Apologetics is the branch of theology having to do with the defense and proofs of Christianity. (Webster’s)
That was the dictionary definition. But even though I looked it up, I’m not confident that I understand it fully.
My best guess/understanding is that apologetics is proving the factual things. Like giving historical support for the existence of Christ outside the Bible. This is becoming more needed as there are forces asserting that the very existence of Christ and all He did was nothing more than a myth.
I’m not done studying what apologetics is and plan to read up on it some more. Also, anyone who has more to contribute on the topic is more than welcome to comment further and even correct any misconception I have. Thanks.
A friend told me that this is what a Christian apologetics movie might look like. It’s a bit Alfred Hitchcocky and intense, but gets the point across.
Enjoy 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qd1LPRJLnI&feature=player_embedded
Apologetics is that branch of Christian theology which seeks to provide a rational justification for the truth claims of the Christian faith. All faiths and cultures have apologetics.As an expression of loving God with all our minds, apologetics specifically serves to show to unbelievers the truth of the Christian faith. Three vital roles apologetics plays today. 1. Shaping culture, Christians need to see beyond their immediate evangelistic contact to grasp a wider picture of Western thought and culture. 2. Strengthening believers, Christians need more than emotional intimacy with God they need something more substantive. 3. Evangelizing unbelievers, Reading the book of Acts it is evident that apologetics was the apostles’ standard procedure to argue for the truth of the Christian worldview, both with Jews and pagans.
By: Paul on June 8, 2010
at 12:54 am
I was hoping you would stop by.
What book(s) do you recommmend for anyone new to understanding apologetics.
I have a friend wanting to buy me “On Guard” By William Lane Craig.
Also, did you see the video? What did you think?
By: lightexcelsdarkness on June 8, 2010
at 5:40 pm
Here are some good Apologists, Oz Guiness, Ravi Zacharias, Norman Geisler, Ron Brooks, Josh McDowell, Clive Lewis.
There are many books by these authors, just pick a few.
By: Paul on June 8, 2010
at 11:43 pm
Apologetics, study the book of Acts and then the church letters, books the Holy Spirit inspired the apostle Paul to write. Paul was a master at Apologetics. He argues in defense of the Gospel, and then brings it around in proof of the Gospel. But why, what was His purpose? His purpose was to win some to Christ, not to win an argument.
By: Bob on June 9, 2010
at 3:03 pm
Thanks, Bob.
And welcome.
Your contribution along with Paul’s and Anon’s is very much appreciated.
By: lightexcelsdarkness on June 9, 2010
at 5:17 pm
A little warning to those who would like to begin reading books on apologetics, be ready because some of them are hard reads. I find it useful to have a dictionary nearby when reading them. I didn’t have any classes in philosophy while I was in college.
By: Paul on June 16, 2010
at 12:02 pm
(Smile)
Even in the modern age of ‘spell check’ one of my favorite books is the dictionary, second only to the Bible.
Sorry I’ve been awol lately.
Daughter has an abscessed tooth, in a lot of pain, needs mommy more.
Son was in a minor incident involving my car and someone elses 2011 Ford Explorer. Talking to insurance company more than I care to these days.
By: lightexcelsdarkness on June 17, 2010
at 3:10 am
Hi there, sorry to hear about the traffic accident! Timothy Keller’s *The Reason for God* is good and the only specifically apologetic work (apart from ancient philosophers) that I’ve read in years.
By: Deborah on June 20, 2010
at 7:32 pm
I’ve heard of that book.
Funny thing. I was looking in the attic for something else and found the book, “God and Man”. It was published back in 1918.
I pulled it out and set it on my dining room table. Don’t know if it came from my husband’s parents estate or my grandparent’s estate.
Does that count as an ancient work? JK!
By: lightexcelsdarkness on June 22, 2010
at 8:54 pm
I am in the middle of “Reasonable Faith” by William Lane Creasy, I have read about the fallacy of thinking we live in a multiverse rather than a universe, how it is absurd to think that more than one thing can be an absolute infinity, also it is a personal being that created everything from nothing. Also moral obligation – where, what is it derived from.
By: Paul on July 10, 2010
at 2:32 pm
Multiverse?
Is that like parallel universe?
I don’t have my book yet. I need to check with Trisha to see if she’s ordered it yet.
By: lightexcelsdarkness on July 12, 2010
at 5:16 pm
Hi There,
I would recommend G. K. Chesterton, C. S. Lewis, and a book called What’s So Great About Christianity by Dinesh D’Souza. God bless,
By: Eden on December 14, 2010
at 10:24 pm
Hi, Eden. Sorry it took so long to find and publish your comment.
I’m reading, or actually I should say, studying On Guard by William Lane Craig. It was suggested by an on line friend.
I tried to read Lewis in the past and got bogged down. Haven’t heard of Cheterton or D’Souza.
Guess I’ll have to check into them later.
By: lightexcelsdarkness on December 23, 2010
at 3:14 am