#51: Why We Should Embrace Apologetics
Hello thinker,
This month, and in succeeding months, I will discuss an apologetics topic that might be new to you. Before I identify it, I want to remind you that there are still people in the Church who do not have a favorable view of apologetics. I affectionately refer to this condition as apologetic anti-bodies – the belief that faith is solely based on the heart and that rational arguments and evidence have little to no place in faith, the Church, or evangelism.
I am reminded of discussion I had with an elder in my church last year. He told me that “no one can be argued into belief.” I agreed with him. In fact, I remember thinking that I had not met any apologist who thought otherwise. So, why did he state this? Does he believe that apologetics has no place in faith, the Church, or evangelism? Does that mean that apologetics – as a branch of theology – should be discarded? What do we say to a loved one who grew up in the Church and was taught the gospel but now says he no longer believes in God, the veracity of the Bible, or the gospel? Do we just repeat the gospel message, tell him to read the Bible, and pray that he comes around? While that is certainly part of how we respond, it is increasingly ineffective in today’s world of non-theistic worldviews.[1] And, unfortunately, these are the worldviews that most people in our country – especially the younger generations – possess.[2] We must, of course, lead non-believers to believe in the truth of the gospel and the Bible, but sometimes apologetic approaches are first required to address their concerns and answer their questions.
I tell non-believers that my faith has two components: the heart and the mind. I believe in Jesus as my Savior because the Holy Spirit changed and resides in my heart. But if my head is not fully on board, that is, I have doubts about certain biblical passages and theological propositions, or I struggle responding to faith challenges, my faith is vulnerable.
There are three elements of faith. Notitia, or data or knowledge, is about what we believe, and Assensus is our intellectual assent to this knowledge. Both are based on the mind; cerebral elements of faith. We have to know we believe before we can place our faith in it. The third element, Fiducia, is the heart element – the part that only the Holy Spirit can endow. This is the heartfelt belief or personal trust in the truth of our faith. If you want to see an eloquent discussion on this topic, see RC Sproul’s presentation on the elements of saving faith.[3]
In addition, I address the following questions in AoM’s introductory class on apologetics: Is there a biblical basis for apologetics? Is there a history of apologetics in the life of the Church? The answer is absolutely yes to both questions.
So, now, let me identify the apologetic topic that I said might be new to you: the apologetics of Jesus. Did Jesus endorse and practice apologetics? He most definitely did! He reasoned with his disciples, the Pharisees, and others . . . and provided evidence as to who he was. “Jesus was continually confronted with the need to defend his claims to be the Messiah, the Son of God. So, by definition, he was an apologist.”[4] In fact, Jesus’ entire life on earth was an apologetic – his very existence was evidence of God. “The divine Word . . . is the chosen means through which God has made and continues to make himself known to us.”[5]
We need to dig into the details and specific ways in which Jesus practiced apologetics. In succeeding notes we will see how he uniquely defended his person, the Father, and the Holy Spirit in his use of testimony, miracles, reason, parables, and discourse. There is no better apologist than Jesus himself. And, we must admit, if Jesus - and the disciples - employed apologetics, we should, too.
God bless,
Doug
Back to Brazil
PS: Ben and I were asked to return to Brazil at the end of April to teach our introductory course. We will be there April 26-May 1. Please pray for us.
Save the Date!
PPS: Save the Date! AoM will host an in-person ministry update and fundraiser in Colorado Springs on June 24, 2023. Watch for more details coming soon.
[1] Non-theistic worldviews include naturalism, pantheism, and postmodernism.
[2] The Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University (Dr. George Barna, Director of Research) reports that the percentage of Americans who possess a biblical worldview is down to 4%. And it is 1% for those under the age of 30. https://www.arizonachristian.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/CRC_AWVI2023_Release1.pdf
[3] “Three Elements of Saving Faith,” YouTube video, RC Sproul, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgLWzdFSfSA
[4] Norman L. Geisler and Patrick Zukeran, The Apologetics of Jesus, Baker Books, 2009.
[5] “Psalms – volume 1”, The NIV Application Commentary, Gerald H. Wilson, p. 273.
