The words from which apologetics is derived are very different in definition than the one for apologetics. The two words are apology and apologetic. The ancient Greek work from which these were derived is apologia. Though it means a speech or defense of something in which one believes, the two words derived from this one means means to be sorry for a wrong done to someone. The many apologetics articles available help one understand all the aspects of the word and helps one become able to speak to others about what they believe.
Another potential definition of apologetics is the development and sharing of arguments for the truths of Christianity. It also addresses the irrational ideas of alternative beliefs, which helps believers strengthen their faith and leads non-believers to think about those truths. The concept of argument is not in reference to an argumentative approach but instead references the logical and reasonable presentation of one's beliefs.
There are two sides to these arguments. One is to argue for Christianity and the second is the negative argument against alternative beliefs. It is not the purpose of apologetics to cleverly argue the issues but rather to lead people to faith and to the strengthening of the faith against negative alternative beliefs.
The early Christian philosophy and the Greek philosophy and their engagement attracted the attention of the Romans. Many began to write defenses for the Christian faith. They were called apologists. They had three main arguments. One was that against describing early Christians as cannibals and being sexually immoral. They defended the Christian faith as truth as evidenced by it fulfillment of prophecies of the Old Law. They further argues the superiority of Christianity over Greek philosophical ideas.
Apologetics was not a new idea. Luke, in Acts, gave the arguments by the apostle Paul that the three concerns of modern day apologetics, making him the earliest apologist. The concerns remained much the same until the second century, when modern apologetics was begun. The three things included defending Christianity against paganism, Judaism, and against any claim that Christianity was in any way against Roman Law.
The summary of the three arguments are that Christianity and not paganism is true; Christianity represents the fulfillment of the Judaic law; and that Christianity doesn't offend Roman law in any way. These three arguments are the same throughout history, starting from first century Christianity. This shows the importance of these arguments to the Christian philosophy.
Not only does apologetics address three arguments, it is said to have three general functions. One is to argue for the truth of Christianity using evidence from science and history to show that Christianity has the greatest power of any alternative belief in order to interpret our world and purpose. Another function is to refute accusations against the faith, explaining supposed contradictions in the Bible, scientific and historical evidence, and misconceptions about the Christian faith. A third function is to show that non-Christian beliefs are unsound or irrational.
There is a more central function of these arguments. The overall aim is to promote Christianity. It is argued by some that evangelism is a better for that purpose, however. A better understanding of the overall purpose of apologetics is to strengthen the faith on the one hand and to remove obstacles to faith on the other.
Another potential definition of apologetics is the development and sharing of arguments for the truths of Christianity. It also addresses the irrational ideas of alternative beliefs, which helps believers strengthen their faith and leads non-believers to think about those truths. The concept of argument is not in reference to an argumentative approach but instead references the logical and reasonable presentation of one's beliefs.
There are two sides to these arguments. One is to argue for Christianity and the second is the negative argument against alternative beliefs. It is not the purpose of apologetics to cleverly argue the issues but rather to lead people to faith and to the strengthening of the faith against negative alternative beliefs.
The early Christian philosophy and the Greek philosophy and their engagement attracted the attention of the Romans. Many began to write defenses for the Christian faith. They were called apologists. They had three main arguments. One was that against describing early Christians as cannibals and being sexually immoral. They defended the Christian faith as truth as evidenced by it fulfillment of prophecies of the Old Law. They further argues the superiority of Christianity over Greek philosophical ideas.
Apologetics was not a new idea. Luke, in Acts, gave the arguments by the apostle Paul that the three concerns of modern day apologetics, making him the earliest apologist. The concerns remained much the same until the second century, when modern apologetics was begun. The three things included defending Christianity against paganism, Judaism, and against any claim that Christianity was in any way against Roman Law.
The summary of the three arguments are that Christianity and not paganism is true; Christianity represents the fulfillment of the Judaic law; and that Christianity doesn't offend Roman law in any way. These three arguments are the same throughout history, starting from first century Christianity. This shows the importance of these arguments to the Christian philosophy.
Not only does apologetics address three arguments, it is said to have three general functions. One is to argue for the truth of Christianity using evidence from science and history to show that Christianity has the greatest power of any alternative belief in order to interpret our world and purpose. Another function is to refute accusations against the faith, explaining supposed contradictions in the Bible, scientific and historical evidence, and misconceptions about the Christian faith. A third function is to show that non-Christian beliefs are unsound or irrational.
There is a more central function of these arguments. The overall aim is to promote Christianity. It is argued by some that evangelism is a better for that purpose, however. A better understanding of the overall purpose of apologetics is to strengthen the faith on the one hand and to remove obstacles to faith on the other.
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