I am a Christian apologist. That is not my career (at least not yet). I was an apologist when I worked in a warehouse, when I was a pastor and now that I am an editor. I would like to argue that every Christian should be an apologist. He is why:
1. You are already an apologist. An apologist is simply one who gives a reason for something that it is important to them. Think of your favorite hobby, sport, music, book or movie. Can you explain to another person why you like it so much? You are an apologist. To be a Christian apologist, you just need to do the same thing for Christianity.
2. The Bible tells us to. It can be argued that according to 1 Peter 3:15 every Christian is to be an apologist. Unlike an evangelist, teacher or other roles that certain people are gifted for, apologetics is for every Christian.
3. The non-Christian world has its own apologists. People like Richard Dawkins and Bart Ehrman are very active in being apologists for their own beliefs. They attack Christianity on a regular basis. If we decided to stop doing apologetics, the other side would continue to do it. Documentaries, books, blogs and other media are in attack mode. Christians need to be prepared to respond.
4. Seekers need apologetics. There are people who are considering Christianity but who are troubled by questions. I was one of those. The only reason the people who were witnessing to me had for my becoming a Christian was that the rapture was coming. There are better reasons. I wish that I had met an apologist who would have helped me deal with my questions.
5. Christians need apologetics. There are many Christians who have put their faith in Jesus but their confidence is weak. How can you be effective in Christian ministry if you are always second guessing yourself? Apologetics can be used in Christian discipleship to help strengthen faith and prepare people to do what God is calling them to.
Apologetics frightens many Christians. But there is nothing to be afraid of. As I have said, you are already an apologist. It is time for you to focus your time and energy into Christian apologetics. Read a book, check out a blog, listen to a podcast, start the journey of becoming a Christian apologist.
- Apologetics