How Apologetics Benefits Believers

We normally study apologetics with evangelistic goals in mind. However, the study of apologetics is also of great value in the sanctification of the believer. Through apologetic study the believer develops a more thorough understanding of the Scriptures, builds his faith, increases his boldness of witness, develops a more biblical worldview, and becomes more able to detect unchristian assumptions in his own thinking and in the messages he hears from others.

 Apologetic study requires using the Scriptures at a higher level than simple memorization or survey-type studies. The student must apply divers Scriptures to the topic at hand, analyze assumptions and arguments, make applications of principles, and be prepared to answer any objections. Those familiar with the classical model of education will recognize these skills as corresponding to the logic and rhetoric stages of learning, or to use the Scriptural terms, understanding and wisdom. This level of learning--in any subject area--makes the learning more useful to the person who has it.

Engaging in apologetic study is also faith-building. In the process of learning to defend the faith, the student discovers how uniquely internally consistent the Scriptures are. He also discovers how one is able to operate within the bounds of a Christian worldview without contradicting oneself—something no other worldview can claim. This is especially true when one studies apologetics according to a Van Tillian or presuppositional model.

 As one studies apologetics and prepares oneself to answer objections to our faith, there is an increase of confidence, and consequently, an increase in boldness as we witness. (We must carefully guard ourselves against pride, to be sure this confidence does not become pugilistic, as it often does.) Once we realize that all worldviews begin with some basic assumptions in the areas of epistemology, cosmology and ethics, and once we clarify for ourselves what the basic choices are for those assumptions, we find ourselves able to analyze the foundations of any worldview that presents itself. Suddenly the learned philosopher is less intimidating. With just a few questions we can determine his basic worldview claims, and with just a few more questions we can show how he or she fails to apply them consistently.

Of course, if we are able to think in terms of basic assumptions or presuppositions in the worldviews of others, we will also be able to analyze our own worldviews in these terms. In the process of studying apologetics, then, we find our own worldviews conforming more and more to the Scriptures as we recognize and filter out other influences.

A firm foundation in apologetics is also protection against error and heresy. A person trained to detect and analyze assumptions and reasoning, is less likely to fall victim to the faulty reasoning or false premises that are the basis for cults, heresy, or error.

These benefits are often not the motivation to take up a study of apologetics, but they are real blessings to believers. Equipping high school students in this way is especially important, as they are about to go out and confront the myriad of worldviews that are waiting to compete for their hearts and minds. Every believer has been instructed to love God with all his or her mind, and to take every thought into captivity to Christ. As we make the effort to do so, we will, Lord willing, not only be a blessing to unbelievers, but also reap blessing for ourselves and for our brothers and sisters in the faith.

Comments

[Diane R]

I agree and I even believe that church Sunday Schools need to start teaching using the apologetic method. Yesterday I went to a Sunday School class for the first time in my church and this was the Sunday School class I have awaited for 35 years.
It was taught on a much higher level than the usual boring type of teaching. Also. the teacher used the Socratic method more than most. Getting Christians to think seems to be "out" this season. I say let's get the normal, typical Christian to think by challenging them to defend their faith by using logic and Scripture, not this modern day typical, "Well what I think is true about this is," or, "What I feel about it is."