What Is "Apologetics" in Christianity?
As Christians, we are called to stand firm in our faith, as Paul shares in 1 Corinthians 16:13, "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."
But how can we do this well? Is blind faith alone enough, or is it beneficial to arm oneself with the ability not just to profess faith, but to defend one's faith? The core basis of Christian apologetics is to operate in defense and security, seeking to fortify the foundation of belief in Christ as Salvation.
History of Christian Apologetics
Apologetics finds its origins in the Greek word apologia, meaning "to make a defense." According to Adam Francisco of 1517.org, "There's a long history of Christian apologies that began when Justin Martyr (c. 100-165) addressed the false accusations that were being made of Christianity and added to his first and second Apology arguments for its truthfulness. A Christian apology, then, is not an admission of guilt but rather a reasoned argument for or persuasive explanation of the faith, and an apologist is one who 'contends for the faith' (Jude 3)."
Throughout history, followers of the Lord have faced scrutiny, skepticism, and persecution. As Peter implores, we must "make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). Christian apologetics was not just for the early days of the Church; it is for all generations to come so that we may give reason for our hope.
A Solid Foundation
When it comes to the foundation of faith, we must seek to build our house on the solid Word of God. In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus compares faith to a house: "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it." (ESV)
The pursuit of Christian apologetics equips us to do just that and not cave into the Enemy's deception with seemingly persuasive arguments against doubt. When we are equipped against the Enemy, we are utilizing wisdom. We may not always be equipped with every answer to every question, but we can navigate with a heart posture willing to embark on a mission seeking solid ground.
How Can We Become Equipped?
Human logic and understanding will only go so far, but when we pursue God for what only He can give, it is there that we are immersed into truth, wisdom, knowledge, and beauty. Seeking God through prayer to hear His voice through the Holy Spirit, studying the Word of God, and utilizing the content of biblical scholars will equip us as we seek to become good apologists. The Bible was written primarily in Hebrew and Greek, and although it offers a challenge, studying Scripture from its original language unlocks profound depths of meaning, intent, and more. As we also explore the culture, audience, and time period of specific Scriptures, time and time again, the Bible proves not just to be our Holy Book—it is shown to be a historical book of truth. We will never find that the well runs dry in studying our faith. Equipping comes from seeking and finding. It is something accessible to you more than ever with the resources we have available to us today.
Why Does it Matter Today?
Christian apologetics matters today just as much as in the early days of the Church. William Lane Craig reminds us that our faith is strengthened when we are able to provide an answer as to why we believe what we believe.
"Many Christians do not share their faith with unbelievers simply out of fear. They're afraid that the non-Christian will ask them a question or raise an objection that they can't answer. And so they choose to remain silent and thus hide their light under a bushel, in disobedience to Christ's command. Apologetics training is a tremendous boost to evangelism, for nothing inspires confidence and boldness more than knowing that one has good reasons for what one believes and good answers to the typical questions and objections that the unbeliever may raise. Sound training in apologetics is one of the keys to fearless evangelism. In this and many other ways, apologetics helps to build up the body of Christ by strengthening individual believers." (ReasonableFaith.org)
A strong backbone of faith enables us to defend our faith and to share the reason for our faith with those who do not believe, and in the course of things, we may just find that they really listen and come to abide in the truth we know as well. Don't hide your faith under a lampshade; you never know who you might inspire.
Christian Apologists to Follow Today
Modern-day biblical scholars and apologists are active today, and we can glean from their content. Wesley Huff, the Vice President of Apologetics Canada, has a wealth of information, especially regarding ancient documents. He rose to notoriety in debates and was even invited on secular podcasts such as the Joe Rogan Program to provide reasoning for faith in God and first-hand experience from his personal walk with Jesus Christ. Lee Strobel, author of, A Case for Christ, is a prime example of how in-depth study of Christianity can bring someone to Christ. As a determined atheist, he used his journalism skills to prove Christianity wrong, but in the process, he came to faith in Christ through his own investigation and study. The fruit of his pursuits has encouraged generations. Lastly, J. Warner Wallace is a cold-case detective who incorporates his skill set towards Christian apologetics. According to his website, he is a "Christ-follower at the age of thirty-five after investigating the claims of the New Testament gospels using his skill set as a detective" (Cold Case Christianity.com). These believers bring ideas, considerations, and insights to fellow Christians in their own walks.
Why You Should Be an Apologist
You, too, can be a Christian apologist. If you have a hunger to broaden your faith so that you can offer not just a defense, but a reason to the hope you profess in Christ, the study of apologetics is for you. What you will find is the further you seek, the more you will be met with conviction, peace, and understanding that Christ truly is the way, the truth, and the life. Knowledge is power, and when we are armed, we can operate from a place not of fear, but of faith, rooted and ready to offer an answer to others. You will also find beauty in uncovering mysteries with the Holy Spirit as you invite Him into the discovery process. Let your faith come alive even more as it is refined and fortified.
Originally published September 15, 2025.
