4 Christian Apologetic Tactics to be Avoided

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christian apologetics, christian

Why do Christians always feel the need to apologize-badly?

It’s better being a happy Atheist as opposed to an unhappy Christian

Apologetics comes from the Greek meaning “speaking in defense.” It is the discipline of defending a position (usually religious) through the systematic use of reason. Early Christian writers (c. 120-220) who defended their faith against critics and recommended their faith to outsiders were called apologists.

In modern times, apologists refers to authors, writers, editors or academic journals, and Christian leaders known for defending the points in arguments, conflicts or positions that receive great popular scrutinies or are minority views.

So, I spent the morning traveling the internet looking for good reasons why Christians are always apologizing.  I found dozens of Jesus Jumper sites that spoke to this subject, but in broad terms, without a specific reference.  The apologies ranged from “we really didn’t have anything to do with the crusades” to “we’re sorry that we have to protest the homosexuals but they are seen as an abomination by the lord as quoted in the Silly Book.”  I added the Silly Book part, but you guys know I’m talking about the Bible.

Anyway, you get the point which is the Christians just don’t get it because, after all, there are some important names that make a good living off of telling  deluded Christians what they think they want to hear, despite the evidence.  As a result our friends over at TS are providing the following examples of apologetic tactics that you should avoid so you don’t look like giant idiots….still.

1.

Unequal Honesty

Most arguments for Christianity can be disproved by simply applying it to any other topic. A certain subconscious bias is given by Christians to any response in defense of their religion. In order to avoid this bias try applying the argument to any other topic and see if it still sounds like a valid argument. For example, some believe that Christianity must be true because historically people have died for the faith. Sounds logical, people would not be willing to die for a lie. However people have also killed themselves for the UFO religion Heaven’s Gate. Does that mean there really was a space craft trailing the comet Hale-Bopp? Obviously not. Just because people are willing to die for a claim does not mean that the claim is true. It just means that they think it is true.

2.

Quote Mining

Quotes are very easy to misuse to give a false impression of what an author means. Apologists commonly take quotes out of context so it appears that the experts agree with them. To find out what scientists and historians really say listen to them instead of letting apologists speak for them. Quotes, even in context, should still never be used as a basis of truth. What experts say is not as important as why they say what they say.

3.
What They Say, But Not What They Mean


Being honest about the words said by scientists while lying about what was actually meant by those words is a common tactic by Apologists. It’s so effective because a person can actually check to see that scientists really do say what the apologists say they are saying. However, what it sounds like they mean is not always what is actually meant because certain terminology holds different meaning when used in layman terms. Again it is best to just let the experts speak for themselves instead of letting apologists speak for them.

4.
A Lack Of Fact Checking

The fact is all Christian apologists rely on the anticipation that you will not fact check their claims. Many Christians feel that they are honest about their faith when they are willing to question it and seek answers but they typically don’t question the given answers. Thus they are only taking the first steps in being honest but never go all the way. When reading an answer given by apologists (or anyone) it is crucial to fact check their claims and research their sources. Then fact check those sources repeating the process until you reach an answer that cannot be disproved no matter how hard you try. Only then are you being as honest as possible.

Question everything, even the answers to your questions, especially if you are not a Christian.  Thanks to Truth Saves for their substantial contributions to the article.

About Post Author

Professor Mike

Professor Mike is a left-leaning, dog loving, political junkie. He has written dozens of articles for Substack, Medium, Simily, and Tribel. Professor Mike has been published at Smerconish.com, among others. He is a strong proponent of the environment, and a passionate protector of animals. In addition he is a fierce anti-Trumper. Take a moment and share his work.
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Lou
10 years ago

Interesting article, with some good points made. I’ve seen examples of these things from both sides, sadly.

Regarding the example mentioned in your first point, I think some clarification is helpful. When you say “some believe that Christianity must be true because historically people have died for the faith”, I’d have to agree that I don’t find that very convincing–unless these martyrs were in a position to *know* whether or not their claims were true.

Radical Muslims who blow themselves up today trust that Muhammad’s claims were on the level. The Hale-Boppers trusted that Applewhite’s NDE visions were real and that wasn’t just a very charismatic nutcase with an eye for quality footwear.

The earliest Christians weren’t in that position. They claimed that they themselves interacted with a post-crucifixion Jesus who commissioned them to spread the word–and then willingly died rather than shut up about it. I find that much more compelling, myself. I guarantee that if I was spinning religious yarns for fun, I’d hastily recant at the first *hint* that a crowd was about to chuck rocks at me for it.

Anyway, nice website and thank you for your service.

Ken
10 years ago

“When reading an answer given by apologists (or anyone) it is crucial to fact check their claims and research their sources.” Yes, please do so. And to be consistent, apply that same standard to the claims made in this post, virtually none of which are true.

Chad McMath already corrected you on point #1. What you have articulated there is a straw man at best.

“To find out what scientists and historians really say listen to them instead of letting apologists speak for them.” Absolutely, and I know of no reputable apologists whatsoever who have ever said to do otherwise. Yes, even apologists cite to our sources in our writings.

“Again it is best to just let the experts speak for themselves instead of letting apologists speak for them.” Again, agreed. And no reputable apologist says otherwise.

Which brings us back to: “When reading an answer given by apologists (or anyone) it is crucial to fact check their claims and research their sources.” Absolutely. So let us apply this exact same standard to the claims made in your post:

“Apologists commonly take quotes out of context so it appears that the experts agree with them.”

“Being honest about the words said by scientists while lying about what was actually meant by those words is a common tactic by Apologists.”

“The fact is all Christian apologists rely on the anticipation that you will not fact check their claims.”

OK. So you have made those claims. Now let us use the exact same standard you suggested to fact check your claims. Let’s check your sources…

(Insert the sound of crickets chirping here)

What sources? You have violated your own standard. The fact is that this entire post seems more borne out of an emotional tirade than any actual careful research. These claims are indefensible (especially the last). You ask people to check the sources of apologists (which I, for one, as an apologist would openly welcome) yet you provide no sources yourself. You give absolutely nothing to back up your claims.

So as for the methodology you discuss, we can agree. And I ask everyone reading to apply that same methodology to the claims you have made in this post, which will inevitably lead to them rejecting everything you have said.

10 years ago

You said, “The fact is all Christian apologists rely on the anticipation that you will not fact check their claims.”

I like most of the article, with the exception of the above post. “All” Christian apologists? The “fact” of that? It is irrational to assume you know the motives of most, if any, apologist. Much less to ascribe a devious motive all apologists.

I’m a Christian Apologist and sincerely hope that people fact check my claims.

Chad McMath
10 years ago

“some believe that Christianity must be true because historically people have died for the faith”

You are right that this argument is not valid, but I’ve never heard it used. What I have heard is this:

The disciples truly believed they saw the resurrected Jesus – so much so that they were willing to die for that belief. Yes, it is true that people die for claims that aren’t true, but people don’t typically die for claims they know aren’t true. Therefore, the disciples surely at least believed they saw the resurrected Jesus.

This, of course, alone does not prove that Jesus rose from the dead, but it is one of the building blocks for making a solid case.

Anyway, I wasn’t sure if you were perhaps misrepresenting this argument or if you were presenting a different one all together. But I find that there is a valid argument concerning martyrdom when stated correctly.

Bradley Scott
12 years ago

O.K., by the numbers.
1.) Are you saying that spome one who kills themself to prove their faith, and one put to death because they won’t renounce their faith are the same thing? Wow, yeah, I see it now; Joan of Arc and Jim Jones. Just like twins. Talk about enequal honesty.
2.)Quote Mining. So anything anyone ever said before is automatically suspect, no matter who said it or how contextually unambibuous it is? You say listen to what scientists and historians really say, but what if they’re wrong, or lying, like the scientists who, for thirty years, said no real causal link could be determined between smoking and lung cancer? We know now they did so because the tobacco industry paid them to do so, but how many other ‘experts’ are in some one’s pocket?
3.)According to this, listening to the experts would be a waste of time, since, as a layman, I would not only be unable to understand the scientific terminology, but if I dared repeat it, it would take on a whole other meaning to any other layman to whom I was speaking. So I guess any time a scientist or expert turns out to be wromg, he or she can just say, “That’s not what I meant.” Handy.
4.)Since your central peoccupation is with what Christians believe, none of which can be proved or disproved to any degree of measurable certainty, I wonder if you are at all as dilligent when fact-checking the experts and scientist you apparently revere.

P.S. Mike, relating to another post, it’s the law of gravity, not the theory of gravity. With your history in law enforcement, I would suspect you to know the difference, and I’m disappointed that you would use such a spurious argument. I’ve never been ticketed because the speed limit was theoretically 55.

Kathy Summers
Reply to  Bradley Scott
11 years ago

Bradley Scott,
Thank you.

Kathy

12 years ago

I feel no reason to apologise for me faith Mr. Scott. My happiest times are at church and church functions with my family and fellow church members.

If we are sorry about anything it’s you and your fellow nonbelievers souls being subject to an eternity of torment.

jenny40
12 years ago

I agree with the grinning cat. It’s true that christians, at least the ones I know are always sorry about something.

Cheshire Cat
12 years ago

This is an outstanding article, and true to the last line. Good work and thanks. Doing some serious sharing here.

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