Strengthen Your Faith
I love Christian Apologetics. When I bring up this word, even among my Christian friends, many ask me what is “Apologetics”.
According to Dictionary.com, Apologetics is defined as: “The branch of theology concerned with the defense or proof of Christianity using rational argument”…or…”reasoning in defense of any theory or doctrine, typically drawing on a set of established responses to specific criticisms.”
I, however, cannot stand the word, “Apologetics.” It just seems like it’s implying a need to apologize for something. If I can be even more candid here, it just seems like such a weak word to me. (Please understand apologies are not weak….it takes strength to be able to say “I’m sorry” when we fall short.) Anyway, I digress here. I apologize for that. Oh boy, I am now apologizing! Ugh! Let’s move on to the more important reason for this page, shall we?
The Apostle, Peter, tells us in 1 Peter 3:15: “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,”. We should have a reason for our belief and be ready to give an answer.
I don’t believe Apologetics, in and of itself, can save anyone. Only God can do that through what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross, but what apologetics has done for me through the years is strengthen my faith. What I believe makes sense and there are proofs out there to back it up at every turn.
I, by no means, am an expert in Christian apologetics, but there are many I hold in very high regard that I would like to pass on to you who are. Want information to help you grow in confidence that what you believe is true? Want to learn more about the hope you have in you in Jesus Christ? Here are some of the best in Christian Apologetics to learn from:
Josh McDowell– Josh has had a life of tragedy and triumph only found in Christ. He set out to prove the Christian faith was wrong and his journey changed his life. If you’ve navigated around this website, you’ve already seen this name. The books that Josh wrote have had an influence on me. Two that come to mind are More than a Carpenter (also updated versions with son, Sean.) and The Evidence that Demands a Verdict Volumes I & II or The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict which pulls both volumes into 1 Book. If you want to dive into the Bible as the word of God, “Evidence” is the book to do it!
Dr. Sean McDowell– Sean is the son of Josh McDowell and an expert in his own right. I follow Sean’s YouTube channel. He is also a professor at Biola University. Sean is a wealth of knowledge in Christian Apologetics as well.
James Warner Wallace– J. Warner Wallace was an atheist homicide detective who turned his life over to Christ. His Cold-Case Christianity is a fascinating examination of the claims of the Gospel using his unique skills as a detective.
Cold-Case Christianity – J. Warner & Jimmy Wallace – YouTube
Ken Ham – Founder of the Creation Museum, Ark Encounter, and Answers in Genesis. When it comes to the origins of our existence that leads to our Creator, Ken Ham’s Answers in Genesis is a wealth of knowledge!
Lee Strobel– Former investigative atheist journalist who wrote The Case for Christ which also was a movie. Another fascinating journey of an atheist going where the evidence led him.
Dr. Grady S. McMurtry– Evolutionist turned Biblical Creationist, his Creation Worldview Ministries offers a wealth of knowledge. His website has many articles to read that are fascinating subjects, such as Aliens, Carbon 14 dating, and Evolution, to name a few.
Dr. Gary Habermas- He has dedicated his whole life’s work on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If you want the most dedicated research on the historical evidence of Jesus ressurrecting from the dead, you must look into Dr. Habermas’ work. No one has done as much research to the most singnificant event in history.
I am sure there are many other great Christian Apologists out there, but I wanted to pass on at least some of the ones that have had a positive impact on me. I hope you find this information helpful in your Christian walk of Faith.
Have Character!