Before we dive into the subject of Apologetics in conversation, we must understand why we must practice apologetics and the answer is simply because God commands us to do so. In 1 Peter 3:15 God tells us, '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. ' Even though many of us may never come across someone who will question our faith, we must always be ready to respond. We live in a day and age with so many unanswered questions. While some seek for answers, many stop looking for answers due to confusion. How do we dissipate that confusion as Christians? Our advantage as Christians is that we can
…show more content…
A specific example that we can learn from is Paul’s practice of Apologetics in Acts 17:16-34. Paul finds himself visiting Athens and when he sees all the idolatry, the Spirit in him was stirred. Paul decides to go the synagogue and debate with the Jews and gentiles, most of which were devout people and philosophers. They encounter Paul about his teachings and call him a babbler. This reaction is born from the fact that Paul is teaching a new and strange doctrine to them about Jesus and the resurrection. How does Paul practice apologetics in this scenario? Led by the Spirit, he uses a cultural connection and credits them for their religiousness. Among Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, Paul uses his intellectual heft to gain credibility which lays the foundation for him to share the gospel. Paul concludes his apologetic by talking to them about resurrection and uses it pave the way to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. This is just one example of the many times Paul practices apologetics in a successful …show more content…
Seeman’s drafts of chapters 1 & 2, Conversational Street-Sweeping: Students and Their Professor Discuss the Five Hardest Questions about Faith in Jesus Christ, I realized how much I struggle answering these questions myself. I can relate with many of these students when it comes to the pressure and fear of having to defend my faith or even just sharing it with an unbeliever. As we were going through the five questions, I was asking myself if I even know how to answer these questions. The truth is that if someone were to ask me right now, “If God is a God of love, why is there so much evil in the world?”, I honestly don’t think I would be prepared to give a convincing answer. I think that as a young Christian, it is easy to get comfortable in our faith. I agree with the student when she says that she justifies her fear of sharing the gospel with the excuse that it is good enough to share God’s love through my actions. Overall, I believe that I personally have much to learn before I feel comfortable practicing apologetics. I hope that in the duration of this course I can develop the foundation that I need to answer these five tough
A specific example that we can learn from is Paul’s practice of Apologetics in Acts 17:16-34. Paul finds himself visiting Athens and when he sees all the idolatry, the Spirit in him was stirred. Paul decides to go the synagogue and debate with the Jews and gentiles, most of which were devout people and philosophers. They encounter Paul about his teachings and call him a babbler. This reaction is born from the fact that Paul is teaching a new and strange doctrine to them about Jesus and the resurrection. How does Paul practice apologetics in this scenario? Led by the Spirit, he uses a cultural connection and credits them for their religiousness. Among Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, Paul uses his intellectual heft to gain credibility which lays the foundation for him to share the gospel. Paul concludes his apologetic by talking to them about resurrection and uses it pave the way to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. This is just one example of the many times Paul practices apologetics in a successful …show more content…
Seeman’s drafts of chapters 1 & 2, Conversational Street-Sweeping: Students and Their Professor Discuss the Five Hardest Questions about Faith in Jesus Christ, I realized how much I struggle answering these questions myself. I can relate with many of these students when it comes to the pressure and fear of having to defend my faith or even just sharing it with an unbeliever. As we were going through the five questions, I was asking myself if I even know how to answer these questions. The truth is that if someone were to ask me right now, “If God is a God of love, why is there so much evil in the world?”, I honestly don’t think I would be prepared to give a convincing answer. I think that as a young Christian, it is easy to get comfortable in our faith. I agree with the student when she says that she justifies her fear of sharing the gospel with the excuse that it is good enough to share God’s love through my actions. Overall, I believe that I personally have much to learn before I feel comfortable practicing apologetics. I hope that in the duration of this course I can develop the foundation that I need to answer these five tough