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**EDWARD D. ANDREWS** (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 180+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).

Why Christian Apologetics Is Important

Christian apologetics is important because it provides evidence and rational arguments for the truth of the Christian faith. This can help to strengthen the faith of believers and can also be used to persuade non-believers to consider the claims of Christianity. Additionally, apologetics can help to defend the faith against objections and criticisms. It can also help to foster deeper understanding and appreciation of the faith for both believers and non-believers alike. Here are a few more reasons why Christian apologetics is important:

It helps to counter misinformation and misunderstandings about Christianity: Apologetics can provide accurate information about the faith and address common misconceptions or misunderstandings about it.
It equips believers to share their faith: Apologetics can give believers the knowledge and tools they need to explain and defend their faith to others, which can be especially important in a culture that is becoming increasingly secular.
It can help to build bridges between different religions: Apologetics can help to foster dialogue and understanding between people of different faiths, which can promote peace and harmony among different religious communities.
It can help to defend the faith against persecution: In some parts of the world, Christians face persecution for their faith. Apologetics can help to provide evidence and arguments that can be used to defend the faith against persecution.
It can help to deepen one’s faith: Apologetics can help to deepen one’s understanding and appreciation of the faith, which can lead to a stronger and more meaningful faith experience.

How Would the Christian Apologist Answer: “Were Adam and Eve Real?”

The Christian apologist would likely use several biblical passages to argue that Adam and Eve were real historical figures.

One of the main passages would be from the book of Genesis, where the creation story is told and Adam and Eve are specifically mentioned. The Bible states in Genesis 2:7, “The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”

Additionally, the New Testament also references Adam and Eve as real historical figures. For example, in Romans 5:12, Paul states, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people because all sinned.” This passage makes reference to Adam being the first man who introduced sin into the world.

Furthermore, In 1 Corinthians 15:22, Paul states, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” This passage again references Adam as the first man, and the one who brought death into the world.

Another important point is that Jesus himself referenced Adam as a real historical figure, as recorded in Matthew 19:4-6 and Mark 10:6-8.

The Bible also provides genealogies that trace the lineage of Jesus back to Adam, which would indicate that Adam is considered a real historical figure.

Therefore, the Christian apologist would argue that the Bible presents Adam and Eve as real historical figures, and their existence is essential to the Christian understanding of creation, sin, and salvation.

How Would the Christian Apologist Answer the Bible Critics Who Say the Bible isn’t Real Evidence?

The Christian apologist would likely argue that the Bible is a reliable source of historical information and that it can be trusted as a record of real events.

One argument that the apologist might make is that the Bible is not just a collection of religious texts, but it also contains historical narratives that have been verified by archaeology and other forms of historical research. For example, the Bible mentions places, peoples, and events that have been confirmed by other historical sources and archaeological discoveries.

Another argument that the apologist might make is that the Bible is a reliable source of information because of the transmission process of the texts. The Bible has been transmitted through centuries by scribes and copyists who were meticulous in preserving the original texts. They used various methods to ensure accuracy, such as counting the number of letters and words in each line to ensure that the copy matched the original text.

Additionally, the apologist might point out that the Bible is a consistent and coherent document. It was written by many different authors over a period of thousands of years, yet it presents a consistent message and worldview.

The apologist may also argue that the Bible’s historical reliability is supported by the testimony of early church fathers and other historical figures who were contemporary to the events described in the Bible, and who accepted it as a reliable source of information.

Finally, the apologist might argue that the Bible is not just a historical document, but it is also a spiritual one, and its spiritual truths and teachings have been tested and proven to be true in the lives of millions of people throughout history.

one reason that the Christian apologist might give for considering the Bible trustworthy is that it claims to be from God, the Creator of mankind. The Bible states in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” This passage asserts that the Bible is not just a human work, but it is inspired by God and it is profitable for teaching, correcting and training in righteousness.

Another argument the apologist might make is that the Bible is trustworthy because it is consistent with what we know about God through natural revelation. For example, the Bible teaches that there is one God who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good, and this is consistent with what we know about God through natural revelation, such as through observing the world around us and our own sense of morality.

The apologist might also argue that the Bible is trustworthy because it contains fulfilled prophecies that were written centuries before their fulfillment, and it has been consistently accurate in its historical accounts.

The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem (Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2)
The betrayal of Jesus by Judas (Psalm 41:9, Zechariah 11:12-13)
The crucifixion of Jesus (Psalm 22:16, Isaiah 53:5)
The resurrection of Jesus (Psalm 16:10, Isaiah 53:10)
The restoration of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 1:1-4, Isaiah 44:28)
The rise and fall of the Babylonian Empire (Isaiah 13:19-22, Jeremiah 51:7-8)
The conquests of Persia by Greece (Isaiah 44:28-45:1, Jeremiah 51:11-14)
The coming of a ruler from the line of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1-10)
The restoration of Israel after exile (Isaiah 44:28-45:1, Ezekiel 37:21-28)
The coming of a ruler from the line of David (Jeremiah 23:5, Isaiah 9:7)
The coming of a king who would be rejected by his own people (Psalm 22:6-8, Isaiah 53:3)
The coming of a savior who would die for the sins of humanity (Isaiah 53:5-6, Psalm 22:16)

Additionally, the apologist might argue that the Bible is trustworthy because of the personal experiences of millions of people throughout history who have found its teachings to be true and applicable in their lives. They may attest that their faith in the Bible has brought them purpose, peace, and guidance in their lives.

In summary, the Christian apologist might argue that the Bible is trustworthy because it claims to be from God, the Creator of mankind, it is consistent with what we know about God through natural revelation, it contains fulfilled prophecies and accurate historical accounts and the personal experiences of millions of people throughout history who have found its teachings to be true and applicable in their lives.

How Can We be sure the Bible Has Not Been Changed?

A Christian apologist might argue that the Bible has been carefully preserved and transmitted over the centuries and that there is a wealth of manuscript evidence that attests to the reliability of the text. They might point to the fact that there are thousands of ancient manuscripts of the Bible in existence, including many that predate the invention of the printing press, which demonstrates that the text has been transmitted with a high degree of accuracy. Additionally, they may argue that the Bible has been the subject of intense scrutiny and study by scholars and theologians for centuries, and that any errors or discrepancies that have been discovered have been shown to be minor and insignificant when it comes to the overall message of the Bible.

Another argument that an apologist might make is that the Bible contains fulfilled prophecy, which demonstrates its divine origin. The apologist may also point out that the Bible has been translated into many languages with great care and that the original text has been translated with great accuracy, thus ensuring that its message has been passed down to us as it was intended.

Finally, an apologist may argue that the Bible is not a human invention but the word of God. Therefore, it is protected by God and not changed by human hand and that the Bible is internally consistent and does not contain any contradictions, which is another evidence of its divine origin.

Apologist Response If Someone Says—

‘I don’t believe in the Bible’:

A Christian apologist might respond by first acknowledging that belief in the Bible is a matter of faith, and that everyone has the right to their own beliefs. They may then ask the person why they do not believe in the Bible and try to understand their perspective.

If the person is questioning the Bible’s accuracy, the apologist might point to the wealth of manuscript evidence and the fact that the text has been transmitted with a high degree of accuracy over time. They may also point to the many fulfilled prophecies and the internal consistency of the text as evidence of its reliability.

If the person is questioning the Bible’s relevance or authority, the apologist may talk about how the Bible has been a source of guidance and inspiration for millions of people throughout history and how it continues to be relevant today. They may also discuss how the Bible is the foundation of the Christian faith and how it presents a message of hope and salvation.

If the person has a different perspective on the concept of God or spirituality, the apologist may engage in a dialogue to understand their point of view. They may also share their personal testimony of how the Bible has been a source of guidance and inspiration in their own life.

Ultimately, the apologist’s goal is to have a respectful conversation and to understand the person’s perspective while also sharing their own beliefs about the Bible and its importance.

‘The Bible contradicts itself’:

A Christian apologist might respond by acknowledging that the Bible is a complex and multi-faceted text, and that there may be passages that are difficult to understand or interpret. They may then ask the person to specify which passages they believe to be contradictory and explain their understanding of the passages in question.

The apologist may then provide alternative interpretations of the passages, drawing on the work of scholars and theologians who have studied the text in depth. They might also point to the historical and cultural context in which the passages were written, which may help to clarify the meaning.

They may also argue that apparent contradictions in the Bible are often the result of misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the text. For example, if the person is claiming that the Bible contradicts itself on a certain historical or scientific matter, the apologist may argue that the Bible is not intended to be a science or history book but a spiritual one, and that it should be read in that light.

Additionally, the apologist may point out that the Bible is not a single, unified text but a collection of books written over the course of centuries by different authors, each with their own perspective and style. Therefore, some level of diversity in perspective is to be expected.

Finally, the apologist may argue that despite any apparent contradictions or difficulties, the overall message of the Bible is consistent and clear. They may also argue that the Bible’s internal consistency and cohesiveness is one of the evidence that it is the word of God rather than a human invention.

‘Men wrote the Bible’:

A Christian apologist might respond by acknowledging that the Bible was indeed written by human authors, but they may argue that it is also the inspired word of God. They may point out that the Bible itself claims to be the word of God (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21) and that the authors of the Bible believed that they were writing under the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).

The apologist may also point to the many fulfilled prophecies in the Bible as evidence of its divine origin. They may argue that the fact that the Bible was written over a period of centuries by multiple authors and yet contains a consistent message and themes is best explained by the idea that it is the word of God.

They may also argue that the Bible has had a profound impact on human history and that its message of hope and salvation continues to resonate with people from all walks of life. They may also point to the internal consistency and cohesiveness of the Bible as evidence of its divine origin.

Finally, the apologist may encourage the person to approach the Bible with an open mind and to read it for themselves in order to discover the truth about its nature and origins.

‘Everyone has his own interpretation of the Bible’:

A Christian apologist might respond by acknowledging that the Bible is a complex and multi-faceted text and that different people may have different interpretations of certain passages. By acknowledging that not all interpretations of the Bible are right, the apologist is emphasizing the importance of approaching the Bible with an open mind and a willingness to let God’s Word guide one’s thinking. They may also point out that twisting the Scriptures to fit one’s own ideas can result in lasting harm and that it is important to consider the context and compare texts with other statements in the Bible that deal with the same subject in order to understand the Bible correctly. Under the objective (not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts) method of interpretation, historical-grammatical, we can get at what the authors meant by the words that they used, not what we feel, think, and believe. There is but one meaning to every text, and that is what the authors meant.

They may also point out that the Bible has been studied and interpreted by scholars and theologians for centuries and that there is a wealth of resources available to help people understand the text.

The apologist may also argue that while different people may have different interpretations of certain passages, the overall message and themes of the Bible are consistent and clear. They may point to the historical and cultural context in which the passages were written, which can help to clarify what the author meant.

The apologist may also argue that the Bible’s teachings align with sound reasoning and moral principles and that its message is consistent with the experience of humanity and the natural world. They may also argue that the Bible’s teachings are in line with the teachings of Jesus and the early Christian Church, which provides a framework for interpreting the text.

They may also argue that while different people may have different interpretations of certain passages, the Bible is not a puzzle to be solved but a guide to be followed and that different interpretations are not acceptable, as there is but only one meaning for every text. Against it is what the authors meant by the words that they used.

Finally, the apologist may encourage the person to approach the Bible with an open mind, to read it for themselves, and to seek out resources and guidance from scholars, theologians, and other trusted sources in order to gain a deeper understanding of the text. It should be noted that there are hundreds of books on biblical interpretation, hermeneutics, and exegesis, but there are only a few that follow the conservative evangelical historical-grammatical method of interpretation. Below are five.

INTERPRETING THE BIBLE: Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics by Edward D. Andrews
Basic Bible Interpretation by Roy B. Zuck
Evangelical Hermeneutics: The New Versus the Old by Robert L. Thomas
Protestant Biblical Interpretation: A Textbook of Hermeneutics by Bernard Ramm
BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS: A Treatise on the Interpretation of the Old and New Testaments by Milton Spenser Terry

‘It is not practical for our day’:

A Christian apologist might respond by acknowledging that the Bible was written in a different historical and cultural context than our own and that certain aspects of its teachings may not be immediately applicable to our modern world. They may also argue that the Bible’s message is eternal and that its teachings continue to be relevant and applicable today.

They may point to the many examples of people throughout history who have found guidance, inspiration, and wisdom in the Bible and have applied its teachings to their lives in practical ways. They may also point to the many organizations and individuals who are actively living out the principles of the Bible in the modern world.

The apologist may also argue that while some parts of the Bible may not be directly applicable to our current society, the principles and teachings of the Bible are still relevant and practical. They may point to the Bible’s emphasis on love, compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness, which are timeless moral principles that are applicable to all people and cultures.

They may also argue that the Bible’s teachings align with sound reasoning and moral principles, and that its message is consistent with the experience of humanity and the natural world. They may also argue that the Bible’s teachings are in line with the teachings of Jesus and the early Christian Church, which provide a framework for interpreting the text.

‘The Bible is a good book, but there is no such thing as absolute truth’:

A Christian apologist might respond by acknowledging that the concept of absolute truth is a matter of perspective and that different people may have different beliefs about what constitutes truth. They may then argue that the Bible presents itself as the absolute truth and that it provides a reliable and consistent framework for understanding the world and our place in it.

Some Absolute Truths

The laws of logic, such as the law of non-contradiction (the statement “A is not non-A” is true in all cases)
Mathematical principles and formulas, such as the Pythagorean theorem (in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides)
The existence of cause and effect, such as the principle of causality (every event must have a cause)
The objective reality of the natural world, such as the laws of physics (forces such as gravity, magnetism, and electromagnetism govern the behavior of matter and energy in the natural world)
Certain moral principles, such as the idea that it is wrong to intentionally harm innocent people.

The apologist may point to the many fulfilled prophecies, the internal consistency and cohesiveness of the Bible, and the profound impact it has had on human history as evidence that it is the word of God, and that its message is true. They may also argue that the Bible’s teachings align with sound reasoning and moral principles and that its message is consistent with the experience of humanity and the natural world.

They may also argue that the Bible’s teachings are in line with the teachings of Jesus and the early Christian Church, which provide a framework for interpreting the text, and that Jesus himself claimed to be the Truth (John 14:6) and that the Bible is the revelation of God’s truth.

The apologist may also point to the many personal testimonies of people who have found the Bible to be a source of guidance and inspiration in their own lives as evidence of its truth. They may also encourage the person to approach the Bible with an open mind and to read it for themselves in order to discover the truth about its nature and origins.

Finally, the apologist may acknowledge that the concept of absolute truth is a matter of personal belief and that, ultimately, whether one believes in the Bible as the absolute truth or not is a matter of faith. They may encourage the person to engage in dialogue, to approach the Bible with an open mind and to seek the truth for themselves.

In summary, the Christian apologist would likely argue that the Bible is a reliable source of historical information and that it can be trusted as a record of real events. They would use a combination of historical, literary, and spiritual evidence to support their claims.