Sunday, October 21, 2012

Tim Keller on the Need for Apologetics

"I’ve heard plenty of Christians try to answer the why question by going back to the what. ‘You have to believe because Jesus is the Son of God.’ But that’s answering the why with more what. Increasingly we live in a time in which you can’t avoid the why question. Just giving the what (for example, a vivid gospel presentation) worked in the days when the cultural institutions created an environment in which Christianity just felt true or at least honorable. But in a post-Christendom society, in the marketplace of ideas, you have to explain why this is true, or people will just dismiss it."

– Tim Keller

[HT: Christian Apologetics UK]
Posted by Brian at 7:30 AM
Topics: , , ,

3 comments :

inHisName said...

40 years ago I heard adults answer the why question with "because I have Faith" and leaving it there, now you have to have what amounts to at least a Dual M.A. in Apologetics and Philosophy to hold your own in a discussion about religion. While I love to debate, study, read and write about the "Why" most people don't want to or have the time to get that degree, but I try to encourage everyone to get at least an A.A. and defend your faith not only with your Heart (Faith) but your Mind (Knowledge) its a great feeling to be able to explain my Religious Beliefs and being taken seriously by studying the Bible and why they don't believe, expanding my knowledge base and having more then just "Faith".

Sunday, October 21, 2012 at 11:38:00 PM GMT+1
inHisName said...

As a kid I heard adults answer the "Why" question with "I have Faith". While that used to end a conversation 40 years ago today we need to have a more in depth answer using the Heart (Faith) and Brain (Knowledge). I have heard from many Christians that they don't feel they have the time or want to take the time to learn how to debate and defend their beliefs. It seems today you need an M.A. in Apologetics/Philosophy to do defend your beliefs and feel confidant in yourself. The great news, we have truth on our side and a great number of wonderful bible studies to help us. "Always be ready to give a reasoned defense......" 2 Peter 3:15. We are asked to be ready and it doesn't have to be intimidating but on our own or in a group can be Fun!

Monday, October 22, 2012 at 5:26:00 AM GMT+1
MaryLou said...

And answering the why question is precisely what science cannot do. To me, that represents one of the greatest failings of naturalistic worldview.

Monday, October 22, 2012 at 2:04:00 PM GMT+1

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