While the word Apologetics may be unfamiliar to many lay Christians, it simply means to give a reason why you believe what you believe. Apologetics is a direct derivative from the Greek word used in 1 Peter 3:15 where we are told,
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. 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. - 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
This is the approach quite often used by Jesus when he was engaged by opposition. For instance, when He is asked is it lawful to pay taxes unto Caesar? Jesus apologetically responded, “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” The apostles used this approach as well. An example of this is in Acts 17 when Paul reasons to the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers on idol-redden Mars Hill, saying, if God made you, than how can you be making gods with your own hands? To this end we employ the method of teaching people to think through, re-affirm, and memorize scripture that teaches what they believe as Christians, so that when they encounter opposition to their faith, they will be ready with an answer.
We have learned that a good defense is also an effective offense, and it is the most practical way for the average person to become both confident and active in sharing his or her faith. Christian apologetics builds personal confidence, motivation, and security. It is the sentiment of the writer of Hebrews, saying, “by this time you ought to be teachers (Hebrews 5:12).” Our single goal is to see individual Christians actively communicating what they believe and why they believe it on a regular basis.
