Unfortunately, the English word apologetic is misleading. Its similarity to apology suggests that we have to make excuses for what we believe. This is not the case. The name stems from the first and second century Apologists (or Defenders) represented by Justin Martyr. These writers defended Christianity by both answering criticism directly and by setting out the truth of the Gospel in the framework of Greek philosophy.
The method Justin employed was to seek common ground between the Gospel and current philosophy, and to build on that common ground a case for the superiority of Christian faith. Apologetics addresses itself to the task of making a rational presentation for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It appeals to the mind rather than the emotions. It challenges the presuppositions and foundations of prevailing belief and value systems by addressing their inadequacies and inconsistencies.
This does not mean that we develop a lot of highbrow programs for intellectuals. It does mean that we need to understand the worldview of our intended audience, so that we can consciously address aspects of their worldview which are inconsistent with the Gospel.
For example, for the past thirty years the whole educational system an Asian country still under the influence of a communist government has been brought into line with the teachings of an atheistic worldview. This system teaches that man is in control of his own destiny, that everything can be rationally resolved, and that everyone works for the ultimate good of the State as the highest authority. In visits to such countries we are appalled to discover societies characterised by a distinct absence of any set of underlying values -- even in the area of ecology.
The individual raised in this environment learns to suppress his feelings and submit to the system. His life is controlled by fear and he learns to be seen as not wanting to stand out from the rest. He is also only looking out for himself and his own good, while denying himself any appearance of behaviour associated with free society.
It is not hard to see that the Gospel and Christian principles stand in direct opposition to many of these instilled values. Moreover, we know that God has made us in His image so that our spirits might respond to the higher order of life accorded to us by the Holy Spirit.
One FEBC broadcaster living in a predominantly Buddhist country has gone to great
lengths to relate to his own culture. He has studied hard to understand Buddhism
by learning much of the Buddhist language (Pali). He never gives the impression
that he is alienated from it or the culture which surrounds it. Standing in a
Buddhist temple he recites with great detail the intricacies of Buddhism and how
the system serves the community. This love of his own culture combined with his
working knowledge of Buddhist religious language (and consequent understanding
of Buddhism) has done much to make him a master of relating to his listeners --
particularly monks and those intimately acquainted with the teachings of
Buddhism.
In reasoning with devout Buddhists he will ask them what it is that drives them to offer sacrifices in front of the images and idols. He then tells them that it is the inner hunger put there by God himself which prompts them to reach out and worship their Maker -- even though they don't know him. The approach is very reminiscent of Paul's address on Mars Hill. Many have come to faith as a direct result.
Through careful programming we can help our listener to recognise and respond to these inner promptings, helping him to see that there is another way of looking at life. We need to point out the inconsistencies of atheistic belief and its total inadequacy to explain those God-given instincts of love and beauty that take us beyond a bottom-line human existence.
An important part of FEBC's broadcasts to Vietnam has been this apologetic role. It was designed to address the cadres and those who had been influenced by their teaching. Given that a whole generation has been educated under a school system dominated by Marxist philosophy there are many areas of life for which they have no answers. They have also been taught to suppress both their inner feelings and questions induced by this system.
Is it not important, therefore, to raise these issues with the listener so that he might see for himself the inadequacy of teaching that leaves no place for a Creator God who has also provided us with a sense of beauty and a desire for love?
Reason
to Believe is the site of a blog-site dedicated to apologetics. It seems
that the Internet provides one of the best media for providing a forum for
people who want to discuss issues and defend the faith...Visit this website and
you will find a number of key issues being debated
Today we should not limit our apologetics to addressing communism, Buddhist, Islamic and Hindu belief systems. In today's world materialism provides a more sinister challenge since it appeals to man's desire for possessions and his innate greed. Addressing secular humanism requires that we understand it. But more than that, we need to find creative ways of bringing secular man back to a recognition of the more important issues of life from which he is running away. We need to help him strip away the toys from his life, as C.S. Lewis would say.