Why the name apologetics?

[Christphr]

My understanding is that apologetics is based on admission of weaknesses in the faith in order to convince others of it´s overall truth. Is this correct? Why the name apologetics?

 

[edward_george1]

In ancient Greece, “apologia” meant a defense speech, given in court. So apologetics is the art of defending the faith.

-Fr ACEGC

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Thanks for clearing this up, Father.
I remember when I was about 16 trying to read Cardinal Newman’s “Apologia Pro Vita Sua” without having any idea what it was going to be about, and being completely baffled as to why he was “apologizing for his life” to some Protestant. Seemed unnecessary. I did not get very far with the book.