Lecture on Apologetics

Introduction

• Conversation Context: Frequently, first-time conversations about teaching in a seminary lead to blank stares when mentioning Systematic Theology and Apologetics.
• Course Focus: The discipline or science of apologetics.
• Goal: Provide an intellectual defense for Christian faith's truth claims.
• Ligonier's Objective: Help people understand what and why they believe.

Understanding Apologetics

• Definition: Greek origin, apologia meaning to give a reply or an answer.
• Misunderstanding: Contrary to common language where an apology means to say sorry.
• Biblical Basis: First Epistle of Peter, 3:15 - being ready to give a defense for the hope in Christians.

Role in the Early Church

• Defensive Apologetics: Address false charges against Christians (seditious, atheists, cannibals).
• Example: Justin Martyr's writings defending Christianity.
  • Sedition: Loyalty to Christ over Caesar.
  • Atheism: Christians refusing Roman gods and emperor worship.
  • Cannibalism: Misinterpretation of the Eucharist.

Justin Martyr and Civic Obedience

• Defense: Christians as model citizens but loyal to Christ as supreme.
• Historical Parallel: Recent criticism of John Ashcroft for similar Christian confession of supreme loyalty to Jesus.

Charges Against Christians

• Seditious: Christians accused of undermining the state.
• Atheism: Refusal to worship Roman gods; example of Polycarp's martyrdom.
• Cannibalism: Rumors due to Eucharistic practices.

Apologetics Through History

• Consistent Need: Replying to distortions and misconceptions about Christianity throughout generations.
• Intellectual Credibility: Christianity's clash with Greek philosophy (e.g., Paul in Athens).

Paul's Encounter in Athens

• Cultural Context: Athens, center of Greek philosophy.
• Paul's Response: Addressing idolatry at Mars Hill (Areopagus).
• Philosophical Engagement: Stoicism and Epicureanism.

Church's Response to Greek Philosophy

• First Three Centuries: Head-on clashes with philosophical movements.
• Logos Concept: Early apologists' appeal to the logos, introduced by John in the New Testament.

Significance of Logos

• Greek Thought: Unity and order in the universe.
• John's Gospel: Integration of Hebrew and Greek concepts, presenting Logos as a person (Jesus).
• Philosophical Appeal: Making Christian claims relatable to Greek philosophical inquiries.

Summary

• Apologetics Role: Defensive and intellectual credibility for Christianity.
• Historical Examples: Early apologists and their strategies.
• Continued Relevance: Apologetics remains vital to addressing misconceptions and defending faith intellectually.