Facts Matter -- Even For the Faithful

   The word for the kind of work I do is ‘apologetics.’  It is from the Greek.  Many joke:  “Does this mean you are in the business of saying you are sorry?” Very funny!  It actually means, “to make a defense.” Christian apologetics is the ‘defense of the Christian faith.’

   This defense usually happens along intellectual grounds, and for some Christians that is an insult to the very idea of ‘faith.’  Obviously, it matters how we are defining our words, but suffice it to say, it is indeed possible to dwell too much on facts and arguments, but it still remains that the same God that brings us closer to Him through faith in Christ also made our brains.  Moreover, Jesus Himself never relied on mere assertions and platitudes.  He backed up His claims by miracles and appeals to the Scriptures.  See, for example, John 14:11.

   So, what kind of work is ‘apologetics,’ anyway?  Well, one of the things I spend a lot of time doing is simply correcting misconceptions about the Bible, God, Jesus, and Christianity, and all the rest.  Many times, I am talking with a non-Christian.  Often, however, it is another Christian.  When it is a Christian, they are often surprised to learn that a small detail can matter so much.  However, when you spend as much time talking with people who have fallen awa ...