Humble Apologetics

“Authentic Christian apologetics also implies providing, in Christ-like humility and in Christ-like vulnerability, the conditions that make it possible for others to perceive and recognize Jesus as Christ the Lord.” — Kwame Bediako


I was reading the blog of a pastor (I think in Oklahoma or South Dakota or someplace like that) last night. His entry from earlier in the week asked folks to pray for the Steven Curtis Chapman family and it contained a link to a story that told of the tragic death of Chapman's youngest daughter. I followed the link and found the story - as well as some responses by readers. There were many kind notes of condolence and assurances that the Chapman family was indeed in the prayers of many. There were also many angry notes criticising the "piety", hypocrisy, and false "pie in the sky in the sweet by and by" hope of Christians.

It's kind of odd and interesting that there are people who are so angry at Christians that they would use this very sad story about a family's loss to rail against Christians, but there you have it... What I find equally interesting is that the Christians felt the need to respond to the comments, scolding the posters for their insensitivity and illogic (one of them referred to the death of children in Iraq) as though God isn't perfectly capable of defending Himself. Isn't it weird that a simple human interest story would turn into a platform to debate this kind of thing?

The thing about debate is that it's pretty pointless. Whether the subject is politics or social issues or religion (especially religion), debating is just a forum for people to espouse their views. I wonder that a single mind or heart is ever changed through a debate. Mine never would be.

Kwame Bediako hits it on the head when he says that Christian apologetics must be accompanied by Christ-like humility and vulnerability. No one needs to be hit over the head with the claims of Jesus Christ on their life. Is it even possible to deal with those claims without first apprehending the great and very personal love of Jesus?

God certainly seems to favor doing things the hard way. He is clearly aware that His children (though they should be the best and most generous lovers of all) prefer to bop people over the head to loving them... May God forgive us, and help us to me more like His Son: Matt. 12: 18- 21 "Here is my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope."