What is Apologetics cont.

Link to the source - http://www.the-daily-blessing.com/apologetics/whatis.html

Apologetics has a very wide range of sources and uses. While most objections can be easily answered by studying a Bible passage, apologetics also includes the studying of science, math, logic, history, the Greek and Hebrew languages and the manuscripts, etc., for both Biblical and secular evidence to support the existence of God, and the validity of the Bible.

While most atheists would disagree, the truth is that the most common reason for disputes and criticism against Christianity or the Bible is simply a lack of understanding of this faith, or failing to sufficiently study passages in question in order to correctly interpret what the author is saying. The original scriptures had no verse numbers. They were just paragraphs and chapters similar to any other book we may see today. The mistake many critics make is that they assume that because verses are numbered, they can always stand alone. But if you pull a verse out of the Bible without reading the surrounding context, it becomes very easy to misinterpret what is being said. Therefore it is also usually very easy to refute statements made against Christianity, but sometimes it takes a very hard look at certain subjects.

Probably the second most common reason, although it usually creates more questions than criticism, is that some people simply find it very hard, or even silly, to believe in the supernatural, so they tend to unintentionally assume that there is no God without first looking at this subject from an honest perspective.

A Final Message for Christians

Apologetics should be done in faith and prayer. You certainly do not need to go to Bible College in order to be a typical apologist for the Christian faith, and therefore you will most likely run across claims and questions that you do not know how to answer. Never let this be an excuse to back down though. Remember the point of this is not for self-pride in your beliefs, but for hopes that others will discover the truth, for their own good. You and I have no power except that which God has given us. So you should always pray during debates for the Holy Spirit to speak truth through you, and for you to remain focused on the higher purpose so that you do not grow frustrated or critical yourself. If you have sincere faith in this, He will speak the truth through you.

Sometimes if you are stumped on a question you may need to just take some time. Be honest with the person you are debating with and tell them you aren't too sure how to answer that right now, but that you will study and get back to him or her. And then do it. Don't use that as an excuse to get out of an argument. Take some time to pray and study, and then get back to them with your answer. Now and then especially if you are not as educated in particular subjects as a critic may be, you may not know how to answer an issue raised by an atheist. But after a lot of prayer and some rest, you will find that sometimes you may wake up knowing exactly what to say, because really what it all boils down to is logical reasoning, not just knowledge or scientific evidence. This has happened to me personally several times. And in most cases the atheist ended up being the one who is stumped.

You will no doubt have difficulty debating with most atheists, even if your explanations are completely plausible and sound. Many are too prideful and childish, to be honest, to take an honest look at your views, and they will come up with a reason to disagree with you no matter what you tell them. It’s important that you don’t get frustrated with them, and that you keep your focus on the higher purpose.