Is apologetics necessary?

[Stuart DiNenno]

Is biblical apologetics really necessary? Can't we just preach the message of the Bible and leave the rest up to God? And is the practice of apologetics biblically supportable? In the biblical record, are there are any examples of men attempting to prove the existence of God or the validity of the Scriptures?

[Anne]

I don't know what anyone else will say, but when I am studying specific areas or subjects within the Bible, I find it useful to have the different topic areas, as I can go straight to them.

The main reason I use Worthy Boards is for fellowship, and also it comes in very helpful as a study aid. I think a problem would arise for others who use the boards as I do if the different topics weren't kept separate, as things would soon become mushed together, having a tendency to become rather confusing.

On apologetics, well yes I would like to see it stay, as it is helpful towards my current studies. And I find in most topics, not just in apologetics, that the Word of God is being spoken of, I can't speak for anyone else, but I certainly learn quite a bit.

Your Sister in Christ Jesus

Anne

[Trust & Obey]

Apologetics is a biblical concept and something we are commanded to do in Scripture.

1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

The Greek word for "answer" above is apologia and is where we get the word "apologetics."

It means to give a ready defence.

Main Entry: apol

[Pax]

Apologetics is very necessary. The problem with just preaching the Bible is that everyone seems to have a different interpretation of scripture. Take a look at current and past thread topics and you will see that there is much debate on various topics within the Bible. For example the "Rapture", some people will say that this is clearly in scripture and some, such as myself will say it it no where clearly defined in scripture. Once Saved Always Saved is another popular topic. Then when can get into debating the Church and beliefs. I myself am Catholic. There are many doctrinal issues between Catholics and other denominations. I spend much time defending the Catholic Church.

Edited August 13, 2005 by Pax

[Stuart DiNenno]

Apologetics is a biblical concept and something we are commanded to do in Scripture.

1Pe 3:15  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

The Greek word for "answer" above is apologia and is where we get the word "apologetics."

It means to give a ready defence.

Main Entry: apol

[Stuart DiNenno]

Apologetics is very necessary.  The problem with just preaching the Bible is that everyone seems to have a different interpretation of scripture.  Take a look at current and past thread topics and you will see that there is much debate on various topics within the Bible.  For example the "Rapture", some people will say that this is clearly in scripture and some, such as myself will say it it no where clearly defined in scripture.  Once Saved Always Saved is another popular topic.  Then when can get into debating the Church and beliefs.  I myself am Catholic.  There are many doctrinal issues between Catholics and other denominations.  I spend much time defending the Catholic Church. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I suppose it depends on what is defined as apologetics. If it means discussing biblical doctrines among professing Bible believers, then I agree that it should be practiced. But I see no biblical support for such things as debating the existence of God with atheists or trying to prove to an unbelieving world that the Bible is the Word of God.

[Stuart DiNenno]

And is the practice of apologetics biblically supportable?

YES.

Would you please define what you are calling apologetics and show where its practice is supported in the Bible?

In the biblical record, are there are any examples of men attempting to prove the existence of God or the validity of the Scriptures?

YES. Read the book of acts.

Please quote the passages in that book which you believe support the practices you define as apologetics.

Edited August 13, 2005 by Stuart DiNenno

[apothanein kerdos]

Necessary? *thinks of Rip Torn as Patched O'Hoolihan*

Sorry...

[Stuart DiNenno]

Is biblical apologetics really necessary?

Being ready to give an answer as to why you believe the Gospel and being a witness to un-believers that the Gospel is true...is necessary.

I agree with your statement but I'm not sure if we are in agreement as to how we are to answer and how we are to witness.

Arguing doctrine within the Body of Christ (what some call "Discernment Ministry) is nothing more than satan's attempt to cause strife and discord within the Church. This is something God hates because it is an attempt to divide His house against one another.

It depends what you mean by "arguing doctrine." Christians should be discussing their doctrinal differences because differences which are not discussed cannot be resolved. And it is necessary to expose false doctrine. But contentious arguments don't do any good and are a poor witness to non-Christians.

[JesusismyLord]

I think avenaue said it right, the apostle Paul persuaded many to the risen Christ, he argued many times in the book of acts to the jews.