Why We Focus on Apologetics

Why We Focus on Apologetics

by Dr. Corey Miller, Ratio Christi President and CEO

Ratio Christi’s missional focus is on apologetics-evangelism. We equip students and professors with compelling reasons for following Jesus.

But say the word “apologetics” even in a church setting and someone might think they misheard you and ask, apola-who? Should I know her? Someone else might think we’re talking about apologizing. The very word “apologetics” tends to invoke a host of thoughts and emotions, chief among them being that apologetics is strictly for those who tend to be more cerebral. It’s treated more like optional leather trim than a standard operating feature of Gospel-centered ministry.

Yet, at its root, apologetics ministry is a ministry of service. In pre-evangelism, it serves to remove obstacles for non-Christians moving from unbelief to belief in Christ. For post-evangelism, it serves the church by sustaining, reinforcing, and motivating one from belief to confidence in action. Apologetics is a tool, but in Scripture it is also a command. We’re commanded in I Pet 3:15 to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” It is simply giving a reasoned defense of your hope and doing so in a respectful manner.

If I can be frank, I think the biggest reason that most Christians don’t use apologetics today is because most Christians simply just don’t engage in evangelism today. They simply see no existential need for apologetics; no felt need. But anyone actively engaged on the campuses doing evangelism today can see the need for apologetics. One cannot escape it today.

Remember this. The heart cannot embrace what the mind cannot believe. This is relevant to the Gospel presentation. The Gospel doesn’t take place in a vacuum but in the backdrop of the cultural milieu in which it is presented.

Apologetics is in demand today and it is still a command in Scripture today. That’s why Ratio Christi focuses on apologetics evangelism at the university.

If you have a passion for apologetics, consider joining our team. We are seeking full time Campus Ministers.

To hear more on why we focus on apologetics, check out this video:

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