Apologetics

Our English words ‘apology’, ‘apologise’, and, of course, ‘apologetics’ come from the combination of two Greek words: ‘apo’ and ‘logia’ which, when put together as ‘apologia’, have the sense of an explanation or a defence.

Apologetics, therefore, is the explanation of Christianity and its belief system, or an argument in its defence.

For many people in the world today, Christianity is an obscure, foreign religion; and for many people in Western Europe, which in days gone by was one of the cradles of Christianity, it is an out-dated and repressive relic of an ancient time which has, thankfully, been consigned to the history books.

For some, it is the religion of the invaders, the oppressors, the empire builders. For some, the religion of the crusaders, the enemies of the truth. For some, the veil of respectability which abusers used to conceal their wickedness and to intimidate their victims. For some, the opiate of the masses.

So, what is Christianity, then, and why do so many people still embrace it?

I cannot promise to answer that question to the satisfaction of every reader, but I can endeavour to do so for some.

If you have not yet done so, I would invite you to read first the articles on the Bible and the Gospel, as these lay a foundation on which your understanding of the subject may safely be built. But this is only a suggestion. You may browse through and read the articles in whatever order appeals to you.

The first article that I have posted under this heading is entitled, “Why I Am A Christian”. This is a brief testimony of how I entered upon this Christian journey, which I think is important for my readers to know. There are many different reasons why one person or another may choose to start following Jesus Christ. My experience is unique to me, but not unusual.

As you read, I hope that you will find your heart warming to the God who emptied Himself of all of His glory, was born out of wedlock in a stable, died on a Roman cross so that you and I might be forgiven, and rose again on the third day to lead us all into the presence of His Almighty Father.

Myth? Fairy tale? Religious clap-trap? Propaganda?

Truth?

Each of us has to decide for ourselves. My hope is that what you read here will nudge you in the direction of the right decision.