Christian apologetics

Christian Apologetics is the field of study concerned with the systematic defense (apologetics) of Christianity. The word "apologetic" comes from the Greek word "apologeomai". It means "In defense of". A person involved in Christian or Bible Apologetics is a defender of Christianity. Someone who engages in Christian apologetics is called a Christian apologist.

Criticisms of Christian apologetics

Christian apologetic works as a whole employ both fact and opinion in Christian apologetics. Introductory Christian apologetics which are more wide in scope and briefer works tend to offer less facts and offer expert opinion from Christian scholars. More scholarly works offer more facts and offer more dissenting non-Christian opinions while argueing that those dissenting non-Christian opinions are in error. Critics of Christian apologetic works often take exception to some introductory Christian apologetic works because they believe they should offer more dissenting opinions from non-Christian scholars. On the other hand, some Christian apologists complain that some skeptics of Christianity attack a characterture of Christianity and are not familar enough with Christianity or Christian scholarship to offer valid criticism. Skeptics make similar complaints about Christians in regards to works that are critical of Christianity. In addition, some Christian apologetic works are held to be fraudulent or blatently wrong by some. For example, Answers in Genesis, a creationist organization publishes a list of arguments that they believe creationist should not use. http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/faq/dont_use.asp In addition, Kent Hovind has been critized by one of the more well known creationist organizations Answers in Genesis. http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs2002/1011hovind.asp Ron Wyatt is alleged to have engaged in dubious practices by some people. http://www.tentmaker.org/WAR/ Christian apologetics should not contain intentionally incorrect claims or engage in sloppy research or poorly thought out argumentation. Of course, there will always be disagreements but good faith efforts should always be maintained in advocating any position.

Related Topics:
Christianity - Kent Hovind - Ron Wyatt

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Lastly, there is a difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness. Most non-Christians and Christians agree that aggressive and/or coercive methods should not be employed by Christians and that Christians should make every effort to be kind and gracious towards those who hold differing views. This verse is often cited:

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"And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth," 2 Timothy 2:24 (NIV)

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