Objections to Apologetics (why we shouldn’t or really, why I don’t)

1. "It’s wrong to argue with people"

1. This is normally a response to someone who has seen these conversations go poorly.
2. The confusion is the difference between arguing vs. being argumentative. We are not looking to pick a fight and haggle over unimportant details.

• It’s a naive objection that wants to say, “let's just love people.” It reveals something about our culture that thinks it’s wrong to point out flaws in thinking – wrong to call something wrong – lack empathy.
  1. When the empathy movement wants us to not be jerks, we should listen
     1. Romans 12:18 – live peaceably as possible
     2. Proverbs 15:1 – a gentle answer
  2. When the empathy movement wants us to be less certain about what we believe
     1. Genesis 15:13-14 – How does God want us to feel about his word?
     2. Luke 1:3-4 – what was Luke’s goal in writing?
     3. Acts 2:36 – what was Peter preaching at Pentecost?
     4. Romans 6:5-6 – and Paul…
     5. Certainty is not the problem – it’s actually a red-herring used as a tool of Satan because he can’t win on the facts.
  3. The vigorous pursuit of truth is a Christlike endeavor.
     1. John 8:31-32 – the truth sets people free
     2. James 5:19-20 – does that sound worth it to you?

2. "No one is argued into the Kingdom of God"

1. This suggests these conversations aren’t wrong, just ineffective. “Preach the gospel – when necessary use words.”
   1. Romans 10:16-18 – faith comes by hearing
2. Reject the mutually exclusive claim. Making a good argument for the faith does not nullify our good works and what people see – it gives a reason for it. It explains the power behind it.

• That facts are not enough to convert someone doesn’t mean facts aren’t useful in God’s own work of conversion.
  • Our works are not enough to convert either. God converts and he uses both words and deeds to till the soil, plant seeds, water the ground.

3. “The Bible needs no defense”

True – Scripture is self-authenticating and is our ultimate authority. God doesn’t need our words to prove that he’s true.

The question isn’t “does it need it,” but “does it warrant it?” Is it worth a defense, can it be defended without “undoing” it? (Yes, see NT.)

Titus 1:9 - 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

• When our arguments are from the Bible (or subservient to truths from the Bible) we are not undermining the Bible’s authority.