Apologists argue for deeper understanding through experience
OTTAWA, ON—Apologetics, or systemically defending a theology position, has been an integral part of Christianity since the first century. Yet in today's information age the role of apologetics in evangelism is still debated among Christians.
"Apologetics is immensely valuable," says Andy Bannister, Canadian director and Lead Apologist for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. "The Bible commands every Christian to make use of it in 1 Peter 3:15. 'But in your hearts revere 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.'"
Bannister became an apologist through discussing his faith with Muslims. He says they asked dozens of questions about Christianity. Not having answers, he began studying the writings of Ravi Zacharias, C.S. Lewis and others. The more he discussed his faith with others, the more he discovered the need to be able to effectively reason through and articulate his faith.
"Apologetics is one of many tools, but it's an important one," he explains. "It can't make somebody a Christian, only the Holy Spirit can convict of sin, but apologetics can remove the obstructions so people can see Christ clearly. "
Bannister sees apologetics as a spiritual discipline with the goal of effective evangelism. He believes the Church often forgets that Jesus commanded us to love God with all our mind as well our heart and soul. The value of apologetics, he says, is that it help thinkers believe and believers to think.
By contrast, Shawn Gabie, an Ottawa pastor and founder of Kingdom Culture Ministries, says God uses many methods to reach people, but he is concerned when the emphasis in evangelism is placed on information.
"I believe if you can argue someone into the Kingdom, chances are you can argue them out of the Kingdom," he says. "Apologetics is a good entry, but what keeps us in the room is the experience of God."
While debates about theology and doctrines have continued for centuries, you cannot refute someone's experience, says Gabie. He agrees that we need understanding and good information, but when we rely on that, our faith can rest on man's wisdom.
"In 1 Corinthians 2:4, Paul says, 'I didn't come to you with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the spirit's power, so that your faith may not rest on man's wisdom.' When someone has a testimony, everything changes. If tough times come, with a revelation of God's nature and character, we can remember our testimony and overcome."
Chris Price, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Coquitlam, B.C., says he was forced into apologetics by working among non-Christian youth. Price says apologetics has built his confidence and strengthened his faith.
"I am no longer afraid to talk about my faith because I am [not] fearful of my faith being overthrown by an argument," he states. "I think, as a Christian, if you are talking to non-believers, you will realize very quickly the value of apologetics. People have questions and there are answers out there."
Price says people become Christians for various reasons, but if those reasons are challenged and they can't respond, their faith is weakened. For that reason, he calls apologetics "the handmaiden of evangelism."
However, he adds, "the Holy Spirit does not promise to anoint our syllogisms, but rather the gospel of Jesus Christ. Apologetics is part of evangelism, but the gospel is the power of God for salvation."
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