We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Apologetics in a Christian Worldview

Here is some good insight written by a friend, Michael Burdick:
Where every other branch of theology looks inward to the Word to achieve its structure, apologetics turns outward to face the world with the structure it has been given. Apologetics proceeds from both Theology and Biblical Studies in such a way that it is its own manifestation. It begins with the theological construct “God’s Word is Truth” and proceeds to use Scripture in making claims of absolute truth about man, mind, matter, time, values, philosophy, science, history, ethics, sociology, law, politics, economics, art, media, music, literature, church, state, family, community, labor, and man’s relationship with God.
Because of its outward focus, Apologetics can take the offensive stance. It is the servant of evangelism when it ventures into the world. It walks hand-in-hand with The Gospel, wandering the streets, standing on every corner and high place, declaring the truth in the marketplace. Where the Gospel delivers the writ of redemption to a slave, Apologetics has been busily smashing his chains. Where evangelism calls out for surrender, Apologetics pounds away at the foundations of the enemy stronghold like a catapult lobbing one volley of truth after another until it’s overthrown. This is contrary to the opinion Apologetics is primarily defensive but it does not deny its defensive capability. When considered in that light, Apologetics serves as the wall surrounding our metaphoric city. It is an excellent place to stand and proclaim the truth but it is more reactive than active. It rises midway between the sacred study of scripture, which looks inward to the temple of God. It stands guard against attacks from the outer darkness; the perishing shadow lands of the living dead where the stars are fallen and the dragon roams. Developing a worldview is more an exercise in apologetics than it is anything else. ... When Christianity is attacked, it is Apologetics that blows the shofar, but it doesn’t just defend the truth, it also goes forth to help free prisoners from the enemy camp.
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