There are a lot of big words that scare people when they hear them: philosophy, macrobiology, chemistry, metaphysics. One word that seems to catch Christians off guard is the word apologetics. In my conversations with people, I’ve come to realize that most don’t actually know what this word even means. You might connect it to apology, assuming it means to apologize for something, however, you couldn’t be further from the truth (don’t feel bad though, you’re not alone in this mistake).
Apologetics is actually based on a Greek word meaning to defend, or give an answer to. The biblical authors use this word eight times in the New Testament to describe being able to give a verbal defense of the Faith. The Greek word, apologia, is often translated as defense and is used by Paul in Acts 22:1 when he sought to defend himself before the mob in Jerusalem, and in 1 Corinthians 9:3 when his authority was being questioned by some in the Corinthian church (see also 2 Corinthians 7:11; Philippians 1:7, 16; 2 Timothy 4:16; and 1 Peter 3:15). Apologetics then, is not apologizing for anything, but actually giving an explanation, or argument for somethings.
Have you ever seen or attended an Oxford-style debate? Basically, two people come together to debate a certain topic. In the beginning, each person is given a set amount of time to present their case for their view. Then after both have shared, they each receive a short amount of time to refute the other, followed by each receiving another smaller amount of time to respond to the critiques of the other. Finally, once both have had their say and have been able to respond to the questions and critiques of the others. Then there is a time open to the audience to ask questions and both individuals will have the opportunity to respond. Finally, they give their closing statements. The goal of the entire debate is to persuade the audience by providing a good apologia (defense) of their position on the topic. This is a great example of apologetics in action.
Both individuals are giving a defense of their view on a topic with the intention of persuading others to their view. They are convinced that their view is the right way and they naturally want people to believe like them. The audience will evaluate the speakers’ defense before deciding whether or not to agree with them. A poor defense won’t be persuasive and gain any new “converts”. This is why it is so important for the debaters to have a good apologia for their beliefs and views.
The same reason applies to Christians. We need to be prepared with a strong apologia for our faith, so that when people ask us questions, our answers are persuasive and help get them closer to believing the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
So, apologetics doesn’t mean to apologize for something. Instead it means to give a defense for what you believe in a persuasive way. Every person has an apologetic for what they believe, and some are stronger than others. My hope is that every Christian will seek to have a strong apologetic for their faith, and that they would be ready to “make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15b).