J.P. Moreland has probably given the best definition of apologetics I have ever come across. He defined apologetics as “a ministry designed to help unbelievers to overcome intellectual obstacles to conversion and believers to remove doubts that hinder spiritual growth.”—Love Your God With All Your Mind, 131.
The only thing I might change in this definition is his labeling of apologetics as a “ministry.” Indeed, it is a ministry, but that term connotes that it is only for some people in the body of Christ. Biblically speaking, however, apologetics is no more a ministry in this sense than is prayer—both are basic to the Christian life. I would prefer, then, to define apologetics as a “discipline.”
Thinking to Believe 
May 10, 2009 at 4:25 am
I like it!
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May 11, 2009 at 4:29 am
I agree with changing it to a discipline, however, in the same category as evangelism. I believe there are people called to a ministry in apologetics to help the church know apologetics, just as there are evangelists in the church etc.
After all, Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (1 Peter 3:15)
Unless you can give intellectual resons, some will not be convinced and will fail to grasp the fullness of God.
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May 11, 2009 at 11:42 am
Yes, I agree that apologetics is a ministry in the church. The value of apologetics for believers is immeasurable. But I would not want to define apologetics as a ministry because it denotes that apologetics is just believers-speak, when it is more than that. I imagine that is why you also favor calling it a “discipline,” at least in the definition.
Jason
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