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.
Another potential definition of apologetics is the development and sharing of arguments for the truths of Christianity. It also addresses the irrational ideas of alternative beliefs, which helps believers strengthen their faith and leads non-believers to think about those truths. The concept of argument is not in reference to an argumentative approach but instead references the logical and reasonable presentation of one's beliefs.
There are two sides to these arguments. One is to argue for Christianity and the second is the negative argument against alternative beliefs. It is not the purpose of apologetics to cleverly argue the issues but rather to lead people to faith and to the strengthening of the faith against negative alternative beliefs.
During early Christianity, the Greek philosophy and the engagement of Christians with the philosophers attracted the Romans. Quite a few writers began to produce defenses of the Christian faith. These writers were known as the apologists. They addressed three major ideas in defending the Christian faith. First was to defend against false accusations that Christians were cannibals and sexually immoral. They further argued that Christianity was truth based on the knowledge that it fulfilled prophecies of the Old Law. Another argument was that it was superior to Greek philosophical ideas or fulfilled their prophecies.
Apologetics was not a new idea. Luke, in Acts, gave the arguments by the apostle Paul that the three concerns of modern day apologetics, making him the earliest apologist. The concerns remained much the same until the second century, when modern apologetics was begun. The three things included defending Christianity against paganism, Judaism, and against any claim that Christianity was in any way against 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.
Not only does apologetics address three arguments, it is said to have three general functions. One is to argue for the truth of Christianity using evidence from science and history to show that Christianity has the greatest power of any alternative belief in order to interpret our world and purpose. Another function is to refute accusations against the faith, explaining supposed contradictions in the Bible, scientific and historical evidence, and misconceptions about the Christian faith. A third function is to show that non-Christian beliefs are unsound or irrational.
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.
Another potential definition of apologetics is the development and sharing of arguments for the truths of Christianity. It also addresses the irrational ideas of alternative beliefs, which helps believers strengthen their faith and leads non-believers to think about those truths. The concept of argument is not in reference to an argumentative approach but instead references the logical and reasonable presentation of one's beliefs.
There are two sides to these arguments. One is to argue for Christianity and the second is the negative argument against alternative beliefs. It is not the purpose of apologetics to cleverly argue the issues but rather to lead people to faith and to the strengthening of the faith against negative alternative beliefs.
During early Christianity, the Greek philosophy and the engagement of Christians with the philosophers attracted the Romans. Quite a few writers began to produce defenses of the Christian faith. These writers were known as the apologists. They addressed three major ideas in defending the Christian faith. First was to defend against false accusations that Christians were cannibals and sexually immoral. They further argued that Christianity was truth based on the knowledge that it fulfilled prophecies of the Old Law. Another argument was that it was superior to Greek philosophical ideas or fulfilled their prophecies.
Apologetics was not a new idea. Luke, in Acts, gave the arguments by the apostle Paul that the three concerns of modern day apologetics, making him the earliest apologist. The concerns remained much the same until the second century, when modern apologetics was begun. The three things included defending Christianity against paganism, Judaism, and against any claim that Christianity was in any way against 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.
Not only does apologetics address three arguments, it is said to have three general functions. One is to argue for the truth of Christianity using evidence from science and history to show that Christianity has the greatest power of any alternative belief in order to interpret our world and purpose. Another function is to refute accusations against the faith, explaining supposed contradictions in the Bible, scientific and historical evidence, and misconceptions about the Christian faith. A third function is to show that non-Christian beliefs are unsound or irrational.
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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