Experiential Apologetics Essay

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EXPERIENTIAL APOLOGETICS Judi Fall Introduction to Apologetics /APOL500 February 7, 2010 INTRODUCTION Likely, the most important thing you can do, as a Christian, is to share the gospel with others. Whether you are a Christian or are not, you need to hear the gospel. But that being said, it is easier said than done. There are those who will be willing to hear and those who will not. Being able to give an answer to everyone who asks is known as apologetics, which means to “give an answer.” 1{Hindson, Caner, 28} Paul said in 1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts set apart 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.” (NIV). Peter does not simply suggest that we be prepared, but he compels us to be prepared always. Christianity is under attack not only by those within Christianity, but also by those in cults and other faiths. C.S. Lewis, who was one of the best-known apologists of the 20th century, said, To be ignorant and simple now--not to be able to meet the enemies on their [1]ground--would be to throw down our weapons, and to betray our uneducated brethren who have, under God, no defense but us against the intellectual attacks of the heathen. Good philosophy must exist, if for no other reason, because bad philosophy needs to be answered (The Weight of Glory, 50). 2 EXPERIENTIAL APOLOGETICS One form of apologetics is called “Experiential Apologetics”. This method of apologetics asks “Have we experienced God?” We know God exists because we have been able to 3experience His being around us. This is very much the same as fideism, which is reliance on faith rather than reason in the pursuit for religious truth (Merriam Webster Dictionary). Experiential apologists could use their personal testimony, which is a vital

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