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Pastor Brooks had some men in the church approach him, recalling that years ago I met with some students to teach on the subject of Apologetics. Apologetics is the branch of Christianity that trains us how to “defend the faith.” They wondered if we could get together to pursue some further discussion regarding the subject of providing answer to some difficult questions that are coming from those who claim atheism on the island.
The Apostle Peter encourages the church with these words: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” – 1 Peter 3:15-16.
As we sat down to discuss those troubling questions it became very apparent that the issue was not a question of requiring more and better intellectual answer to skeptics, but instead we had to look deeper. The foundational flaw with a denial of the faith is not an intellectual fault, but rather it is sourced in a hardened and wounded heart. After talking about these deeper issues, it became clear that on this island there is a strong stigma against confrontation such that many would rather deny the faith all-together rather than face the slings and arrows of dispassionate judgment from either church leaders or the public at large. Unfortunately, there has been too much gossip that leaves the wounded surrounded by what feels like jackals – regardless if this is the reality or not.
Thus, our conversation looked back at the text from St. Peter’s instruction, and the inescapable requirement of apologetic defense must be offered with “gentleness and respect”. Another key passage on apologetics that corresponds with Peter’s instruction comes from the Apostle Paul: “Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth” – 2 Timothy 2:25.
We had a very fruitful meeting this morning that centered on the critical importance of our approach in helping the hurting and our ability to learn how to listen. It is too easy to pass judgment, and the truth is – the sinner is already aware of their wickedness… which is the main reason for their rejection and denial of God’s truth (Romans 1:18). We ended our study with a exaltation of God’s grace for the sinner, and a strategy that looks to bridge those “seekers” and “atheists” back to the flock through the many relationships that God has already provided, such that we would learn to shepherd one another; following the Biblical instruction that teaches us in order to reach the mind, we must first reach the heart (Ephesians 4:15).