Is Apologetics Important?

My brother and I had a great talk this past weekend about whether apologetics with Christians and non-believers was even important. We walked down the path of unconditional election and whether it is necessary for believers to have a reason for the their faith.

For those, who are unfamiliar with the term, unconditional election, it comes from the Calvinist understanding that people can only come to know the Creator because of His revelation. We are not able to know Him apart from His revelation to us.

This conversation has been prompted by a persuasive paper that I have written for the purpose of defending biblical creation to believers. He has been kind enough to read and critique the paper.

So, can good apologetics strengthen the faith of Christians and/or turn the heart of non-Christians to faith in the Savior?

This article was a strong encouragement for Christians to have depth in their faith and to be ready to give a logically consistent answer to those who will listen.

It was a brisk November when I met John Joseph Porter...Never before had I met a Christian who could respond to my most basic philosophical questions...By Valentine’s Day, I began to believe in God.

As Christians we should go forth with the gospel of Jesus, but be ready to answer the tough questions that will surely follow!