Christian Apologetics

Apologetics is reasoned arguments to justify something, usually a religious doctrine. Christian apologetics means our reasons for being Christians—the reasons we have for believing what we believe.

The foundation for Christian apologetics comes from many places in the Bible, but it is mentioned explicitly in 1 Peter 3:15, where Peter writes the following: “… 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 …” (emphasis added)

The Greek word in the original text translated as “to make a defense” is “apologia,” where we get the word apologetics. Christian apologetics, then, is the practice of making a defense for what we believe as followers of Christ.

https://bible.org/seriespage/1-what-apologetics

Types of Apologetics

Classical

Because it is the oldest method, classical apologetics is usually the most philosophically weighty form of apologetics. Leaders in the early church, such as St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas, developed the system of classical apologetics, which is used today by many apologists (William Lane Craig, J.P. Moreland, etc.).

1. Prove the existence of God through rational argumentation (usually one of the big four)
2. Establish Christianity specifically by appealing to the nature of Jesus in light of God’s existence.

Historical Apologetics

Sometimes called evidential, historical apologetics seeks out historical, secular, and non-secular evidence to demonstrate the truth of Christian claims. This method is much more research-based than classical apologetics and is the method of choice for Justin Martyr and Dr. Gary Habermas.

Experiential/Existential

The least intensive method, experiential apologetics, relies on the power of personal experiences and testimonies. Lives transformed by Christ are the chief tools these apologists use and accounts of miraculous experiences in people’s lives.

Presuppositional

This view rejects any big arguments and instead presupposes the truth of Trinitarian Christianity. The presuppositional apologist then shows Christianity as superior to other worldviews. Statements about Christianity frequently present the only logically consistent view of reality.

 Cumulative Case

A common type, cumulative apologetics, seeks to overlap and harmonize all other forms of apologetics. It uses classical starting arguments, seeks historical evidence, and may rely on personal testimonies. A good beginning point, Lee Strobel and Josh McDowell, are noted for this form of apologetics.

https://whybelievethat.wordpress.com/2013/09/19/5-types-of-apologetics/

Four Argumentative Positions

1. Rational
2. God
3. Bible
4. Jesus