Theology 1.0: What is apologetics?

An admission of guilt?
Apologetics (in this context) is simply the defence of the Christian gospel and faith. Often mistaken for an admission of guilt, failure or fault, an apologetic (or apology) involves give an answer (or a reasoned response) to explain certain beliefs or actions. Technically sepaking, a defence lawyer would be giving apologies all the time, but they are not admissions of guilt!

Who is the apologist?
The Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 3:15 makes in clear-- all Christians are expected to give a reason for the hope the have in Christ, but with gentleness and respect.

The Apostle Paul sets up an example how how we Christians should proclaim apologetics. In Acts 17: 1-4, Paul respectfully followed Jewish traditions to reason with the Jewish audience in Thessalonia. In Athens, Paul reasoned gently (Acts 17: 16-34) but forcefully for the Christian God against other gods. He followed suit in Ephesus, where he reasoned in both the synagoue for three months, and a secular lecture hall for three years (Acts 19: 8-10).

This acts of proclaimation was not limited to Paul, as the Apostle Philip also gently and respectfully explained Scripture to an Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8: 26-40).

How does it apply for us Christians, then?
As the New Testament shows, apologetics is not separate from evangelism. The reason why Paul and Philip spent time to reason with their peers is for the sake of the gospel (Matthew 28:16-20). Likewise, we Christians should not be afraid to show that reason is not contrary to our faith.

Although we may not have all the answers, or know everything about our faith, it should not hinder our efforts to make the gospel known. In fact, our non-believing friends would appreciate our honesty if we do not.

But I'm not an Apostle/Theologian/Priest/Pastor!
Unless you're Timothy Keller (pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church), Francis Collins (ex-head of the Human Genome Project) or Ravi Zacharias(Christian apologist), odds are we will not be invited to speak at university halls or the like. But no one is asking you to do that. On a personal level, we can invite our friends one-on-one for coffee or a movie. At the community level we can volunteer for church activites or a community centre soup kitchen.

There are many ways to evangelise. But let's reverse the question-- are you willing?

References
What is Apologetics?