What is Apologetics?
Apologetics can simply be defined as a defense of the Christian faith.
1 Peter 3:15 tells us to be “prepared to make a defense (apologia) to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…”
Who is Apologetics for?
Apologists aren’t just preachers and people with Bible degrees. Apologetics is for everyone. Moms, dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles, teachers, adoptive parents, mentors of God’s children. We can all be prepared to give an explanation for the hope that is in us in a gentle and respectful way!
The Main Thing
“Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: `Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matt. 22:37-39
You’ve taught this command to your children. You’ve shared with them the good news of Jesus. Their dad models spiritual leadership in your home. You are committed to growing and modeling your own relationship with God. You spend regular time in His word. Your kids have memorized scripture, they’ve attended Bible class since they could crawl, and you read the Bible to them every night before bed.
Keep it up, Mama! Now, let’s prepare them to “make a defense” – not for the sake of becoming a good arguer, but to protect them from those who would try to undermine their faith. Learning theology, apologetics, and worldview training will help kids think critically from a Biblical perspective about what they hear in the world.
Characteristics of Apologists
- They are truth-seekers.
- They are humble. Correct your course when you get off track. Admit what you don’t know.
- They sometimes use humor! Humor can be a tension cutter and give a tone reset. When we are having hard discussions, humor can take people out of fight-or-flight mode.
- They can be heroes. Our kids are facing attacks that we did not have to face growing up. We can bring well-developed thoughts back into society and take every opportunity to share the truth of Christ!
Where do I start?
- Know your Bible and pray regularly.
- Gather resources. Theodore Roosevelt said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” We don’t have to know everything right now, we just need to start somewhere. (See the list of resources below.)
- Carve out regular family time to study.
- Find like-minded people to study and fellowship with.
- Practice having conversations; be courageous!
Apologetics Resources
- Focus Press Dr. Brad Harrub
- Tactics by Gregory Koukl. “A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions.”
- So The Next Generation Will Know by Sean McDowell and J. Warner Wallace. “Preparing Young Christians for a Challenging World.”
- Cold Case Christianity “A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospel.”
Cold Case Christianity for Kids by J. Warner Wallace. “Investigate Jesus with a Real Detective.” - The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel. “A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus.”
- Mama Bear Apologetics* by Hillary Morgan Ferrer “Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies.”
