What is Apologetics?
Apologetics simply means giving reasons for believing in Christianity. It doesnt mean making an apology, as if something is wrong with having faith, but rather offering an apology in the sense of explaining reasons for a commitment to Christ. Apologetics clarifies why it makes good sense to be a Christian.
The word “Apologetics” is derived from the Greek απολογία, (Apologia) which means "speaking in defense" or “defending your position“. And in no way refers to todays watered down version of the word “apology”.
Apologetics (or Apologia) was a term used to describe the classic Greek legal proceedings for someone opposing the prosecution (or kategoria). It basically meant someone making a formal speech or giving an explanation to reply and rebut charges leveled against them.
In today’s parlance, we find the word “Apologetics” most often being use by Christians in the defense of their faith in Jesus Christ from opposing worldviews. “Christian” apologetics have a long and rich historical tradition dating back to the time of Jesus (who Himself delivers many apologetic speeches against the Scribes, Pharisees, Sanhedrin and even Pontius Pilate). We also find the Apostle Peter (Acts 2:14- 36), the Apostle Paul (on many occasions, but most notably in Acts 17:16- 31 and Acts 26:2-29), the martyr Stephen (Acts 7:2-53) amongst many other New Testament figures.
There were many of the first church fathers heavily involved in Christian apologetics. Clement of Rome (appointed Bishop of Rome in 93 A.D.), Polycarp of Smyrna (Bishop of Smyrna), Quadratus of Athens (a disciple of the Apostles… See Eusebius Chronicon "ad annum Abrahamum 2041), Eusebius of Caesarea (appointed bishop of Caesarea in 314 AD), amongst many-many others.
Today, you will find many Christian Apologists continuing this long tradition. Amongst them; William Lane Craig, Ravi Zacharias, Norman Geisler, Josh McDowell, Gary Habermas, just to name a few.
Most Christian Apologist’s will list 1 Peter 3:15-16 as a primary call to this mission: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
