As most readers of this blog will be aware, K and I are awaiting the birth of our firstborn, Emma. Emma is proving to be a bit late like her mo..... as people sometimes are :) This week has entailed a good bit of walking and waiting for signs of her arrival. The fact that I am writing this blog is a sign that we are still waiting. One of the thoughts on my mind is "am I ready for this?" Emma is like a thousand questions rolled into one tiny little package. Right now the package resembles a large basketball, but I imagine it will take on a much more animate shape within the next few days. How does one raise their child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord? What does it look like to shepherd a child's heart, helping him or her to be confronted by their sin and to see their need for the Gospel? What will it take to prepare them for the fierce attacks on their faith that are sure to come should they follow Christ? These are questions that are coursing through my mind.
I am reading a book by Alister McGrath called Heresy. The book offers a historical-theological examination of the concept of heresy as well as prominent examples of it. Essentially, McGrath is arguing that heresy develops within the context of faith, often from the desire to make the Christian faith intelligible to the contemporary culture in which one lives. (For those interested in the topic, I think you will find the book accessible even if you have had not had much exposure to church history. While it is extensively sourced, it reads on a popular level. McGrath does a good job of explaining the personalities and circumstances of those with whom he is interacting.)
In this book McGrath touches on the role of apologetics for building up or maintaining the faith of the faithful. To summarize this notion, McGrath includes a quote from a twentieth century theologian, Austin Farrer. I find Farrer's quote to be an excellent summary of what I feel to be the main function of apologetics, namely the preservation of faith:
For though argument does not create conviction, the lack of it destroys belief. What seems to be proved may not be embraced; but what no one shows the ability to defend is quickly abandoned. Rational argument does not create belief, but it maintains a climate in which belief may flourish.
It is important that we not confuse apologetics and evangelism. We cannot argue someone into faith; faith is the gift of God and comes through the proclamation and hearing of God's word about Christ (see Romans 10 and 1 Cor 1:18-2:16). As my pastor has said, "What you can argue someone into, someone else can argue them out of." This is a liberating distinction. Knowing that our call to evangelism is simply to share the Gospel and allow the Spirit of God to bring conviction, repentance, and faith. We need not be great orators, heady philosophers, or well-read theologians to participate in this mission. We simply need to know the Gospel and be faithful to share it (see Romans 3:10,20-26 or 1 Corinthians 15:1-5 for summaries of the Gospel).
That said, we are called to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, MIND, and strength. Part of this lifestyle worship includes thinking biblically about every aspect of life and considering the difficult questions that people may ask of us (believers and non-believers alike). We must recognize that we are called to prepare ourselves to give a defense for the hope we have in Christ:
"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15).
I invite you to ask the following questions along with me:
1. Am I spending consistent, daily time reading, listening to, memorizing, and meditating on God's Word?
2. Am I actively applying His word to my life?
3. Am I sharing His word (esp. the Gospel) with others?
4. Am I considering the questions that people are asking about the Christian faith and seeking out the answers?
With this new being called Emma poised to enter our everyday lives at any moment, I am more aware than ever that the Gospel and its defense are of the utmost importance. Her eyes will be looking and her ears will be listening to the testimony of mine and Karen's witness for Christ. She will know if our talk matches our walk. I pray we will be faithful to know and share the Gospel as well as prepared to offer a defense for the hope we find through it. What a privilege to be used of God to participate in the creation and preservation of faith in the lives of others (especially our children)! God grant Your grace that we all might walk faithfully in this calling.
Grace & Peace,
J
