A Comparison Of The Purposes Of Apologetics Articles

By Jessica Walker


The definition of apologetics is very different from the English words which have the same derivative. The two words, apology and apologetic, have to do with being sorry for a wrong done. The word as used here is totally different. It the ancient Greek it was translated apologia, and meant a legal defense of something one believed in. In the apologetics articles available online today, it is possible to get different views of the interpretation of this concept. This helps one become aware of how to talk to others about their beliefs.

The definition of apologetics as sharing arguments for truths relative to Christianity further explains what it really is. Another view of apologetics is the idea of arguing against irrational beliefs in an attempt to strengthen the faith of believers and get the non-believer considering the issues. Argument does not refer to an adversarial approach but to a logical and planned approach.

The are two aspects to the idea of arguments, or apologetics. One is to argue for Christianity and the other is to argument against alternative beliefs. Though apologists argue the issues expertly, it is not their purpose. They are attempting to lead Christians in strengthening their faith and to strengthen their faith against alternative beliefs.

The Romans became very interested in the philosophy of early Christianity and the Greeks ideas of philosophy. This lead to writers addressing the defense of the Christian faith. These early men were called apologists. There were three avenues of address by these early men. They addressed the false idea of sexual immorality of early Christians, and the idea that they were cannibals. They argued the idea that early Christianity fulfilled Old Testament prophecy. They further argued that Christianity was superior to Greek philosophy.

All three arguments proposed by these apologists were presented by the apostle Luke in Acts, meaning that Paul, who he was quoting, was the earliest Christian apologist. And the three main concerns in Christian apologetics were the same then as much later. These three things were defending Christianity against paganism, defending Christianity against Judaism, and apologetic as relating to Roman Law.

The summary of the three arguments as declared by the apologetics is to compare Christianity and paganism, as well as Judaic law, and to defend the Christian faith with Roman law. They show Christianity as superior to paganism and Judaism, and to declare that there is no offense against Roman law by Christianity. These same arguments have been addressed since the first century, showing how important these ideas are to Christianity.

There are three functions recognized in apologetics. This is in addition to the three general arguments. One function is to argue the truth of Christianity, using evidence accepted in science and history. This shows how Christianity is superior to any alternative belief in making sense of our world. In addition, a function is to explain what some consider contradictions in the Bible and in supposed contradictions between scientific and historical that leads to misconceptions about Christianity. Exposing non-Christian beliefs as unsound or irrational is the third function.

There is one overall function of apologetics. This is to bring others to a belief in Christianity. This is, however, a purpose better served by evangelism. The identified function, in summary, is to strengthen the faith of those believers and to remove any disparaging beliefs by non-believers in that faith.




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