The purpose of this blog is to bring to light some thoughts of apologetics in our post-modern world. These thoughts are not just my own opinions, but the opinions of other people that have grown up in a post modern culture that are suspicious of organized institutions stating that they have the only truth. An apologist today has to speak a language that sticks up for a truth, yet does it in a way that builds relationships and is respectful to the other opinion. I know this sounds way too political correct but it is not. A Christian apologist is still standing up for a strong truth. But the environment in where this truth is being defended is post modern. If an apologist does not recognize this, than the perception is that this person is just another over opinionated, polarizing person, that is more interested in pushing their agenda then having a respect for the greater good.
The crux and challenge of the issue is that the message of Jesus Christ is polarizing. His message stated a specific path that one would call opinionated—and it was God’s truth. This truth was so offensive to the establishment, that he was killed because of it. So how does one defend this truth in a postmodern world? Here are a couple of ideas.
Number one. Jesus’ truth is explained and defended with authority, yet with respect and love for the other person’s belief. Our postmodern generation has been educated and raised on entertainment that shows dogmatism as being ignorant. If the person with a strong belief is not ignorant, then he or she must be trying to gain power or wealth. The defender of Christ must be aware of the postmodern desire to “coexist” with all viewpoints and work around this by actually showing the “good news” of following Jesus.
Number two. An apologist needs to show that he is not gaining any power or material possession by a person accepting Christ. Our postmodern world is skeptical that every institution has a self serving angle. The perception is that these institutions use people for material gain and when threatened they fight with each other. To the skeptical post modern; Christian history is nothing more than fighting wars, conquering the natives, and feuding for more power. Even though this is an extreme oversimplification; perception is reality. In this mass media world, Christian apologists must show the sincere intent of why they are defending Christ.
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