What is an apologist?

[hellopeople]

I am curious. What is the definition of a Catholic apologist? How do people get this title? Is it self proclaimed? Do they have to take some classes on the faith? What makes someone an apologist?

 

[IHeartBenedict]

I am curious. What is the definition of a Catholic apologist? How do people get this title? Is it self proclaimed? Do they have to take some classes on the faith? What makes someone an apologist?

An “apology” is a defense. So, an apologist is one who makes a defense, almost like a lawyer makes a defense in court.

Obviously, a Catholic Apologist is a defender of the Catholic Faith.

What makes an apologist? Study. Lots and lots of study.

 

[markomalley]

I am curious. What is the definition of a Catholic apologist? How do people get this title? Is it self proclaimed? Do they have to take some classes on the faith? What makes someone an apologist?

The term comes from 1 Pet 3:15 but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence.

The word “make a defense” is the Greek word ἀπολογία (apologia).

 

[Spencerian]

I am curious. What is the definition of a Catholic apologist? How do people get this title? Is it self proclaimed? Do they have to take some classes on the faith? What makes someone an apologist?

This might be a better question for the Ask an Apologist thread.

To add to the other answers, there are no classes or courses for apologists. In fact, any Catholic that is studious in the faith and principles, the doctrines and practices of the Church is an apologist de facto, ready to defend and explain the faith.

Catholic.com does have several books for budding apologists in its store. Many of us in the forums take our “lessons” from the Catholic Answers Live radio program and their many staff apologists and guests (whose specialties make them apologists for that topic, such as Sharon Lee Giganti on the New Age movement).

 

[Black_Knight]

Here is a list of articles that can probably answer your question. I found them with a simple search of the ask an apologist forum.

• [Qualifications for being an apologist? (http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=7669)
• [Which apologist has the Church’s approval? (http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=74116)
• [How does an apologist learn to talk with people about religion? (http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=41758)
• [What is internal apologetics? (http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=12837)
• [How do you find reliable Catholic information online? (http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=20113)
• What is the best Bible for Catholic apologetics?
• What is the difference between an apologist and a theologian?
• What is the difference between an apologist and a catechist

 

[jamil_joseph02]

to be an apologist is simply to be able to explain to someone, but to be a Catholic apologist is to be able to explain the Catholic faith with love/charity.

i know that a lot of Catholics sometimes forget the last phrase.