Apologetics

What is apologetics

• Apologetics comes from a Greek word “apologia” which means “Defense”.

• In general it means “Reasoned arguments or writings in justification of something, typically a theory or religious doctrine”.

• It is a branch of theology that deals with the defense and establishment of the Christian faith.

• Every true believer should be involved in Christain apologetics.

Scriptural backing for apologetics• The word appears 8 times in the New Testament:

(It is used eight times in the New Testament: Acts 22:1; 25:16; 1 Cor. 9:3; 2 Cor. 10:5-6; Phil. 1:7; 2 Tim. 4:16, and 1 Pet. 3:15.

• But it is the last verse that is most commonly associated with Christian

• Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence," (1 Peter 3:15);

• Paul was an apologist when he gave reasons for the Christian faith (Acts 17:15-34; 18:4)

• Apollos was another apologist (Acts 18:24-28);

8 reasons why do we need apologetics today

1. We are commanded to defend the faith: 1 Peter 3:15

2. It helps Christians know their faith.3. It helps attempt to keep people out of hell. 4. It counters the bad image that Christianity

has received in the media and in culture;5. There is a constant threat of apostasy in the

visible Christian church

Why we need Apologetics• Metropolitan Community Church denomination,

which openly advocates the support of homosexuality in violation of scripture (Rom. 1:18-32).

• As of 2002, the Evangelical Lutheran Church is in risk of apostasy by entertaining the idea of accepting homosexual relationships into church.

• "The United Church of Christ set up a $500,000 scholarship fund for gay and lesbian seminarians

• And are urging d wider acceptance of homosexuals by other denominations.

Why we need apologetics today

6. There are many false teachings out there (Mormonism; Islam, Jehovah’s witnesses, etc).7. The rise of immorality in society today is a threat not only to society but also to Christianity.8. Schools are increasingly becoming un friendly to Christianity.

Understanding the Current Environment

Three factors influencing the agent need for apologetics

1. Difference in Cultural Values2. Difference in ethical standards3. Globalization

1. Difference Cultural Values• Culture is “the set of beliefs, customs, and

attitudes shared by a distinct group of people”.• Geert Hoftstede’s Cultural Dimensions of national

cultures.• Used to understand other cultures.• Power distance – It is a “culture that accepts

hierarchy, authority, and the unequal distribution of power in society”.

• Some countries have a high power distance while others have low power distance

Understanding Cultural Dimensions of Nations

2. Individualism vs collectivism•Under individualism - ties between individuals are loose: •Everyone is expected to look after him/herself and his/her immediate family. •On the collectivist side, we find societies in which people from birth onwards are integrated into strong, cohesive in-groups, often extended families•With uncles, aunts and grandparents

Cultural Dimensions3. Masculinity vs Femininity•Femininity – prefers indirect form of influencing others is preferred practiced•Masculinity - this a direct form of influencing others•Masculine traits include assertiveness, materialism/material success, self-centeredness, power, strength, and individual achievements.•Femininity includes being modest and caring, being indirect, not confrontational;•Value relationships, cooperation, group decision making and quality of life.

4. Uncertainty Avoidance• Uncertainty avoidance deals with a society’s tolerance

for uncertainty and ambiguity; • it ultimately refers to man’s search for Truth.• I indicates to what extent a culture programs its

members to feel either uncomfortable or comfortable in unstructured situations.

• Unstructured situations are novel, unknown, surprising, and different from usual.

• Uncertainty avoiding cultures try to minimize the possibility of such situations by strict laws and rules, safety and security measures,

• They have a philosophical and religious belief in absolute Truth; ‘there can only be one Truth and we have it’.

5. Long vs short term orientation

• Long term orientation - There is great concern for the future;

• Puts high value on thrift and perserevence;• Short term orientation puts high value on

meeting the current obligations

High vs Low Context

• High context – People are sensitive to circumstances surrounding social exchange

• They prefer indirect as opposed to direct communication;

• It is not what is said but how it is said.• Low context cultures – people exchange facts

and information• Meaning is derived from the words.

2. Difference in Ethical Standards

• Ethical standards are generally accepted rules that govern society;

• Ethics are about what is right and what is wrong;

• It is about what is moral and what is immoral.• We now discuss key basis of ethical standards

Different ethical standards

1. Utilitarianism – An action is ethical if it provides the greatest good for the greatest number of people;

- Justified slavery2. Justice theory – This approach holds that moral

decisions must be based on standards of equity, fairness and impartiality.

3. Individualism – Acts are moral if they promote the individuals best long term interests

Human Rights Approach4. Rights approach – it states that human beings have fundamental rights that cannot be taken away.•On the surface this looks good;•But this has been used to commit sorts of evil:•This includes gay rights, divorce, abortion, insolence from children;•It includes rights to privacy – that you cannot even witness to people.

Difference in ethical standards

5. Divine Command theory – states that there are certain rights and conduct are controlled by God, and no matter what society does, it should not drift from these tenets.•There is no shifting of standards;•What is immoral today will be morally okay tomorrow.•Something is normal if the majority are doing it.

Factors that have led to information age1. Proliferation of technology;

Types of technology: satellite TV, Fibre optic, computers, invention of the micro chip. Cell phones, etc.

• The cost is becoming cheaper and cheaper. Low costs of making phone calls compared to the past.

• Lower cost transport making goods to be flooded on the local market.

• Strategy: you should have access to the latest technology which makes you efficient and competitive.

2. Democratization of information

• As result of the internet, information is at the finger tips.

• It is not what you know but how fast you get the information.

• Information is becoming sterile very fast.• All sorts of information is at your finger tips,

including trash;• How can you discern the write information.• As a Christian, you can discern the right information• What about the unbelievers and the young

Liberalization of finance• There is flow of movement of funds all over the world.• There are no longer any restriction.• People with money are now influencing economic policies not

voters. • Any perceived negative event, policy makes them to move

their money from one country to another.• Opportunity: it is easier now to have access to finance than

before as long as you can be trusted.• People and countries with money are now dictating values;• They think we must believe in what they believe in;• We have a clash of values