What is Apologetics?

Mar 27, 2008

What is Apologetics?

Heather Terry

Dr. Robert Morey gives a Biblical definition of the Defense of the Christian Faith…

12 Comments, Comment or Ping

Derek Manning

I have used the “If a doctrine is new is not true, and true if it is not new” before, and was accused of committing the genetic fallacy. Of course I was in discussion with some followers of the humanist apologists. My question is how is using this line of thougt not a committing of the genetic fallacy?

Mar 27th, 2008
Dr. Morey

Dear Derek,
The “generic fallacy” (not “genetic fallacy:” I never hear of a genetic fallacy!), refers to the principle that the meaning of words in a living language change over time and thus you cannot assume that the original meaning of a word has the same meaning today. Thus to apply that principle to what I was saying is a categorical fallacy.

Mar 27th, 2008
Reformed Mama

Thank you for Dr. Bob for clarifying this subject..I have a greater grasp on what “defending the faith” is all about…we love and appreciate you!!

Hebba…a job done to God’s glory…xo

Mar 27th, 2008
Glenn Hendrickson

The genetic fallacy is when you base your conclusion on the origin of an idea (at least the way I’ve heard it explained). For example, if someone dismisses an idea simple because they read it on wikipedia they have committed the genetic fallacy. They ignore the merits of an argument and judge it based on its origin. You would probably find better examples of the genetic fallacy by googleing it and reading a few different sites.

Mar 27th, 2008
Glenn Hendrickson

oh, Derek,

In response to your question, you would want to mention that the Bible is the highest authority and is therefore unique. Something is not true or false because it is New or Old. The newness of a teaching can not prove it’s falsehood. For example, at the time the New Testament was first written one could point out that these teachings are new and therefore not true according to our axiom that new things are not true. Same goes for old lies. Another example, at one point in history, say 1,400 years ago, a new religion called islam was formed. Not it is not new anymore. Has the passing of time altered in any way its truthfulness? I would say no. It is as false today as it was 1,400 years ago.

The statement is a way to express the idea that in the realm of Christian doctrine, the content of the faith which we are to defend, we have had enough time to hammer out everything that is essential for us to know. Things like the trinity would be in this category. Once the canon was complete the church took up the task of putting it all together and working out a complete understanding of the whole. I hope that makes sense.

Mar 27th, 2008
agogley

great video guys! This one didn’t make me dizzy like the last one!

Mar 27th, 2008
Derek Manning

Thank you Glenn for clearing that up.

Mar 28th, 2008
Ashley

This was a great video. Way to break it down Dr. Bob.

Mar 28th, 2008
Jean Cauvin

Here’s an interesting question.

I only know of one passage in the New Testament where apologetics denotes polemics (Eph 6:17). Those who know Greek are encouraged to exegete this passage especially in relationship to the work sword (dagger).

Does anybody else know of verses that show a polemical aspect to apologetics besides this one.

An interesting study.

Jean Cauvin

Apr 19th, 2008
Wayne Parker

Can anyone direct me to resources regarding Biblical “inconsistencies” and difficule passages? I would like to know what Dr. Bob or the regulars on here would recommend as good resources so that I’m not wasting time and $$.

Thanks!

Apr 29th, 2008
Stephen Macasil

Wayne, Dr. Morey generally answers this question by recommending
this by Gleason Archer.

It is a helpful work worth the money. I have also found Geisler’s work helpful.

Both should help you with the general difficulties. Do you have a specific issue that you are working through?

Apr 29th, 2008
Wayne Parker

Thank you Stephen! At this point, no. I’m more interested in exploring this area so I can gain a broader overview of the subject. I would ask this question of you, however, do any inconsistencies actullay exist at all in the Bible as we have it now?

As a believer, my immediate answer would be that there are not. That the issue is more a lack of understanding of the language, history, context, etc. on the part of the person who believes that a consistency problem exists. I pretty much come from the position that if the writing of the Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit, then (minus people goofing it up with their own erroneous translastions) God can certainly see to it that it says exactly what he intended it to say.

My goal is that I want to be in a position to be able to intelligently and accurately “defend the faith” so-to-speak, and this is an area that I have not done any real investigation into.

Thank you for your help!

P.S. I am really enjoying this website.

Apr 30th, 2008

Reply to “What is Apologetics?”

Stay updated on Biblical Thought.

Content RSS - Straight to your reader
Comments RSS - Add to the discussion

FORUM RULES

This is an interactive forum with rules that will be enforced by BT Moderators at their sole discretion. It is understood and accepted that some theological discussions can be emotionally driven, and at times get heated. BT Moderators will attempt to regulate any behavior that is deemed destructive to the pursuit of biblical truth, or any behavior that violates the commands, precepts, and examples revealed in Scripture.

Participation in the BT Forum is a privilege and not a right. Therefore, go out of your way if necessary to show yourself blessed, and conduct yourself according to the following:

1. Try to stay on topic. Use the contact form for private or off topic comments/questions.

2. Do not post outside links unless they are directly related to the topic of the OP.

3. Posting using your real name is preferred (unless we know you), but not mandatory. When choosing a nick-name, you may not use the word “Reformed.” There are two exemptions: Reformed Mama and Reformed Rich. These saints were granted free BT exemption passes at the BT headquarters: the Oasis.

4. No drive-by posting. No posting in book form; keep it a reasonable length that will encourage others to post and promote further biblical discussion. (HT: Steve Camp)

5. Immediately adhere to Moderator warnings.

6. No stalking. No demands. No Presbyterians (j/k)!

7. if you have anything to say other than what is immediately related to the OP, use the contact form.

8. Failure to comply with Moderators will result in your indefinite banishment, including the blocking of your IP. EXEMPTIONS: Testimonies, praise reports, prayer requests, doxologies, exhortations, encouragements, clean humor, and things like these are permitted irrespective of the thread or OP.

biblicalthought.com