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Reformed Thought for Christian Living
Apologetics as compelling clues rather than persuasive proofs Can you think of a time when a non-Christian friend thought your argument for God’s existence was foolish? Though you thought the […]
Apologetics as compelling clues rather than persuasive proofs
Can you think of a time when a non-Christian friend thought your argument for God’s existence was foolish? Though you thought the logic was sound, your friend did not see it that way. Many of us have been there. These discussions involve apologetics – giving a reasonable defence for our faith (1 Peter 3:15).
At the crux of it, Christians need a framework to approach these conversations, as opposed to a list of techniques. We need to reframe apologetic conversations as presenting compelling clues which open conversations about the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Here are four ways we can approach apologetics through this lens.
The Westminster Confession of Faith 1.5 presents a beautiful summary of why we believe the Bible is the Word of God. This section of the Confession begins with various arguments that demonstrate that “Scripture itself shows in so many ways that it is God’s word”, and simultaneously acknowledges that “our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth and divine authority [of the Bible], is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit”. Put simply, there are plenty of, what I call, “compelling clues” (evidence-based arguments) that the Bible is the Word of God. However, no one will be “persuaded” to believe the evidence unless the Holy Spirit works inside of them. No amount of evidence (compelling clues), without the Holy Spirit, will be considered an insurmountable and “persuasive proof” for the unbeliever. This is because the problem is ultimately with our heart, as well as our head.
Timothy Keller, in his book The Reason For God observes that many modern people demand “strong rationalism” – the idea that there must be absolute proof that precedes belief. The sentiment is as follows: “If you cannot provide irrefutable proof for the existence of God, I will not believe in Christianity”. Keller argues that the problem with “strong rationalism” is that this assertion (that absolute proof must precede belief) is not grounded on absolute proof, but merely assumed in the absence of proof. So instead of looking at various arguments for God as an airtight and persuasive proof, what if we looked at it as a series of cumulative clues?
From this vantage point, Keller explores seven clues that point to God’s existence. Keller concludes that “every one of [these clues] are rationally avoidable. However, their cumulative effect is, I think, provocative and potent” (emphasis added). Apologetics provokes unbelievers by dismantling their misconceptions, demonstrating the reasonableness of the Christian faith, and challenging assumptions of the world. Thus, by viewing apologetics as a set of compelling clues rather than proofs, we provoke interest and open doors to talk about Jesus. Apologetics is not the gospel, but an avenue to provoke conversations about the gospel.
Timothy Keller argues that although there are many clues for God, ultimately God does not give us ultimate assurance and confidence in airtight proofs, but in an airtight person. When we read the gospel accounts and see the beauty, wisdom, holiness, grace, and generosity of Jesus, we have an airtight person. We no longer need more arguments to convince us that Jesus is divine. When the Holy Spirit speaks to us in the Word, convicts us of our sin, shows us that Jesus has paid the price, that we have a hope that goes beyond the grave – and we see our friend put his or her faith in Jesus, all the arguments that points to Jesus are now realised in an encounter with the real, risen Christ. There will still be questions and doubts, but there is now a greater assurance and persuasion through a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus.
At this point, one clarification is worth making. I am not saying that apologetic arguments cannot be used by the Spirit to draw someone to Christ. There are doubtless many strong arguments that expose the cracks in non-Christian worldviews. If, however, the Spirit uses apologetics to draw someone to Christ, apologetics alone will not do it. People need to hear the gospel and respond to it by putting their faith in Christ. Apologetics in this case is “provocative”, breaking the walls of hostility or ignorance so that the unbeliever can hear and respond to the gospel.
So where to from here? Apologetics is a set of compelling clues that open conversations about the gospel of Jesus Christ. This leads us to approach conversations with our unbelieving friends, family, neighbours and colleagues with confidence that God uses apologetics as a means to proclaim the gospel. It is not our job to convince people into the kingdom, but to graciously lead them to the Saviour. The Spirit can use apologetics as a gateway through which we can lead people to the greatest argument, the person and work of Jesus Christ.
– Koh Saito
