This comes from the Greek word ‘apologia’ – which means to speak a defence. Today Christian Apologetics
is the examination of the rational reasons for believing in the Christian faith, while also carefully
responding to the objections raised against the faith.
In 1 Peter 3:15 we are told to "Always be ready to give a defence (apologia) to everyone who asks you
to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect".
The ‘gentleness and respect’ aspect is just as important as the defence itself, and is often just as
hard to master when learning the art of apologetics. We must remember what Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:20
"We are Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us..." - and therefore must conduct
ourselves appropriately when defending the faith.
The word "philosophy" means "love of wisdom".
Philosophy is the activity people undertake when they seek to understand fundamental truths about God,
themselves, the world in which they live, and the relationships between each of these. It’s the seeking of
answers to the hardest and deepest questions in life.
The bible speaks very highly of wisdom, encouraging us to seek it without compromise:
"Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she (wisdom) is more
profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you
desire can compare with her."
Proverbs 3:13-15
"Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."
Proverbs 4:6-7
A worldview is the set of core beliefs and assumptions about the world and our relationship with it.
Not just any beliefs, but a framework of the most basic core beliefs, the ones that most of us never
think to question or challenge.
The Christian worldview is one that provides answers to the deepest questions of why we are here,
what is mans problem, what is the solution to that problem, and what is the purpose of it all.
Other worldviews have different answers to these core questions, and like looking through different
coloured glasses, the world ‘looks’ vastly different when viewed from another worldview, particularly
one with incomplete or false answers to these questions.
We all have a worldview, and we are told to be very careful of the philosophy that underlies our
personal worldview:
"See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception,
according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than
according to Christ"
Colossians 2:8.
We need to examine our own worldview and be confident it ‘fits’ the way the world really is,
or to put it simply; we need to be sure it is true.