What is apologetics?
Apologetics is the branch of theology that is concerned with the defence of Christianity. It is concerned with tackling the criticisms of and objections to Christianity that non-Christians raise. These issues could range over many subjects from evidence for the Bible and questions about creation, to areas such as homosexuality, other faiths and suffering. As we go out and talk to people about our faith, we are bound to be asked questions along these lines and it is important to know how we'd tackle them and how best to respond to them to make our evangelism as effective as possible.
How to deal with apologetics in the context of evangelism
So, how do we deal with difficult questions?
Learn to say 'I don't know'! You're not expected to know the answer to every question you will be asked and an honest reply is much better than trying to make something up on the spot. This gives you the opportunity to offer to do some research and go back later to discuss the issue further.
There may also be an opportunity to go back with further information for them to consider. If people are struggling with an issue, it gives you a great chance to give them follow-up material to read and discuss together.
Many people won't know much about the issues themselves, so don't be intimidated. They also won't be expecting you to be an expert on everything. You can use the opportunity to learn from each other.
Try and centre you evangelism on what you do know - the gospel and your personal testimony. Sometimes people throw up apologetics issues to avoid talking about the real issue of what they need to do about Jesus.
Have a few brief responses to the most common questions prepared in advance. You will find that many of the same issues will come up again and again. It is really useful to have done a bit of research already so that you can answer some of the most common objections (you will also find that researching will help you grow stronger in your faith too). Below are some general apologetics books and resources that are very useful and a good place to start.
Learn some key Biblical passages to back up the claims you're making about Jesus. It's also helpful to have a few relevant facts at your fingertips to back up what you're saying. [For instance, there are over 24,000 manuscript copies of portions of the New Testament, which is more than any other ancient document (compare with only 7 copies of Plato's Tetralogies!)]
However - beware of just coming out with a learnt answer. Try to establish why they're asking the question by asking good follow-up questions (see the 'listening' and 'asking good questions' training). It may be that an issue is particularly relevant to someone because of personal experience they've had. For instance, someone may be asking about suffering because a member of their family has just died, so we always need to be sensitive to people and seek to understand and empathise with their situation.
Remember that you're not on your own. The all-knowing and all-powerful God goes with you and he will help you to know what to say. Trust in God and go out filled with the Holy Spirit and you'll be fine!
Further reading and resources
Apologetics Books
Christianity is Ridiculous Allan, John and Eyre, Gus 1-85078-136-2
Brief, sound-bite answers to the most common objections to Christianity.
Letters from a Skeptic Boyd, Gregory and Edward 0-85476-889-0
A useful, general apologetics book containing correspondence between an non-Christian father and his Christian son.
You Must be Joking Green, Michael 0-340-21126-1
Searching Issues Gumbel, Nicky 0-85476-739-8
The Handbook of Christian Apologetics Kreeft, P and Tacelli, R N/A
Issues Facing Christians Today Stott, John 0-551-01158-0
Tackles a wealth of social and moral issues affecting Christians.
Why we can't Believe Weston, Paul 0-85111-134-3
The Best of Josh McDowell: Wilson, Bill 0-8407-4419-6
A Ready Defense
A comprehensive and highly recommended apologetics book.
The Case Against Christ Young, John 0-340-39371-8
My personal favourite apologetics book for concise, sound answers to common objections (it is also humorous - always a winner in my book!).
Articles and leaflets
How to Turn Stumbling Blocks into Agapé 0 948860 09 X
Stepping Stones
Examines the false assumptions behind peoples objections to Christianity and suggests ways to understand peoples misconceptions and help them come to understand the truth.
