Apologetics

When we introduce ourselves as an apologetics ministry, people sometimes misunderstand what we mean. Apologetics is not about apologising for our faith or for what we believe, nor is apologetics something for specialists, for academics hidden away in ivory towers. The word “apologetics” comes right out of the Bible …

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

1 Peter 3:15-16

The Greek word “answer” is apologia from which we get the word “apologetics” — the task of engaging with those who have questions about or objections to the Christian faith. But apologetics is not just about answering questions, it’s also learning to question other people’s answers and, indeed, to question the question itself.

For the Bible, apologetics and evangelism are utterly connected. Indeed, for those sceptical of apologetics, we sometimes ask the following question:

“There are two types of evangelism: persuasive evangelism and unpersuasive evangelism. Which would you prefer to do?”

Apologetics is simply that: persuasive evangelism — and the need for it has never been greater. From the “new atheists” like Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens, whose books top the best seller lists, to a rapidly growing Islam, Christians face challenges on multiple fronts. Apologetics is one tool to help us present the gospel to an increasingly hostile and sceptical world.

It is in this context that RZIM Canada operates, seeking to respond to Christianitys critics, to demonstrate that there are good answers to the questions that people are asking — and indeed, that many of the alternative “answers” are no answer at all.