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{{Christianity}}

{{Christianity}}

'''Christian apologetics''' is the defense of the [[Christianity|Christian]] [[faith]] through evidence and [[logic]]-based arguments.<ref>The word [[apologetics]] comes from the [[Greek]] word apologia (from Greek ἀπολογία), which means "speaking in defense." Christian [[Witnessing|witness]] to [[Jesus Christ]] in an informal, spontaneous setting, most often in conversation, is an oral form of Christian apologetics. ''See'' [[First Epistle of Peter (Translated)#3:15|1 Peter 3:15]].</ref> Compelling evidence for Christianity includes:

'''Christian apologetics''' is the defense of the [[Christianity|Christian]] [[faith]] through evidence and [[logic]]-based arguments.<ref>The word [[apologetics]] comes from the [[Greek]] word apologia (from Greek ἀπολογία), which means "speaking in defense." Christian [[Witnessing|witness]] to [[Jesus Christ]] in an informal, spontaneous setting, most often in conversation, is an oral form of Christian apologetics. ''See'' [[First Epistle of Peter (Translated)#3:15|1 Peter 3:15]].</ref> Compelling evidence for Christianity includes:

*According to [[Simon Greenleaf]], the legal scholar who was a chief early figure at Harvard Law School, the [[Gospel]]s corroborate each other's accounts, and he viewed their mutual support as a key strength under the rules of evidence. ''See'' [[Christian legal apologetics]].<ref>[https://grok.com/share/c2hhcmQtNA%3D%3D_3e694dc6-5fc5-405e-b6df-12ac7543c531 Provide information on Simon Greenleaf's Testimony of the Evangelist. Also, does Simon Greenlead indicate that the four gospels corroborate each other?]</ref>

*According to [[Simon Greenleaf]], the legal scholar who was a chief early figure at Harvard Law School, the [[Gospel]]s corroborate each other's accounts, and he viewed their mutual support as a key strength under the rules of evidence. ''See'' [[Christian legal apologetics]].<ref>[https://grok.com/share/c2hhcmQtNA%3D%3D_3e694dc6-5fc5-405e-b6df-12ac7543c531 Provide information on Simon Greenleaf's Testimony of the Evangelist. Also, does Simon Greenleaf indicate that the four gospels corroborate each other?]</ref>

*There is extensive [[Biblical scientific foreknowledge]], and many prophecies in the [[Bible]] have remarkably been fulfilled.<ref>[https://grok.com/share/c2hhcmQtNA%3D%3D_20e9ac23-9c56-4dbc-a7a3-8a306444fc2d Do Christians indicate that the Bible has many fulfilled prophecies? Please summarize the book Science Speaks by Peter Stoner.]</ref> ''See'' [[Bible prophecy]].

*There is extensive [[Biblical scientific foreknowledge]], and many prophecies in the [[Bible]] have remarkably been fulfilled.<ref>[https://grok.com/share/c2hhcmQtNA%3D%3D_20e9ac23-9c56-4dbc-a7a3-8a306444fc2d Do Christians indicate that the Bible has many fulfilled prophecies? Please summarize the book Science Speaks by Peter Stoner.]</ref> ''See'' [[Bible prophecy]].

*Non-believers have no plausible explanation for who [[Jesus]] was and his immense influence, if he weren't [[God]].<ref>[https://grok.com/share/c2hhcmQtNA%3D%3D_0bd7af04-49b1-415c-977e-d0eb390da507 How much influence did Jesus have on the world? How much influence has Christianity had on the world? Also, please cover Dr. James Kennedy's work ''What if Jesus was not born?''.  Please cover the article "The Triumph of the Gospel of Love" at: http://www.orthodoxresearchinstitute.org/articles/church_history/themistocles_triumph_love.html Also, cover the article The Surprising Discovery About Those Colonialist, Proselytizing Missionaries at https://archive.is/cDMnA#selection-1017.0-1017.76]</ref>

*Non-believers have no plausible explanation for who [[Jesus]] was and his immense influence, if he weren't [[God]].<ref>[https://grok.com/share/c2hhcmQtNA%3D%3D_0bd7af04-49b1-415c-977e-d0eb390da507 How much influence did Jesus have on the world? How much influence has Christianity had on the world? Also, please cover Dr. James Kennedy's work ''What if Jesus was not born?''.  Please cover the article "The Triumph of the Gospel of Love" at: http://www.orthodoxresearchinstitute.org/articles/church_history/themistocles_triumph_love.html Also, cover the article The Surprising Discovery About Those Colonialist, Proselytizing Missionaries at https://archive.is/cDMnA#selection-1017.0-1017.76]</ref>

*[[Christianity]], in contrast with [[atheism]] and other religions, urges searching for the truth with evidence, [[logic]] and [[faith]], and taking the less-traveled road.<ref>''See, e.g.'', [[Matthew, Chapter 7|Matthew 7:13-14]].</ref> See: [[Evidential apologetics]] and [[Logical arguments for the existence of God]]

*[[Christianity]], in contrast with [[atheism]] and other religions, urges searching for the truth with evidence, [[logic]], and [[faith]], and taking the less-traveled road.<ref>''See, e.g.'', [[Matthew, Chapter 7|Matthew 7:13-14]].</ref> See: [[Evidential apologetics]] and [[Logical arguments for the existence of God]]

*Phenomenal art, music, writings, and architecture were inspired by Christianity: ''e.g.'', "to err is human / to forgive, divine." ''See'' [[Christian art]], the [[Sistine Chapel]], [[King James Bible's influence on the world]] and [[Famous Cathedrals]].

*Phenomenal art, music, writings, and architecture were inspired by Christianity: ''e.g.'', "to err is human / to forgive, divine." ''See'' [[Christian art]], the [[Sistine Chapel]], [[King James Bible's influence on the world]] and [[Famous Cathedrals]].

*2,000 years after the [[New Testament]] was written, its books remain as vibrant, compelling, and helpful as ever before. That cannot be said about merely human works.

*2,000 years after the [[New Testament]] was written, its books remain as vibrant, compelling, and helpful as ever before. That cannot be said about merely human works.

*The [[Shroud of Turin]] has been impossible to replicate and it is unexplained by non-believers, provides evidence that there was an intense flash of light in the [[Resurrection]].<ref>The flash of light captured on the Shroud includes even the flesh and bones of the man, analogous to an X-ray. Non-believers cling to doubt based on a 1988 carbon-dating of a corner sample containing cotton fibers, which was not an uncontaminated original. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPLEu1MMYfo]</ref>

*The [[Shroud of Turin]] has been impossible to replicate, and it is unexplained by non-believers; it provides evidence that there was an intense flash of light in the [[Resurrection]].<ref>The flash of light captured on the Shroud includes even the flesh and bones of the man, analogous to an X-ray. Non-believers cling to doubt based on a 1988 carbon-dating of a corner sample containing cotton fibers, which was not an uncontaminated original. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPLEu1MMYfo]</ref>

*The [[Bible]], including the [[New Testament]], is by far the best-selling book today and throughout history, and it rings true while being more helpful to people than any alternative.  

*The [[Bible]], including the [[New Testament]], is by far the best-selling book today and throughout history, and it rings true while being more helpful to people than any alternative.  

Christian apologetics are based on evidence, reason, history, linguistics, science, and human experience.  [[Atheist]]ic societies or values are notoriously inhumane and hostile to [[free speech|freedom of speech]].

Christian apologetics are based on evidence, reason, history, linguistics, science, and human experience.  [[Atheist]]ic societies or values are notoriously inhumane and hostile to [[free speech|freedom of speech]].

Three major schools of Christian apologetics are: [[classical apologetics]], [[evidential apologetics]] and [[presuppositional apologetics]]. A lesser-known school of Christian apologetics is [[integrated apologetics]] which is a system of Christian apologetics introduced by [[Johnson C. Philip]]. Philip is a Christian apologist from India and he argues that while each school of Christian apologetics contains a part of the truth, they tend to be too narrow to do justice to the broad field of Christian apologetics. He proposes that all these schools of apologetics should be integrated into a harmonious whole.<ref>[http://creationwiki.org/Integrated_apologetics Integrated Apologetics] at [[CreationWiki]].</ref>

Three major schools of Christian apologetics are: [[classical apologetics]], [[evidential apologetics]] and [[presuppositional apologetics]]. A lesser-known school of Christian apologetics is [[integrated apologetics]] which is a system of Christian apologetics introduced by [[Johnson C. Philip]]. Philip is a Christian apologist from India, and he argues that while each school of Christian apologetics contains a part of the truth, they tend to be too narrow to do justice to the broad field of Christian apologetics. He proposes that all these schools of apologetics should be integrated into a harmonious whole.<ref>[http://creationwiki.org/Integrated_apologetics Integrated Apologetics] at [[CreationWiki]].</ref>

There are a number of subfields within apologetics. Some apologists specialize in internal biblical consistency (such as [[JP Holding]], owner of the website tektonics.org), others in scientific defenses of the Bible, and still others in historical or philosophical defenses of Christianity (such as [[Gary Habermas]] or [[Lee Strobel]]). Although some feel that their faith needs no justification, many feel that Christians should be prepared to defend and spread their faith by intellectual means, especially as many people will not accept Christianity without a "rational" reason to do so.

There are a number of subfields within apologetics. Some apologists specialize in internal biblical consistency (such as [[JP Holding]], owner of the website tektonics.org), others in scientific defenses of the Bible, and still others in historical or philosophical defenses of Christianity (such as [[Gary Habermas]] or [[Lee Strobel]]). Although some feel that their faith needs no justification, many feel that Christians should be prepared to defend and spread their faith by intellectual means, especially as many people will not accept Christianity without a "rational" reason to do so.

In the 20th century, this argument has been strongly supported by [[science]], with the discovery that the universe had a beginning. Prior to the 1920s, it had been widely believed that the universe's existence had been eternal.<ref>http://www.harvardhouse.com/Science-Religion.htm</ref> This verifies the very first three words of the [[Bible]]: "In the beginning."

In the 20th century, this argument has been strongly supported by [[science]], with the discovery that the universe had a beginning. Prior to the 1920s, it had been widely believed that the universe's existence had been eternal.<ref>http://www.harvardhouse.com/Science-Religion.htm</ref> This verifies the very first three words of the [[Bible]]: "In the beginning."

* The [[Ontological argument]]: God is the being than which no greater can be conceived.  It is greater to exist than to not exist.  Therefore, if you conceive God as not existing, you are not conceiving the being than which no greater can be conceived, and are therefore not conceiving God.  Therefore, it is impossible to conceive of God as not existing.  Therefore, God exists.   

* The [[Ontological argument]]: God is the being than which no greater can be conceived.  It is greater to exist than not to exist.  Therefore, if you conceive God as not existing, you are not conceiving the being than which no greater can be conceived, and are therefore not conceiving God.  Therefore, it is impossible to conceive of God as not existing.  Therefore, God exists.   

* The Argument from morality: All humans are born with a natural, moral code.  A moral code implies a moral code giver, aka God.

* The Argument from morality: All humans are born with a natural, moral code.  A moral code implies a moral code giver, aka God.

There is a great amount of compelling evidence from multiple lines of evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ (See: [[Christian Apologetics and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ|Evidence of the resurrection of Jesus Christ]]).  

There is a great amount of compelling evidence from multiple lines of evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ (See: [[Christian Apologetics and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ|Evidence of the resurrection of Jesus Christ]]).  

Traditionally, Christianity has believed in a physical resurrection of Jesus Christ.<ref>http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/cri/cri-jrnl/crj0056a.txt</ref> The Christian apologist Michael Horner of [[Campus Crusade for Christ|CRU]] has an excellent resource which offers a defense of the resurrection of Jesus Christ entitled  [http://powertochange.com/discover/faith/jesusrose1/ Did Jesus really rise from the dead?]. In addition, Dr. Gary Habermas offers [http://www.garyhabermas.com/audio/audio.htm an online audio library which defends the resurrection of Jesus Christ.].

Traditionally, Christianity has believed in a physical resurrection of Jesus Christ.<ref>http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/cri/cri-jrnl/crj0056a.txt</ref> The Christian apologist Michael Horner of [[Campus Crusade for Christ|CRU]] has an excellent resource which offers a defense of the resurrection of Jesus Christ entitled  [http://powertochange.com/discover/faith/jesusrose1/ Did Jesus really rise from the dead?]. In addition, Dr. Gary Habermas offers [http://www.garyhabermas.com/audio/audio.htm an online audio library which defends the resurrection of Jesus Christ].

In recent history, Dr. [[Gary Habermas]] is considered the foremost Christian apologist for defending the resurrection of Jesus.<ref>http://www.garyhabermas.com/articles/dialog_rexperience/dialog_rexperiences.htm</ref><ref>http://www.tektonics.org/books/lichabrvw.html</ref><ref>http://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/Ted_Hildebrandt/NTeSources/NTArticles/CTR-NT/Habermas-Resurrection2-CTR.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.garyhabermas.com/articles/crj_explainingaway/crj_explainingaway.htm</ref><ref>http://www.apologetics.com/default.jsp?bodycontent=/articles/historical_apologetics/habermas-nt.html</ref>  Dr. Habermas had a debate against the philosopher Antony Flew regarding the resurrection which was chronicled in the work ''Did Jesus Rise from the Dead? The Resurrection Debate'' and the debate had a panel of debate judges.  J. Hampton Keathley, III, Th.M. in his essay ''Evidences for the Resurrection'' wrote: "The decision of the judges were as follows. The panel of philosophers judging content cast four votes for Habermas who argued for the fact of the resurrection, none for Flew, and one draw. The panel of professional debate judges voted three to two, also in favor of Habermas, this time regarding the method of argumentation technique."<ref>http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=639</ref>

In recent history, Dr. [[Gary Habermas]] is considered the foremost Christian apologist for defending the resurrection of Jesus.<ref>http://www.garyhabermas.com/articles/dialog_rexperience/dialog_rexperiences.htm</ref><ref>http://www.tektonics.org/books/lichabrvw.html</ref><ref>http://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/Ted_Hildebrandt/NTeSources/NTArticles/CTR-NT/Habermas-Resurrection2-CTR.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.garyhabermas.com/articles/crj_explainingaway/crj_explainingaway.htm</ref><ref>http://www.apologetics.com/default.jsp?bodycontent=/articles/historical_apologetics/habermas-nt.html</ref>  Dr. Habermas had a debate against the philosopher Antony Flew regarding the resurrection which was chronicled in the work ''Did Jesus Rise from the Dead? The Resurrection Debate'' and the debate had a panel of debate judges.  J. Hampton Keathley, III, Th.M. in his essay ''Evidences for the Resurrection'' wrote: "The decision of the judges were as follows. The panel of philosophers judging content cast four votes for Habermas who argued for the fact of the resurrection, none for Flew, and one draw. The panel of professional debate judges voted three to two, also in favor of Habermas, this time regarding the method of argumentation technique."<ref>http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=639</ref>

''See also:'' [[Answers in Genesis]] and [[Creation Ministries International]] and [[Global creationism]] and [[Growth of evangelical Christianity]]

''See also:'' [[Answers in Genesis]] and [[Creation Ministries International]] and [[Global creationism]] and [[Growth of evangelical Christianity]]

Dr. [[Johnson C. Philip]] & Dr. Saneesh Cherian wrote in their work ''Introduction To Integrated Christian Apologetics]]'':

Dr. [[Johnson C. Philip]] & Dr. Saneesh Cherian wrote in their work ''Introduction To Integrated Christian Apologetics'':

{{cquote|American evangelical Christians have began to notice in the fifties that compromise is a slow poison that ultimately destroys respect for truth. Some of them came together and started writing aggressively on themes defending the historical and scientific reliability of the Bible. This gave birth to the modern interest in Apologetics and Creationism. At the dawn of the twenty-first century the influence of this revival has spread all over the world, and today more than one hundred and fifty organizations function around the world, devoted solely to apologetics. Their influence has be so strong that a large number of Seminaries all around the world have begun assert the historical and scientific reliability of the Bible...

{{cquote|American evangelical Christians have begun to notice in the fifties that compromise is a slow poison that ultimately destroys respect for truth. Some of them came together and started writing aggressively on themes defending the historical and scientific reliability of the Bible. This gave birth to the modern interest in Apologetics and Creationism. At the dawn of the twenty-first century the influence of this revival has spread all over the world, and today more than one hundred and fifty organizations function around the world, devoted solely to apologetics. Their influence has be so strong that a large number of Seminaries all around the world have begun assert the historical and scientific reliability of the Bible...

...with the birth of the modern creationism and apologetics, a revival set in motion among the evangelical Christians. This group became quite vocal and aggressive in the sixties, and by seventies they started exerting significant influence among theologians, thinkers, and the Bible teachers all over the world.

...with the birth of the modern creationism and apologetics, a revival set in motion among the evangelical Christians. This group became quite vocal and aggressive in the sixties, and by seventies they started exerting significant influence among theologians, thinkers, and the Bible teachers all over the world.