So what is Apologetics? An Apologist sounds like someone apologizing for something. Well, the actual meaning is quite different.
I Peter 3:15 says “…but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” The Greek word for defense (often translated “reason”) is apologia which means: “verbal defense, speech in defense a reasoned statement or argument.” From that we get the English word Apologetics.
So, the whole field of apologetics is simply the endeavor to do what Peter says we all should do—give reasons for the hope we have in Christ. We attempt to give answers to the basic questions that go to the foundation of our faith.
Some of the most well-known modern apologists include C.S. Lewis, Francis Schaeffer, and R.C. Sproul.
What about Greg Koukl? He’s a great thinker of the faith.
Yeah, Koukl is my favorite living apologist. His works will figure prominently as references in my stuff, but he does not have a lot of name recognition. It’s sad because there are a lot of more famous folks who are not nearly as effective apologists or teachers.
Mr. Farr-
Have you been able to illicit from Ken any further insight into his statement that God doesn’t exist? I am interested in discussing this further.