Apologetics- What’s the Point?

I’ve been doing some reading lately on Christian apologetics. In the course of my latest readings, I have come to an interesting revelation: so far, I have not found one convincing argument for my belief in the Bible or the Christian God. I suppose the reason that this discovery stood out to me so much is that I am reading the same materials that were a buttress to my faith only 3+ years ago. William Lane Craig, Josh McDowell, Ron Rhodes, Lee Strobel, and many other websites as well have all had fair consultation by me.

Here’s the deal: I remember a former pastor of mine making the comment in a sermon that “you can’t prove or disprove the bible.” I still think that is a great statement fully ringing of truth. Why is it that the same arguments that formerly strengthened my faith only now seem to discourage it all the more. Is it that I have become an apostate and therefore my eyes are now blinded to the truth? Possibly, however, Paul performed apologetics to the Greek Pagans in Romans and changed many of their minds. Is the reason that apologetics are not working for me because God has “hardened my heart” and I have no ability to return to the fold? Possibly. Although, I have to admit, if that were the case, I want nothing to do with that god anyway.

Here is what I think is really going on. Christians, you need to read and consider this, because I think this could be helpful to you.

1. Apologetics solely should not be used to lead people into a relationship with Christ. A Christian can have all of the reasoning in the world why his or her belief is correct…but guess what, the non-believer can have all of the reasoning in the world why his or her non-belief is correct. To engage in debate is fun, however, in the long run, completely ineffective. Even if there is a definite winner, the loser is not likely to change his or her position. Read some of the transcripts of debates between Atheists and Christians that can be found online. In some of them, you can see a definite winner, but never did I hear of an Atheist becoming a Christian or a Christian becoming an atheist as a result of the debate.

2. Apologetics is primarily useful in strengthening the faith of the faithful. Peter exhorts the readers to “have a reason for the hope that lies in you.” I believe this scripture has been twisted over the years. I don’t believe that having the reason is for the hearer as much as it is for the sayer. If you as a Christian have a reason for the hope that lies in you, then that strengthens your faith in the wake of questions and doubts. This reason helps convince you that there is reasoning behind your faith, not just blind acceptance. But once again, this reasoning is not likely to bring anybody to faith in Christ.

3. No matter how many answers you have for why the claims of Christianity are true, there will always be non-believers that can counter those answers with answers of their own. This is not necessarily a battle over who is more intelligent, instead, its a battle of perspectives. At this point, I don’t think there is anybody on this earth that can convince me to return to Christianity. No man (or woman) can do that, nor should they have to. The only one that could do that would be God. Apologetics are great to show the world that there is logic and reasoning behind your faith, but this logic and faith really does nothing when it comes to the “heart” relationship espoused by Christianity.

I do believe that apologetics has its place in the public discourse. I love listening to and participating in good debate. It must be understood though, your religion, whatever that may be, is your perspective. Do you look at life through Jesus colored glasses? Or Jewish colored glasses? Or do you look at life through the glasses of a skeptic? In order for true conversion or “soul-winning” to happen, there has to be a change on a much deeper level. A level so deep that apologetics couldn’t begin to get there.