Apologetics: is a field of Christian theology that aims to present a rationall basis for the
Christian faith, defend the faith against objections, and expose the perceived flaws of
other world views. Christian apologetics have taken many forms over the centuries,
starting with Paul of Tarsus, including writers such as Augustine of Hippo and Thomas
Aquinas, and continuing currently with the modern Christian community, through the
efforts of many authors in various Christian traditions such as C.S. Lewis. Apologists
have based their defense of Christianity on favoring interpretations of historical evidence,
philosophical arguments, scientific investigation, and other disciplines.
The term "apologetic" comes from the Greek word apologia (ap?????a), which means in
defense of. Therefore, a person involved in Christian apologetics is a defender of
Christianity or Christian apologist (apologete in older literature). This Classical Greek
term appears in the Koine Greek (that is, common Greek) of the New Testament. The
apostle Paul employed the term in his trial speech to Festus and Agrippa when he said, "I
make my defense" (Acts 26:2).
Biblical apologetics include issues concerned with the authorship and date of biblical
books, biblical canon, and biblical inerrancy. In addition, Christian apologists defend and
comment on various books of the Bible. Some scholars who have engaged in the defense
of biblical inerrancy include Robert Dick Wilson, Gleason Archer, Norman Geisler, and
R. C. Sproul. Also, there are several resources that Christians offer defending inerrancy
in regard to specific verses.Some scholars who have defended the authorship and date of
biblical books include John ...