This lesson has 5 segments. We begin this video lesson at the BEGINNING:
- APOLOGETICS – is defending your beliefs
- POLEMICS – is finding problems with other people’s beliefs
Christian apologetics and polemics differ depending on the beliefs of those you are speaking to, for example Muslims or atheists. So, it is good to learn defenses specific for them.
Finding fault with religions requires some study to understand what they believe and how it differs from your beliefs. Then, find reasonable ways to question or challenge them.
Now, with people from many backgrounds living in the West, we need to share the gospel in ways that makes sense to them and remove their stumbling blocks. Our videos and study guides show you how. (www.christianfrommuslim.com)
We teach this order of relationship: Build Bridges, Share Truth and then Challenge Falsehood.
Whatever the case, be sure to pray before you speak, and remember that God loves everyone – despite the foolish or evil things that they believe.
In the next segment, Dr. C and Luke discuss why we should learn and TEACH APOLOGETICS and POLEMICS.
There are two strong reasons that Christians need to learn, and churches must teach these topics.
First, many in the West now have strong faith in other religions. We must be prepared to answer their challenges and challenge them in return.
Second, a lack of apologetic training in the past has led to many Christians leaving the church. They had no answers for challenges. Some are now coming back. They need to know that the reasons for their faith are real!
Next, Dr. C explains HOW to USE our Apologetics and Polemics resources:
Because of the Muslim mindset, a Christian speaking to them will be challenged early on, so it is essential for them to learn some basic apologetics. They also need to remove the stumbling blocks that keep the gospel from making sense to Muslims. (See also The Path of the Prophets gospel method video, lesson, and multilanguage booklets)
Later in a relationship, after hearing the gospel and when the time is appropriate, a Muslim will need to be challenged about the incorrect aspects of their faith. This is polemics. Unless Muslims are strongly convinced that Islam is NOT the way of God, they won’t have the strength to leave its totalitarian lifestyle.
We recommend that you watch our SWAP and PAT videos because they tell you HOW to USE what you have learned. And we have shorter videos which focus on individual apologetic and polemic topics with what we think are unusual approaches or insights.
The NEXT segment is about A Christian ATTITUDE for Apologetics with Luke and Dr. C.
They describe the common feeling that they and others share when they are verbally attacked by unbelievers and scoffers. Both experience the natural human reflex of wanting to strike back.
How do they handle this? They give these PRACTICAL TIPS:
- Don’t get angry or distracted by their responses. Sometimes that is exactly what they want. Keep CALM, focused on the point, not the emotion.
- Remember that God LOVES the person. Your response to them should REFLECT that. The discussion is not about winning but about revealing God to them.
- Listen well to them. WAIT before responding – don’t give a kneejerk reaction. Think about what you are going to say.
- If you are in a written debate and get a hostile comment, SKIM it the first time to diffuse some of your indignation. Then come back later when you are calm to read it more thoroughly and rework it.
- Perhaps leave your written response OVERNIGHT and reread it in the morning to be sure it is not too harsh.
During the discussion, Luke makes a startling statement, “Sometimes our job is to take a beating.”
(Luke speaks figuratively, but it can become real!)
That shows the kind of humble, loving attitude we should have while using our powerful weapons of apologetics, polemics and the Sword of the Spirit – the Word of God.
In the final segment, Luke shares with Dr. C how he, an INTROVERT, can function as an apologist.
Many Christians are like him. In fact, apologetics and polemics attract people who are “on the spectrum.” But to truly follow Christ, we need to share what we have learned.
Luke does not like “small talk.” But he admits that talking about superficial things does help us connect with others, so he is trying to improve on it.
Luke likes “big talk,” about important issues. Once connected, he can have deep and long conversations – online or in person.
Besides online, a thing that helps him is serving in an apologetics booth for an event. At a booth he is able to avoid small talk and focus on important topics.
Consider these ideas if you are also unsociable.
