If you want to be an apologist, you better be prepared to be a lifelong student. Here are a number of ways for you to learn and to expand your skill set.
1. Study the Bible. A good solid understanding of the Bible is essential. It does not matter if your focus is philosophy or science, if you are going to be a Christian apologist, you need to know your Bible. Start a reading plan. Try to read the Bible once a year if possible.
2. Read books. There are so many books available to you. If you can’t afford books, start a blog and get free books for review. Read books on general apologetics, but also read in other areas. Read philosophy, biblical studies, theology, science, ethics, history and so on. Read outside your area. Read books by critics of Christianity.
3. Listen to podcasts. If your time for reading books is limited, you may have more time for podcasts. Take advantage of the time you are driving, exercising, walking the dog and so on. Find a number of good quality podcasts on a number of subjects.
4. Read blogs. There are people with all sorts of backgrounds and expertise who have good blogs. But be careful. Anyone can start a blog and you have limited time. Find a small number of good blogs to follow. Ask other apologists what they are reading.
5. Start a blog. How do you learn when you write your own blog? It forces you to figure out what you are talking about. You need to research. And when you are wrong or at least unclear, there are plenty of people who will correct you.
6. Attend conferences. It may be apologetic conferences, or biblical, theological or philosophical conferences. Just attend conferences. First of all they are fun. But they are also informative as well as opportunities for you to meet other like-minded people.
7. Talk to people. Connect with other apologists. Connect with other Christians. Talk to people of other religions. Talk to atheists and agnostics. These do not have to be evangelistic encounters, they can just be opportunities for you to learn. Nothing beats a one-on-one conversation.
8. Go to school. This will require another full blog post. But in short, take advantage of the educational opportunities. Attend a Bible college, university or seminary. Enrol in a degree program or just take a course. Go to the school or take it by distance learning. But make sure you are expanding your knowledge. It does not have to be that expensive.
Not all of us can do all of these things. But if you want to be an effective apologist, you should be trying to do as much of this as possible.
- Blogs
- Books
- Education
- Learning
- podcasts
- School
