Apologetics

I guess the first thing that pops into most heads when they hear the word "apologetics" is how they would love for their spouse to use apologetics when they forget to take out the trash or when they say something tacky about their mother-in-law.

But actually, that's not what apologetics is. Here's what Merriam-Webster says

"Main Entry:
apol·o·get·ics
1 : systematic argumentative discourse in defense (as of a doctrine)

2 : a branch of theology devoted to the defense of the divine origin and authority of Christianity"

Wait! Before you nod off or click onto the next site, here's why I mention this. I just started reading a good book on apologetics. (stay with me!) The nice thing about it is that you don't have to be a theologian to understand it!

I've never been a fan of those books "herding cats for dummies" or "brushing your dogs teeth for dummies" or any of those "for dummies" books. I think the title is rather insulting! But this book is written in a very easy to read format (and has a lot of pictures) and has some wonderful information in it.

The book is titled Holman QuickSource guide to Christan Apologetics.

Have you ever wanted to know why you believe what you believe? Have you ever talked to someone and they said, "well, that's OK for you to believe but I think something else" and your only defense was, "well, I know it's true because I feel so good about it." Not too helpful! This book gives you the REASONS why we believe what we believe.

Some of the things covered in the book:

• Does God Exist? The Cosmological Argument
• Does God Exist? The Moral Argument
• Which God Exists? (there are several opinions, you know)
• Where did the New Testament Come From?
• Is the New Testament Reliable?
• Is Jesus the Only Way?

and more...

The book is published by Holman Reference (a division of LifeWay Christian Resources) so I"m sure you can pick one up at the LifeWay store.

What does this have to do with music or worship?

Read a little of this book and then perhaps the next time we sing Because We Believe you'll sing with a new understanding. The Apostle Paul said it this way,

1Co 14:15 - Show Context
So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.

Get your mind involved in your faith! This book could be a good start.