8 – a. Know What You Believe (Defensive Apologetics)
The Lord has charged us with the responsibility to evangelize the lost (Acts 1:8) and to defend our faith (1 Pet. 3:15; Jude 3). In order to do this, however, we must be able to do three things:
- We must understand and be able to explain orthodox biblical doctrine, especially the essentials of our faith (which revolve around the person and work of Jesus Christ).
- We must be able to demonstrate these doctrines from Scripture—backup what we say the Bible teaches. This requires a consistent and systematic study of the Bible.
- We must be able to defend Christian truth-claims; that is, present rational and verifiable apologetic evidences whenever necessary.
This is defensive apologetics. It entails being prepared to answer the challenges and objections unbelievers raise with regard to Christianity, as a world and life view.
8 – b. Know What Unbelievers Believe (Offensive Apologetics)
Whereas “defensive” apologetics is defending Christianity, “offensive” apologetics is challenging the unbelievers’ beliefs. This entails two steps. On the one hand, it is crucial that we know what an unbeliever believes. An analogy can be made with missions. Before a missionary goes into a foreign culture, he or she learns as much as they can about the culture: religious beliefs, the language, social customs, moral behaviors, religious and cultural taboos, and so on. Such insights help a missionary to discern the best way to initiate an evangelistic strategy.
In a similar fashion, Christian apologists must learn what unbelievers believe. This is especially necessary for apologists witnessing to non-Christian religions and Christian cults. The lesson here is to be prepared. Do your homework. Learn what you can about the religious and secular worldviews you are likely to encounter in the neighborhood, at work or school, and in social activities.
The second step is to apply an offensive apologetic tactic referred to as the “Socratic method.” It entails asking specific questions that puts the burden of proof on the unbelievers; challenges them to explain and justify their position on the issue at hand (e.g. “The Bible is unreliable because it’s been translated so many times over the centuries!” “Evolution is a fact of science!” “All religions are equal; they are just different paths to the same God!”). The idea is that once unbelievers conclude for themselves that their assumptions about Christianity (or perceptions about their own non-Christian worldview) cannot be substantiated, they will be more willing to seriously consider the Christian perspective. In a later blog, I will summarize how to employ the Socratic method—or you can read my book Engaging the Closed Minded,where I thoroughly describe this apologetic tactic. (c)
Dan Story
Forgive my own naivete9 but I bvleeie that being relevant’ is as simple as love. I may not be very relevant to someone in Thailand on a missions trip – unless I approach the situation and relationship with Love. I’d at best have a cursory understanding of the culture, communication would be difficult, many things would separate us from one another. But love covers over a multitude of sin and I bvleeie that it keeps us relevant.Maybe I’m way off base, but isn’t showing the love of Jesus relevant in every single situation? Love is timeless, and has no boundaries. Jesus was raised to despise the Samaritans, but when he met that woman at the well – whose story should have been very offensive to him – he met her with love.I’m struggling with this relevant’ issue that seems to be so pervasive in the church these days. I think perhaps we’re worrying about something that would take care of itself if we just lived life with the love our Lord showed.FOR EXAMPLE:Three years ago I was one of those women at the well and the people of my Church met me with love.The two people who were the most influential in my choosing to follow Jesus were about as conservative a couple as you can ever imagine. They had silvery hair, and had been Christians all their lives. They could quote the bible, wore sweaters, penny loafers, and glasses too! They liked the old style hymns, played on an organ. I’m guessing at first glance no one in the Youthful Church of Today’ would think them relevant. But when I slipped and let fly the truck driver’ language that I was then prone to speak my cursing was met with loving, understanding smiles. I had a child out of wedlock, and when they found out they loved her too!! I was a practicing Buddhist and would spout sayings from the Dhammapada at every opportunity. And those two loving souls would ask me to explain, then answer with loving bible quotes of their own. I wore black eyeliner and nail polish. They never seemed to notice. I was all about dying – and they were all about life. Every single thing about me at that time should have been offensive to them. But they loved me even though they didn’t have too. And because of that love I’m saved, a new creature in Christ, living in joy, peace and freedom. And my daughter is too. These two people were FAR from being relevant’ the way that I often hear it described. They didn’t listen to the music I listened too, or watch the movies and TV shows I was watching. They didn’t run in the same circles, and I’m betting they never once in their lives had been in a street fight. But BOY did they love, and that made all the difference.
Thanks for sharing your testimony.