apologetics

[jemsforty]

Greetings!
I am a seventy one year old cradle Catholic very thankful for a religious education and prayer life.
I am confused regarding the word ‘apologetics’. When and why was this word coined?
It seems condescending to me. Please explain.
Thank you

 

[panevino]

Greetings!
I am a seventy one year old cradle Catholic very thankful for a religious education and prayer life.
I am confused regarding the word ‘apologetics’. When and why was this word coined?
It seems condescending to me. Please explain.
Thank you

it means justification/explanation.

 

[Trishie]

The term “apologetic” comes from the Greek word apologia (απολογία), which means in defense of. Therefore, a person involved in Christian apologetics is a defender of Christianity or Christian apologist (apologete in older literature).

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_apologetics

Many years ago, pre-Vatican 2, my mother had a book that included the word ‘apologetics’ in it’s title for the purpose of defending the existence of God and the validity of faith, so it’s usage, though unknown to you, was in effect when you were younger.
God’s kindest blessings to you.

 

[Subrosa]

Greetings!
I am a seventy one year old cradle Catholic very thankful for a religious education and prayer life.
I am confused regarding the word ‘apologetics’. When and why was this word coined?
It seems condescending to me. Please explain.
Thank you

Hi jems!

Christian apologetics started in the second century. They are writings that defend christian belief and faith. The first apologist was a man named Justin Martyr who wrote two apologies, One and Two. Others followed, such as Tertullian.

Previous to these writings, christians kept thier writings to themselves writing to other christians only.

These writings are also glimpses into early christian worship and belief. They are very telling when it comes to early christian faith.

Apologetics is far from condescending. In fact, it espouses christianty and shows it to be what it is meant to be: a very socially responsible religion.

Apologetics today defends against certian criticisms laid upon it by other christian groups or other religions, etc.

Subrosa

 

[MarcoPolo]

The Greek word, as Trishie mentioned, is apologian (ἀπολογία). It is used in 1 Peter 3:15, translated as “defense.” 1 Peter 3:15 Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you…