Reading: On-Target Apologetics (Slides)

On-Target Apologetics
by David Feddes

On-Target Apologetics

Apologetics can teach you some things to say, but above all you must learn to listen.

•      Know God’s truth: Study Scripture. Know how to explain, defend, and contend for it.

•      Know the context: Study the culture, its practices, assumptions, worldview.

•      Know the person: Pay attention to the individual. Don’t assume too much or jump to conclusions. Listen, listen, listen!

Off-target by ignoring Scripture

An apologetic argument may seem smart, but does it accurately reflect God’s Word?

•      You might try to show that Christianity is compatible with evolution. Is it?

•      You might argue that evidence of design in the world around us perfectly displays the Creator’s wisdom and goodness? Does it?

•      In dealing with the problem of how God can be real in a world of such suffering, you might say that some things are outside God’s control. Is that so?

Off-target by ignoring context

•      Arguments for God’s existence and miracles may help atheists, but not Muslims, who already believe in God and miracles.

•      Evidence that spirits are real is needless if you’re talking to an animist.

•      If you show Hindus that Jesus is God, they may yawn and say, “Of course! Isn’t everybody?”

•      Demonstrating the Bible’s reliability may help a secularist, but a Mormon already accepts it.

•      Postmoderns may brush off logic and evidence. They crave experience and relationship.

Off-target by ignoring person

•      “Christianity is unscientific.” Maybe they’ve known foolish, anti-intellectual Christians. Or maybe they’re just in a new crowd at college.

•      “Evil and suffering prove there’s no God in charge.” Not abstract, but their own pain.

•      “Church is full of hypocrites.” Is this a shallow excuse? Or have they suffered a deep wound?

•      “It’s arrogant to say Jesus is the only way.” Foggy notions, or encounters with arrogance?

•      “Christianity is all do’s and don’ts.” Offended by legalists? Or perhaps immersed in sin!

On-Target Apologetics

Apologetics can teach you some things to say, but above all you must learn to listen.

•      Know God’s truth: Study Scripture. Know how to explain, defend, and contend for it.

•      Know the context: Study the culture, its practices, assumptions, worldview.

•      Know the person: Pay attention to the individual. Don’t assume too much or jump to conclusions. Listen, listen, listen!

Target the person

Seek to win the person, not the argument.

Be alert for things in their surroundings or background that make belief harder.

Address the person’s challenges; don’t bring up non-issues for them.

Connect with heart, not just head.

Show that unbelief is not just intellectual but often involves stubborn rebellion.

As you talk to the person about the Lord, talk to the Lord about the person.

Listen to the person, and listen to the Spirit for insight to reach the person’s heart.