I've never been a big fan of the formal discipline of apologetics (from the Greek ἀπολογία, "speaking in defence"). As with so much to do with religion, these arguments often seem to me to be good answers to bad questions.
Yes, I'm familiar with the work of Paul, including 1 Peter 3:15:
"...but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defence to anyone who demands from you an account of the hope that is in you..."
I think we've largely misinterpreted Paul's injunction. He was one of the "founders" of the religion of Christianity and would have found himself "defending" it to people who had never heard of it, or the man Jesus. In other words, he was introducing it and differentiating it from the myriad of other religions in the region. That does not describe our world today.
In the morning email this post from Seth Godin showed up, and I think I prefer it. Several of my life's lessons collided in this brief thought. First, I want to be a life-long learner. Second, as I've repeated over and over again in this space, I am an evolutionary follower of Jesus. As such, I believe that as we evolve, our faith must also change. If we don't allow our image of God to evolve, we will eventually outgrow our God. Third, I think there is something to learn from everyone.
I choose to stand defenceless (that's how we spell it in Canada) when it comes to matters of faith.
It might be defended, or defensive.
If you're asking for feedback or coaching or an education, neither is going to help you very much.
The person who has ideas that are well defended isn't going to be able to listen carefully for the lessons that can help him change those ideas.
And the person who is defensive not only won't hear the ideas, but he'll push away anyone generous enough to share them.
Defenseless is the best choice for those seeking to grow.
Thoughts?
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