Theological Term of the Week

apologetics
The theological discipline concerned with explaining and defending the truthfulness of the Christian faith.

• From scripture:

  …but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared 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, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. (1 Peter 3:15-16 ESV)
  

• From Always Ready by Greg Bahnsen:

  All believers are commanded to engage in [apologetics]. Addressing himself to all members of the congregation, Peter penned the following command: “sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks from you a reason for the hope that is within you, yet with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). It is God Himself, speaking through Peter’s inspired words, who calls upon us as believers—each and every one of us—to be prepared to defend the faith in the face of challenges and questions which come from unbelievers—any one of them.
  

Learn more:

1. Theopedia: Apologetics
2. John Frame: Apologetics
   
3. John Lennox: What Is Apologetics? (video)
4. Update: Jamin Hubner: Definitions of Apologetics
5. Bob Passintino: The Golden Rule Apologetic
6. Greg Bahnsen: Tools of Apologetics

Related terms:

• classical apologetics
• evidential apologetics
• presuppositional apologetics

This week’s term was suggested by Sandra. Do you have a a theological term you’d like to see featured here as a Theological Term of the Week? If you email it to me, I’ll seriously consider using it.

I’m also interested in any suggestions you have for tweaking my definitions or for additional (or better) articles or sermons/lectures for linking. I’ll give you credit and a link back to your blog if I use your suggestion.

Clicking on the Theological Term graphic at the top of this post will take you to a list of all the previous theological terms organized in alphabetical order or by topic.

Comments

[Sandra]

Many thanks, Rebecca, for this post. It's always easy to assume one knows but best to be told the truth so we can pass along the truth.