The "A" Word: Part 2 - My Response

O.k. first let me thank everyone for their patience. It’s been a month since I blogged on the “A” word. I deliberately took my time responding because I wanted everyone to read it and reply to it. Let me say that I loved all of the comments that I received (public and private). Secondly, let me ensure you that I will be updating the website and blog page frequently so be sure to stay in touch. I’m encouraged by your comments and knowing that you are reading my mind (didn’t know you had that power, huh?).

Let me start off my response to the “A” word by noting something interesting: In my 3 hour conversation with my friend, he suggested to me that if I ever intended on reaching the “black church” that I should eliminate the word Apologetics from my vocabulary. However, the reasons he gave for not using the word apologetics, actually argued against the use and importance of apologetics altogether. Walk with me point by point as I give my response:

“The word Apologetics is foreign to people, no ones ever heard of it or knows what it means”

Response: Well then thank God for the honor and privilege of introducing the word to people. I remember hearing a joke that said “if you want to keep something from a black person, put it in a book.” What the joke implies is that black folks don’t read. How insulting is it to suggest that because a word is foreign or even somewhat difficult to understand that people can’t learn something new. Notice I said “people” not black people because this is not a race problem; it’s a problem of people being intellectually lazy. We must remember that ignorance is not a spiritual badge of honor. God wants us to have a childlike faith not a childish faith.

“If the pastor as the “head, father, or prophet” of that house (the Church), is unable to elaborate on or reiterate the points of discussion that the apologist brings up, he might find this challenging to his ability to "hear from God" or reveal a lack of knowledge on his part in a particular area or study.”

Response: First let me go back to my point about spiritually lazy people. It’s a lot easier to claim “new revelation” or what the Holy Spirit is saying to you, then it is to “Study to show yourself approved.” I know there was a time in this country when education may not have been as accessible, a time when the pastor could not lean on his command of scripture or understanding of Greek or Hebrew as an appeal to his authority and therefore his authority (and respect as Pastor) came from his ability to “hear from God.” I believe this is why many Pastors become intimidated or even feel embarrassed when they can not elaborate of reiterate on the points of discussion an apologist may bring up. But here’s the deal: Why should Pastors be made to feel like they should know everything? Or why do they set themselves up for a fall by acting like they should know everything? The truth of the matter is this: If you find a Pastor who knows all things and has an infinite understanding of the infinite . . . Drop to your knees and worship him, you are dead and in the presence of Jesus!

“No one cares about apologetics . . . what people are concerned about are real life challenges”

Response: Even if no one cares about apologetics, it doesn’t follow that it is not important. It is vital that we as believers know what we believe and why we believe it. Having a firm foundation is what helps us to make sense of the “real life challenges” we face in society today. It is this type of thinking that leads Christians to have private convictions they do not live out publicly. It is why so many people put money before morality or trade their patience for their passions (don’t believe me; watch how people vote in this upcoming election).

“As long as you are not teaching heresy, love Jesus, teach people to live better, and preach truth, that’s all that matters.”

Response: Really? How do you know that you are not teaching heresy? Or that you are loving the real Jesus? How do you know that you are preaching Truth? It is the discipline of apologetics that helps us to discern truth, recognize error, and maintain doctrinal integrity in our churches.

Lastly, “At the end of the day you don’t need apologetics to get to heaven."

Response: Even if that was a true statement, it doesn’t follow that apologetics has no value. First, I believe in many cases apologetics is the very thing God uses to help remove the barriers of unbelief to draw men unto Himself. Secondly, there are at least three great purposes for apologetics in the life of a believer:

1. Personally it is important for a believer to know what they believe and why.
2. Culturally we must stand for the truth ethically and morally.
3. Evangelistically we must be ready to give an answer to everyone for the hope we have in Christ.



My Mind, My Thoughts, My Heart, My Words