not just our young people who need to be taught solid doctrine. Everyone in the church needs to be taught solid Biblical doctrine. There should not be a single person in the church that says they do to know their Bible very well. Scripture tells us we need to be ready to give an answer. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “but in your hearts honor 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,”
Could you defend your faith? Do you know what you believe and why? I have found some excellent resources. (These books do have an affiliate link. I earn a commission if you purchase them from this link, but your price remains the same.)
I am excited to begin teaching doctrine in my women’s Bible study. We well be using this book—Systematic Theology
Daily Doctrine
Systematic Theology. Have but not read
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