Apologetics
Apologetics is the discipline of defending a position (often religious) through the systematic use of information. Early Christian writers (c. 120–220) who defended their faith against critics and recommended their faith to outsiders were called apologists.
There are multiple facets of ‘Biblical Apologetics’ that need to be explored in order to understand the astounding depths of truth it has to offer. The primary stance of the Bible, beyond the axioms of its existence as the self-evident proclaimed word of God to mankind, extend through a well-known description given by its own interpretation of divine standards.
The God the Bible makes this declaration in Isaiah, and with it creates a challenge to any other God, religion or philosophy that attempts to elevate itself as the supreme authority of the universe:
Declare and present your case; let us reason together, “who is the true God!”
Isaiah 45.21
Whoever proclaims to be the true God let him:
- Proclaim what was (Historic Accuracy)
- Proclaim what is (Scientific Accuracy)
- And proclaim what will be! (Prophetic Accuracy) – Isaiah 45-46 (para-phrased)
Only a divine being, or God is able to present information with a perspective that extends from the beginning of the universe to the end of time (a perspective from the outside the boundaries of the universe, looking in). As only this Divine Being would be able to see all the events simultaneously, throughout time, that He created and witnessed Himself. Only the Divine Creator can accurately give to mankind truth concerning the past, present and future. We find this accuracy echoed throughout the entire Bible; and no other God, religion or philosophy can accurately proclaim each of the three categories, exceptionally without flaw.
It is within these categories that is encompassed all of mankind’s ability to verify something as true: from historic and cultural influences, to scientific observation and designs, to supernatural proofs (prophecy, miracles and experiences). Biblical apologetics covers every base.
CATAGORIES OF APOLOGETICS
Each of these categories is described in the following sections:
1. A. Historic Facts in the Bible – These are the historically accurate accounts recorded in the Bible
1. B. Historic Facts that Confirm the Bible – These are historic events that confirm specific information relating to the Bible
2. A. Scientific Facts in the Bible – These are scientifically accurate points described in the Bible
2. B. Scientific Facts that Confirm the Bible – These are scientifically observable facts that confirm specific information referenced in the Bible
3. Prophetic Facts in the Bible – These are prophetic facts that confirm the reliability of the Bible as divinely inspired predictions before an event occurs
Beyond these primary apologetic categories, three additional, alternative categories help organized and interpret the information, used to further understand the apologetic framework:
4. Canon of Scripture – The details of how we composed the Bible as it is today is important in understanding its origins and divine inspiration.
5. Biblical Axioms – The Axioms or self evident truths found throughout scripture. This includes philosophies, logistics and moralities found in scripture.
6. Higher Criticism of the Bible – Criticism, both positive and negative, continue to further validate the Bibles accuracy.
Supernatural Apologetics
Miracles and spiritual experiences fit entirely into separate category which is covered in:
This is because of all the implications involved, are not typically formatted into traditional Biblical apologetics. However, this does not exclude the importance of spiritual apologetics, testimonies or experiences, it just means they are put into a separate category to be explored with other implications and variables.