Recently I started a series of bible study sessions for our teams to help us explore some of the difficult questions life presents. To many this kind of topic is known as apologetics. But apologetics is a strange word and indeed a strange world, so I thought it might be helpful to write something alongside the studies to provide a little more context. If I am honest, although I grew up in church circles I don’t think I heard the term apologetics used until I was in my early twenties. When I first heard it I remember finding it confusing, because it sounds like we’re advocating apologizing for our faith.
However, the oxford dictionary defines apologetics as;
“Reasoned arguments or writings in justification of something, typically a theory or religious doctrine.”
In this way apologetics is used to describe the practice of providing rational arguments and evidence to promote, justify and defend christian beliefs. The term “apologetics” is derived from the Greek word “apologia,” which means a defense or justification.
The goals of apologetics generally include:
- Providing rational arguments: Apologists aim to present logical and reasoned arguments that support the existence of God, the reliability of religious texts, the historical accuracy of religious events, and other aspects of their faith.
- Responding to objections: Apologetics addresses objections and criticisms raised against religious beliefs, attempting to offer counterarguments and explanations to resolve doubts or misconceptions.
- Strengthening faith: Apologetics can serve as a tool to strengthen the faith of believers by providing intellectual reassurance and evidence for their convictions. It seeks to demonstrate that religious beliefs are compatible with reason and can withstand intellectual scrutiny.
- Facilitating dialogue: Apologists engage in conversations and debates with individuals of different beliefs, seeking to foster respectful dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Apologetics draws from various disciplines such as theology, history, archaeology, and science to support its arguments. It employs logical reasoning, historical evidence, scientific discoveries, and philosophical analysis to present a case for the truth of religious beliefs.
All sound a bit heavy? Truthfully many of us perhaps feel underqualified or, maybe even under brain powered to get involved in this kind of study or conversation but big words aside and at the risk of sounding like a deconstructionist I think it is incredibly important for us to explore why we believe what we believe about God and our world. Do we simply believe because someone once preached passionately about something and we took their word for it, or have we wrestled with some of the hard questions and rooted our beliefs in a broad understanding of scripture? The apostle Peter writes;
“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats[a]; do not be frightened.”[b] But in your hearts revere 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” 1 Peter 3 v 14 – 16
So finally here are three of things I have found helpful over the years as I have wrestled with scripture.
- Approach the bible as a unified text, consider how individual passages connect with the wider body of scripture.
- Approach the bible with an open mind. As I have grown in my understanding of scriptural context, literary devices and structures, and patterns and principles so has my interpretation and understanding of passages changed over the years.
- Approach the bible with a hunger to discover the Father’s heart, purpose and presence. There may be times we are tempted to dig into scripture to find biblical principles to pursue our vision God’s way, so He gives us what we want. I would suggest embracing the uncomfortable process of denying ourselves that He might increase, leads us to dig into scripture to find biblical principles to pursue God’s Kingdom, God’s way so we give Him what He wants.”
Similarly here are some of the questions I have wrestled with and to a certain extent still wrestle with in the past;
- Does science contradict or complement Jesus?
- Does the existence of suffering contradict an all good, all powerful and all loving Jesus?
- Does Jesus oppose other religions?
- Is the bible completely true and accurate?
- Was Jesus really the Son of God, born into the world, who died for the world and resurrected and ascended into Heaven?
- If Hell exists how can an all good, all powerful and all loving Jesus send anyone there?
Over the coming weeks I will try and outline my conclusions so far and offer some of the answers I have arrived at by exploring those questions through the lens of apologetics.