What is Christian Apologetics?
Christian apologetics is the vindication of Christian truths and philosophy of life against the various forms of non-Christian philosophies of life. It is the responsibility of every Christian to be equipped in some knowledge and use of apologetics.
The work of apologetics should include the following three dimensions:
a) Apologetics as proof – presenting a rational basis for faith that confronts unbelief in the believer as well as the unbeliever.
b) Apologetics as defense – answering the objections and overcoming the barriers of unbelief.
c) Apologetics as offense – demonstrating or revealing the foolishness of unbelieving thought and world-views in conflict with Christian faith.
Apologetics should stress that God is interested in the
character of the Christian and in the manner in which truth is communicated.
The Christian must speak the truth in love, not being quarrelsome, able to
teach, correcting the error with gentleness, kindness, patience and humility. 2
Timothy