What Is Apologetics?

Answers in Genesis (AiG) exists to proclaim the authority of the Bible—from the very first verse—without compromise by using apologetics . . . to communicate the message of God’s Word and the gospel so that believers are equipped to defend the Christian faith and nonbelievers are challenged with the truth of the Bible and its message of salvation.

Now, Answers in Genesis is, first and foremost, a ministry proclaiming the authority of God’s Word (the Bible) and the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. But we also specialize in apologetics. What does that entail?

On the AiG website, we define apologetics this way:

Apologetics is the study and practice of giving answers for the reasonableness and truth of the Christian faith. The word comes from the Greek apologia and means “to give a defense.” In 1 Peter 3:15 Christians are commanded to give an apologia to anyone who asks the reason for our hope.

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15)

The Greek word apologia is usually translated as “defense” or “answer.”

But some people misrepresent or misunderstand our ministry’s use of apologetics. By using apologetics, are we trying to prove the Bible using science? Absolutely not.

In 2 Corinthians 11:3, we are warned that the devil will use the same method on us as he did on Eve in order to get us not to believe the things of God. The method he used on Eve is in Genesis 3:1, where he said, “Did God actually say . . . ?” That method creates doubt that can (and did) lead to unbelief in God’s Word. The devil has used this method of attacking Scripture down through the ages. The technique manifests itself in different ways in different eras. And in the era we live in, there’s been a focused attack on Genesis 1–11.

Apologetics is used to help people see that Christianity is not a blind faith but a faith that makes sense of what we see.

AiG has done careful theological and scientific research to provide answers to the attacks of our day. We equip Christians with these answers so they can do what 1 Peter 3:15 instructs—to show we can defend the Christian faith. Such answers are used to show that observational science does confirm what the Bible states. These answers are also used to challenge non-Christians who claim the Bible can’t be true. Thus, apologetics is used to help people see that Christianity is not a blind faith but a faith that makes sense of what we see. Ultimately, we can’t prove to someone the truth of God’s Word, but God can use such answers in ways we don’t understand as a part of opening people’s sinful hearts to listen and respond in faith to the Word of God that saves.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8)

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

This item was written with the assistance of AiG’s research team.