On being an Apologist

Being an Apologist means never having to say 'sorry' I don't have an answer!

The opening words of a lecture I attended many years back remain with me as challenge and reassurance. An 'apology' (Gk. 'apologia') is to give an answer or defence for who we are or what we believe. It's not an excuse but a determined, reasoned, 'in your face' resonse to the questions put to us. It's the active demonstration of an active and determined Christian life.

1 Peter 3 instructs us thus:

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."

There we are, a simple instruction. When someone asks, we are to be ready with an answer. This doesn't mean we need to be able to spout Greek or Hebrew, quote great theologians or engage in deep dialogue but that we need to be ready with a life that answers the questions.

Too often do I encounter people who tell me they can't share their faith. Can't tell people about God or stand up in a pulpit - but this isn't what we are called to do, so stop the panicking and chill out man (it's what us young and trendy clergy say ;) ). What God asks each of us to do is to be a witness to His love and that's merely about who we are because of who He is.

Remember who you were before you came to faith?
Remember the things that once drove and controlled you?
Know what is important in your life now?
Know how you've changed and how God touches you?

If you can answer 'yes' then you're already on the way to being the Apologist you are called to be.

The early believers learned a 'Jesus in a nutshell' explanation for those who asked - they used it alongside their own witness. It spoke of God's love, prophets, the cross, resurrection and the Christ. It was (and is) called the Kerygma (ker ug ma) and if we make one of our own then we have the Bible to go with the life witness that is us.

Let's have a go at it this week, eh?

Pax