As with anything as complicated as the many ministries of Christianity and other religions that exist across the world, there are both general ways of defining such branches of religious teachings that cover it as broadly and simply as possible, and there are also much more detailed and nuanced explanations that tend to go much deeper in informing the person who wants to know more about it. When it comes to the Apologetics Ministry, hearing the simple definition of it as basically a defense of Christianity might mislead one into thinking that this is all there is to it to these types of ministries. It can be very revealing to find out all that this really entails for those who want a more in-depth explanation.
In order to fully understand these ministries, one must take a look at where the word "apologetics" really comes from. In ancient Greek times, an apologia was a term used to refer to a defense made in a courtroom. This obviously differs from the way we think of an apology today.
The Greek word "apologia" originally comes from two words, "speak" and "away." This means that the person making the defense or apologia was trying to speak away their alleged crimes. Knowing this helps a lot in trying to understand ministries like these and what exactly their teachings focus on.
Anyone who has ever heard of the philosopher Plato might be familiar with one of his most famous pieces of writing, The Apology, but aren't sure of what it is about or how the title actually relates to the dialogue. Knowing the traditional meaning of the word helps to make sense of the fact that the dialogue involves Socrates defending himself for preaching about unusual gods. His statements are his apology in the traditional sense.
The New Testament is full of different uses of apology as a form of defense. Many times, the person who is making the defense is trying to prove to others that their actions or words were justified. Each of these instances helps shed light on how one can make their own defense.
In Luke's books recorded in the Bible, there is an example of a Jewish person, Alexander, defending himself when threatened by an angry mob. This rioting was caused by the people who were making idols. Because of the preachings of Paul, their whole business was put in jeopardy.
Those who followed Jesus in his time were, of course, persecuted greatly. Paul the apostle was one of the main targets of this persecution. That is why he is seen in the Bible, defending the messages of Christ in front of those who saw it as illegal.
With all of the historical examples of the use of this word, it is easier to understand what exactly these ministries stand for. People who practice this branch of faith focus on defending their beliefs. This involves seeing their faith in terms of science, history, philosophy, and many other disciplines and reasoning how it all fits together.
In order to fully understand these ministries, one must take a look at where the word "apologetics" really comes from. In ancient Greek times, an apologia was a term used to refer to a defense made in a courtroom. This obviously differs from the way we think of an apology today.
The Greek word "apologia" originally comes from two words, "speak" and "away." This means that the person making the defense or apologia was trying to speak away their alleged crimes. Knowing this helps a lot in trying to understand ministries like these and what exactly their teachings focus on.
Anyone who has ever heard of the philosopher Plato might be familiar with one of his most famous pieces of writing, The Apology, but aren't sure of what it is about or how the title actually relates to the dialogue. Knowing the traditional meaning of the word helps to make sense of the fact that the dialogue involves Socrates defending himself for preaching about unusual gods. His statements are his apology in the traditional sense.
The New Testament is full of different uses of apology as a form of defense. Many times, the person who is making the defense is trying to prove to others that their actions or words were justified. Each of these instances helps shed light on how one can make their own defense.
In Luke's books recorded in the Bible, there is an example of a Jewish person, Alexander, defending himself when threatened by an angry mob. This rioting was caused by the people who were making idols. Because of the preachings of Paul, their whole business was put in jeopardy.
Those who followed Jesus in his time were, of course, persecuted greatly. Paul the apostle was one of the main targets of this persecution. That is why he is seen in the Bible, defending the messages of Christ in front of those who saw it as illegal.
With all of the historical examples of the use of this word, it is easier to understand what exactly these ministries stand for. People who practice this branch of faith focus on defending their beliefs. This involves seeing their faith in terms of science, history, philosophy, and many other disciplines and reasoning how it all fits together.
About the Author:
Learn more about the Christian religion, right now. You can also get more info about a Christian apologetics ministry at http://www.faithdefenders.com/about today.
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