To leave an objection unanswered is to agree with it: either an answer is given, or the objection is allowed to stand. For many decades in America, as culture has become less knowledgeable about the faith, questions both sincere and contentious have been directed toward Christianity. I want the questions to be answered for both kinds of questioners.
Alister McGrath, professor of theology at Oxford, offers satisfying clarity to that whole attempt of Christians to provide answers, which is called "apologetics."
"Apologetics is not a set of techniques for winning people to Christ. It is not a set of argumentative templates designed to win debates. It is a willingness to work with God in helping people discover and turn to his glory. . .
"Far from being a mechanical repetition of ideas, apologetics is about a natural realization of the answers that arise from a deep and passionate immersion in the realities of our faith." (p. 41)
"[T]here is no substitute for long, hard, and prayerful reflection on the great truths of faith on the one hand - and the identity of the audiences we shall engage and address on the other." (p. 42)
(from Mere Apologetics)
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