My Reasons for Apologetics

[Dee Dee Warren]

MY REASONS FOR APOLOGETICS

by Kyle (http://theologyweb.com/forum/member.php?s=&action=getinfo&userid=373)

Although I have only been studying and discussing apologetics for about two years, the question of why I do this comes up with relative frequency. There are certainly many other things I could be doing as a busy teenager. After all, I’m a student, athlete, son, brother, band member, etc. It’s not as though I cannot find anything to do with my time. So, the question remains. Why do I spend all this time with apologetics?

The importance of apologetics

One of the reasons I participate in apologetics is because I believe it is important. Apologetics, in my mind, is more important than church, more important than singing hymns, and, perhaps, just as important as reading the Bible. There are many reasons for my belief in the great importance of apologetics.

Firstly, apologetics is important for nonbelievers. Many nonbelievers are mostly uninformed about the issues. However, probably the majority of nonbelievers are at least aware of the beliefs of Christianity, and most of them know why they choose not to follow its tenets. Let’s face it, if you are one of those nonbelievers who is at least marginally informed on the issues, hymns in church are not going to cause you to consider Christianity. Having a friend tell you, "It just takes faith", or, "I’m praying for you" is not going to have a tremendous effect. Reading the Bible won’t even get you to consider converting (in fact, nonbelievers will generally only have their convictions strengthened with each read through the Good Book.) In reality, the only thing that is going to impress you is logic. The more Christians realize that logic is an important part of the Christian faith, the more effective we will be in convincing others that our religion is not blind stupidity, but rather a rationally defensible belief. That is the only thing that is going to cause nonbelievers to even consider Christianity, and thus, apologetics is greatly needed in that regard.

Secondly, apologetics is important for believers. As I claimed earlier, I believe apologetics is more important than going to church. There are several reasons for this. No matter how staunch of a believer you are, you occasionally have doubts. Every now and then you may find yourself confused by a Biblical passage, or stumped by a question posed by either a nonbeliever or another Christian in your community. It is my opinion that doubts are perfectly healthy and normal, as long as they are dealt with. However, if allowed to build up, doubts will consume you. The Internet is rife with stories and personal testimonies of Christians who converted to atheism. A common theme you will find in many of these is that the individual had doubts that he or she either kept inside them, or tried to find answers only to uncover nothing. Apologetics is all about seeking for and revealing answers to the troubling questions which plague the minds of Christian believers, and that is one reason why it is so important that Christians have access to these answers.

Not only do Christians need answers for themselves; they also need answers for others. If you are going to be an effective witness, it is important that you know common objections to Christianity as well as effective counters. Once again, apologetics, not hymns or prayers, is the most effective tool for reaching nonbelievers.

Apologetics is important for everybody. Whether a pastor or rabbi, theist or atheist, apologetics can affect everyone in a positive manner.

The hope of positively affecting another

Another factor that contributes to my wish to continue apologetics is my hope that I can positively affect another human being. As a Christian, I sincerely believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. As a consequence, I feel I have a burden to help others come to the same realization that I have. Since this issue deals with eternity, I cannot imagine anything more important than helping a non-Christian to consider placing their faith in Christ.

Now, if you are of the skeptical persuasion and you are reading this essay, then perhaps you are a bit miffed at the thought that I am so arrogant. However, if you look at the issue from my perspective, perhaps you can understand my motivations. If you truly believed that there was only one way to have eternal life, wouldn’t you also sincerely wish to help others achieve it? Well, that is my position. I believe that there are good reasons for my religious persuasion (and you can check other articles on this site for a few of those reasons). Because of this, if you are a nonbeliever, I sincerely hope that this site will cause you to consider Christianity in a better light.

Of course, apologetics can positively affect the believer as well as the nonbeliever. It is my opinion that every Christian, young and old, has doubts. The only way to resolve these is to find answers to them. Without answers, these problems will only grow in number and in severity. No Christian is free from the ever-lasting grip of doubts. Even Charles Templeton, the famous pastor, succumbed to doubts because he could not find satisfactory answers. I have had many personal discussions with other teens in my community, and find that, unfortunately, their questions are not answered by the church. Obviously, they cannot be answered with the Bible alone. Apologetics is where the answers are, and this information needs to be spread far and wide for Christians everywhere. I hope that I am positively affecting others by the creation of this site.

Strengthening my own convictions

A third major reason for my growing interest in apologetics is my quest to learn what I believe and why I believe it. As a Christian, I have faced numerous slanderous remarks about my supposed gullibility, ignorance, and even stupidity. While I do not mean to misrepresent the atheist community and imply that all atheists claim these things, it is nonetheless true that this is a common accusation hurled at Christians and other religious persons. I have decided to make a commitment to myself by learning more and more about my faith as well as other faiths, and the various objections that individuals have to these beliefs. By becoming more informed on the issues, I strengthen my own faith, and that allows me to help others.


Conclusion

There are many reasons for my growing interest in apologetics. Above, I have given a few of the major reasons, but this is by no means a comprehensive essay. Hopefully, after reading this essay, you will have a better understanding of why I spend much of my free time on apologetics. Perhaps this will help you in your own quest to discover what apologetics means to you.



1 Peter 3:15 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

300

TheologyWeb is pleased to have Kyle as one of our active members. Please be sure to visit his ministry The Skeptical Christian (http://www.skepticalchristian.com/).

300

Notice - The featuring of a particular member article does not constitute endorsement of every single item or point of view contained therein by each and every member of TheologyWeb leadership. We strive to have a varied cross-section of representations of differing opinions on secondary Christian issues. The only requirement for the featuring of a particular article is that said article must not contradict the essentials articulated in the TheologyWeb statement of faith found here in our Mission Statement (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/mission/)or be blatantly offensive to the Christian worldview of the site Owners.

[apologetics]

Kyle,

I completely agree with your belief that apologetics is important (hence my username), however, I would caution you on the "apologetics is more important than church.....just as important as reading the bible." I have been a Christian for about 25 years. For the vast majority of those years, I was mostly a Christian in name only. When I finally came back to the Lord, I found myself devouring apologetic literature. I understood that one of the main reasons that I had never developed a close relationship with the Lord was that I was worried about letting him control my life. I was also worried about providing the answer that 1 Peter 3:15 demands that we be ready to provide.

Through apologetics, I have strengthen my faith tremendously. I am now ready to give the answer for the hope that lies within. However, as I found myself devouring the apologetic books, I found myself glancing over onto the coffee table where my Bible sat unopened. I found myself asking more and more, "what is this book on apologetics actually talking about?" The answer, of course, is the Bible!

Apologetic literature is fantastic, however, it will not provide you with the relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ that it takes to remain a strong Christian through the travails of life. It is incredible that a teenager such as yourself is as turned on to apologetics as you are. I congratulate you and thank the Lord for those whom you will touch. However, what you will find as you leave home and head out into the world to find your destiny is that without the Lord standing close and without you clinging to Him, the storms of the world can easily separate you from Him. When you really get into the Bible you will understand what the writer of Hebrews meant when he wrote:


Hbr 4:12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

There is NOTHING more important to a Christian than the Bible. It is not just a book....apologetics should have taught you this abundantly by now! This is the inspired word of God, 100% inerrant. This is where we find God, where we understand our purpose, where we learn to live in a world controlled by forces set against us. I would also add that apologetics is not more important than Church. We are called to fellowship with fellow believers. As Hank Hannegraff says (I'm assuming that you are familiar with Hank) Christianity knows nothing of lone ranger Christians. It is within the body of Christ....the Church...that you will find your most valued friends and where your apologetics training will probably be of the most use, ironically enough.

I applaud you in your efforts and pray that the Lord continues to fuel your fire. However, get into the Bible at least as much as you are in anything else!

[Kyle]

Thanks for your comments, apologetics.

I must clarify one thing, however. I do not mean at all to trivialize the importance of reading the Bible. But I think the reason I think that apologetics are as important is that they provide us with the context FOR reading the Bible. Only once we understand the genre, context, and intended message of the Bible will we be able to fully appreciate it for what it is. Reading the Bible without knowledge of context or genre, etc, can be potentially dangerous and I think it will never be as rewarding.

I think an important case in point is when I was reading through the Old Testament years ago for the first time. I had never been introduced to any apologetics of any sort- only a few sermons in church. I was taken aback by the strange customs in the OT such as sacrificing all the animals and I was troubled by the mentioning of slavery and other such practices. I remember thinking- "why don't they ever talk about these parts of the Bible in church, it's like they are picking and choosing only what they want us to hear!" Anyways, it was very troubling for me, and I may have lost my faith altogether if it were not for apologetics. In context, I realize that there were good reasons for the importance of ritual animal sacrifice in the OT, and I understand that the "slavery" referred to in the Bible is really much more like a servitude position. But without this information I would have gotten a wholly incorrect interpretation of the Word of God.

Also, with the church issue- I realize that gathering with other Christians is a very important aspect of the Christian life. But one need not go to the church in order to have church- if you know what I mean! For example, I often get in long conversations about Christianity with my father and brother- and this is also a gathering of believers in fellowship. I think this kind of "church" can be as if not more fulfilling.

In any case, I take your comments to heart- and I agree that I have to be careful about minimalizing the importance of such crucial aspects of the Christian life.

Sincerely,

Kyle.

[spl_cadet]

I have to take issue with this quote:


Apologetics, in my mind, is more important than church, more important than singing hymns, and, perhaps, just as important as reading the Bible.

Apologetics is not more important than church, which is the worship of God (do remember though, I'm coming from a Catholic perspective on this). Furthermore, while we are all called to worship, not everyone is called to apologetics.

[Kyle]

Cadet:

When I said "church", I meant the common usage of people gathering on Sunday and listening to sermons or whatnot. I would never want to claim that apologetics is more important than worshipping God.

[spl_cadet]

Today @ 11:08 AM post located here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=165524#post165524)
Kyle:

Cadet:

When I said "church", I meant the common usage of people gathering on Sunday and listening to sermons or whatnot. I would never want to claim that apologetics is more important than worshipping God.

Remember, though I said that I'm coming from the Catholic POV. That gathering together at Mass is the worship of God. It is Heaven on Earth.

Always interesting to learn something new about Protestantism though:bunny:

[Kyle]

Don't worry, I'm not one of those "Catholics go to Hell" types. :smile: In fact, I would like to learn a bit more about Catholocism (spelling?). I'm checking out your site right now. (Unfortuantely, the town where I come from is heavily Protestant, and I find that there is quite a bit of bias against Catholic doctrines. But I figure they deserve a fair shot too.)

[apologetics]

Kyle,

I agree with you that apologetics give you a reference point for reading the Bible. Obviously, you need not know anything of apologetics to read the Bible from the proper perspective, but a thorough understanding of WHY the Bible exists, HOW it came into existence, and the historical accuracy of it does allow the reader a fuller experience, in my opinion.

I understand what you are saying about Christians not needing to go to chruch to be Christians. However, the Church is called the Body of Christ. When we are not in church, I feel we are missing something that is vitally important. Therefore, I guess I would still have to agree that the study of apologetics is not more important than getting your tail into church.

I have to commend you on your efforts. I checked out your website and was very impressed. You are quite a unique young man! While many, if not most, of the kids your age are out partying and chasing girls, it is obvious that you understand the necessity of an eternal perspective. That is quite unique in a teenager! Do you go to a Christian school or secular? How outspoken are you on your faith around your friend? I have a 5 year old son and if he turns out to be like you, I will be proud! Your parents have obviously done a fantastic job and deserve to be commended!

[rocket]

To claim that Atheists don't believe because they "don't understand the issues" is cake iceing over a pile of horse crap...I was a christian once and walked away from it because Christians are so wrapped up in religious dogma they can't get a handle on reality...I was sick of it!!! And articles like this one serve to prove my point, to assume that someone is an Atheist because they don't "understand" is ludicrous and hypicritcal...nice article though...
Allen

[spl_cadet]

$10 says you've never even hard of, much less read, St. Aquinas or Pascal.

[usarmy770]

Kyle,

If Atheists need to be convinced of the truth through logic, then I invite you to convince me. Just keep in mind that nothing is true unless absolutely proven as fact. Meet me in the gym.

[Pate]

Today @ 01:48 AM post located here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=167143#post167143)
rocket:

To claim that Atheists don't believe because they "don't understand the issues" is cake iceing over a pile of horse crap...I was a christian once and walked away from it because Christians are so wrapped up in religious dogma they can't get a handle on reality...I was sick of it!!! And articles like this one serve to prove my point, to assume that someone is an Atheist because they don't "understand" is ludicrous and hypicritcal...nice article though...
Allen

I don't want to draw any unwarranted conclusions about you, based on just one comment, but I have to say that your previous post does more to confirm than to disconfirm the view that you don't understand the issues. The central issue should not be whether or not many Christians are wrapped up in their dogma and have a somewhat distorted view of reality. The central issue should be whether or not Christianity is true.

I don't agree that all atheists don't believe because they don't understand the issues and I don't even want to claim that this is what's going on in your atheism, but I do know atheists who don't have a clue when it comes to issues of rationally justifying their views.

[Pate]

Today @ 08:24 PM post located here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=167895#post167895)
usarmy770:

Kyle,

If Atheists need to be convinced of the truth through logic, then I invite you to convince me. Just keep in mind that nothing is true unless absolutely proven as fact. Meet me in the gym.

That's clearly false. Many things are true but not absolutely proven.

[apologetics]

Originally posted by USArmy770:


If Atheists need to be convinced of the truth through logic, then I invite you to convince me. Just keep in mind that nothing is true unless absolutely proven as fact. Meet me in the gym.

Huh? "Nothing is true unless absolutely proven as fact"??? Epistemologically speaking, this is an untenable statement. There are many things that true without having to be empirically justified. The entire field of theoretical physics works off of this premise.

Since you cannot prove that God does NOT exist, by your own words it would be ludacrious to maintain an atheistic belief system. Many philosophers have maintained that one cannot even believe in the existence of the external world since the world you are experiencing could really just be the construct of an evil demon. Can you prove your own existence? Can you prove that all of your beliefs are epistemologically coherent?

I would invite you into a discussion on the philosophical issues surrounding truth. I assume that you would find it at least enlightening.

[Lazy Agnostic]

Kyle,

The balance of Creation (and your salvation) doesn't depend upon your ability to accurately describe it at any given moment.

There are ego traps attendant to apologetics and the sharpening of precocious wits---at the expense of wisdom.

The people who seem most-edified by their faith----from disparate faiths and disciplines---are those who, at somepoint and some degree, learn to gently push aside ego/ordinary thoughts.

Faith isn't manifested in esoteric pedantic yakking and public displays of piety and all other sorts of wearing it on one's sleeve. It's manifested in each of our daily interactions.

Imagine that everyone you see could be Jesus-in-disguise; find some way to convey a silent little "Hello in there, You."

Then learn apologetics.

Then learn that apologetics consists largely of irrelevant commentary and is too often no more edifying than a hobby.

Don't be afraid to momentarily step outside cherished notions; there is nothing from which you cannot return---except perhaps wisdom.

[Socrates]

08-06-2003 @ 06:24 AM post located here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=167895#post167895)
usarmy770:

Just keep in mind that nothing is true unless absolutely proven as fact.

Prove that then!

[Kyle]

To apologetics:

Thanks a bunch for the compliments! That's great that you have a son, but don't worry. I'm sure they will turn out much better than me. Good luck with raising him.

As to your questions, I go to a secular school and I am quite open with my faith- although for the most part I don't go around starting discussions with atheists. I do when I know them well, but I just don't feel comfortable approaching strangers. And like you say, most teenagers just don't care about the issue at all.

I go to almost all "Light" meetings, which are Christian fellowship meetings, and everyone always says I'm a "genius" which is kind of embarassing. But I really enjoy sharing my faith with those that will listen.

Sincerely,

Kyle.

[Andy Howard]

I do agree with Kyle here and have to say that there is nothing like getting on your knees with the Bible in front of you and reading (in prayer). God is able to reveal Himself to an individual and the eating of the shewbread in the Holy of Holies was a type of this kind of prayer because you partake of the Bread of Christ (John 6:50-51)and He responds.
Most churches have changeable options in regards to doctrinal concepts that may not necessarily be Scriptural though functional, which is why the Old Covenant laws are said (Rom.10:5)that those who keep the Mosiac laws "shall live by them."
I John 2:27 -"..the Anointing which you have received of Him abides in you, and you need not that any man teach you...."
A true Christian's relationship with God should be between him/her and God without a minister or church interfering.
We can be busy with church functions and works and not do anything that is actually considered to be sinful-and yet never really develop a relationship with Jesus Christ(which is what He predicted would happen to some in Matt.7:22-23).

One of the first concerns I have in the study of apologetics is that not enough wannabe Christians look for God in His Word before looking for Him in some man or organization. This is why we have so many cults in the world(ie, the US has more than 3000 now operating mostly for the purpose of 'sheep trafficking' and merchandizing their followers. Religious marketing is big business and there are lots of uninformed gullibles willing to follow the pied pipers and guru leaderships over the edge of sanity and into oblivion.
We need to first of all research the church history and belief system of any church or organization that we are thinking of joining or affiliating with as one of the first signs of a cult is asking for donations and volunteers to recruit followers and then making those who do not participate feel guilty or less Christian. Another big sign is not publiching financial statements about church income and outgo of tithes and offerings.

If the minister doesn't have any faith in God to provide unmet needs of the church then what good is the religion? I have visited several churches of different denominations and notice that the smaller groups with the blue collar ministers actually have more faith in God than those televangelists who appeal for donations while wearing their $1000 suits and diamond pin ties-knowing that they will receive those 'widows' mites' from shut ins and little old ladies.
God is not in the leaderships of such merchandizers and they are rife at this time due to government assistance(claiming to be nonprofit)volunteers, tithes and offerings,etc. They follow the money trail. So be careful.