Apologetics is the discipline of commending the Christian faith at an intellectual level, ‘giving a reason for the hope that is within us’ (1 Peter 3.15). On the one hand, apologetics defends Christian faith against attack, showing that Christian faith is always on the side of truth and wisdom and welcomes the light of knowledge from whichever direction it shines and fresh imaginative expressions of the Christian mystery. On the other hand, apologetics seeks to convince those who are open to reasoned persuasion of the truth claims of Christian theology. Although intellectual conviction is only one aspect of conversion – the emotions and the will must be involved as well – for some people it is a hugely important part.
Churches and organisations such as the Evangelical Alliance could perhaps do more to encourage a vocation to apologetics among gifted Christian writers. A first step would be to recognise publicly the intellectual challenges that face Christianity in our present world with its confusing mix of religious pluralism and ideological secularism, and to express confidence that the challenges can be met. A second step is to put resources into theological research with an apologetic slant and to encourage suitable young scholars to engage in this. At the same time we should seek to promote more intelligent preaching, including a more scholarly use of the Bible, so that over time congregations become better equipped to share their faith and to respond to contemporary questions and challenges from enquirers. Public lectures can help to create a climate of awareness of the need for a ministry of apologetics and can contribute to the armoury of Christian arguments. Apologists cannot of course be manufactured to order: apologetics is a skill and requires the right gifts, but it can be fostered, recognised and rewarded.
