Evidential apologetics – What is it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Christian apologetics means providing a "defense" (from the Greek, apologia) for what Christians believe (1 Peter 3:15-16). More specifically, evidential apologetics emphasizes miracles and fulfilled prophecies from the Bible, especially Christ's resurrection, as evidence for the existence of God and the validity of Scripture. Historical and archaeological evidence is also used to support the reliability of the Bible. This is similar to classical apologetics, which stresses reason in its approach to evidence. However, here the focus is on evidence that can be demonstrated simply and directly, while the classical approach emphasizes reason.

Jesus, for example, used an evidential approach to demonstrate the reality of His own resurrection to His disciples. Acts 1:3 says, "He presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive..." These proofs included Jesus eating a piece of fish (Luke 24:42-43) and allowing Thomas to touch the wounds from His crucifixion (John 20:24-28).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Proof of God is obvious in creation itself: "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork" (Psalm 19:1).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Many years later, Paul reaffirmed the psalmist’s point in Romans 1: “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made” (v. 20). Because the truth about God is so obvious in creation, Paul noted that those who still do not believe are “without excuse” for their unbelief (Romans 1:20).
• Christians must be prepared to explain their faith in a compelling, yet respectful way, while honoring Christ the Lord as holy in their hearts (1 Peter 3:15-16).
• Jude advises believers “to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (v. 3). Evidential apologetics is one way of doing that.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The truth of God's existence can be perceived through the beauty and intricate design of creation (Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:20). Such physical evidence can help persuade the skeptic as well as provide assurance to a Christian struggling with their faith. Perhaps someone who already believes in the existence of God and the general truth of biblical teaching has doubts about Christianity. Then evidential apologetics offers abundant evidence that corroborates the Bible and provides genuine encouragement for their faith. Adherents of modern evidential apologetics include John Warwick Montgomery, Gary Habermas, Lee Strobel, and J. Warner Wallace.

Believers walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 1:17). Yet Christianity is not a blind faith. Christianity is a reasonable faith, with abundant evidence supporting its truth claims. This evidence comes from historical, scientific, and philosophical perspectives. It includes the fulfillment of biblical prophecies, the beginning and fine-tuning of the universe, and the complexity of biological systems that point towards the Creator (Genesis 1:1).

UNDERSTAND

• Christianity is rooted in faith, but it is not a blind faith.
• Evidential apologetics is a branch of apologetics that offers evidence for God’s existence and the validity of the Bible.
• The Bible charges believers with contending for the faith, and evidential apologetics can be one way to do that.

REFLECT

• What evidence have you encountered about God or the Bible that has strengthened your faith?
• What are some ways that you use evidence when discussing the truth of Christianity with others?
• Christianity is rooted in evidence. How has that fact impacted your own faith journey?

ENGAGE

• What’s the difference between knowing the truth and showing the truth to others?
• Considering today’s culture, what are some of the most effective defenses for biblical truth?
• How can evidential apologetics play a role in answering believers’ questions and doubts?