Wednesday, 2 May 2018

A Comparison Of The Purposes Of Apologetics Articles

By Jessica Walker


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 views to the arguments, one arguing for Christianity, and the other arguing against alternative beliefs. Though apologists are interested in the logical arguments, their purpose is basically to enhance the faith of believers and to strengthen their faith against alternative ideas.

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.

The very first apologist is the apostle Paul, are recorded by Luke in the book of Acts. Paul argued the same three concerns as later apologists did. He defended Christianity against paganism and Judaism, and declared that that the Christian philosophy did not in any way offend the Roman Law.

Starting in the first century, Christianity was claimed not to offend Roman Law, that it was the fulfillment of Judaic Law, and that paganism is not true, butChristianity is the true religion. The arguments have remained constant throughout, indicating 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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