Every human being is made in the image of God, and worthy of
respect (Gen. 1:27). This is worthy of consideration before engaging any and
all interlocutors. The Christian apologist in faithfully executing the
discipline of apologetics is called to both defend and commend the Gospel (2
Cor. 10:5; 2 Tim. 2:25; Tit. 1:9; Jude 3; Phil. 2:5-11), in a manner worthy of
the Lord he or she represents (1 Pet. 3:15). Whether the apologist is engaged
in responsive or proactive methods, the making of such defense will be key
towards moving the interlocutor closer to a relationship with Christ. It surely
“is not about you; it is about them.”[1]
Having prayerfully prepared, skillfully considering the audience, the context,
the quality of arguments, along with the all-important reliance upon the Holy
Spirit, the Christian apologist is better equipped to both commend and defend
the faith in a grace-full attitude worthy of a Christ-spirit-filled ambassador
that brings glory to His name.
[1] James K. Belby, Thinking About Christian Apologetics: What
It Is And Why We Do It, (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2011), 176-7.
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