The “discipline” of Catholic apologetics goes all the way back to Christ’s “Great Commission” … and it has absolutely nothing to do with being sorry!
Mat 28:18 And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19 Going therefore, teach ye all nations: baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.
Rather, the term “apology” is derived from the Greek, and it means “to give an account”.
It was St. Peter who later provided a bit more specific direction, on the subject:
1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being ready always to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you.
1Pe 3:16 But with modesty and fear, having a good conscience: that whereas they speak evil of you, they may be ashamed who falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
In the first verse, Peter tells us to be ready to provide a complete explanation for what we believe.
In the second, he cautions us not to boast about it!
While there’s a number of different definitions for the term, apologetics, I prefer this one.
Catholic Apologetics:
The theological art, science, and discipline of defending the doctrines, beliefs, and practices of the Holy Catholic Church, through a careful and detailed explanation of the Church’s various historical, factual, logical, and supernatural characteristics, as well as its’ basis in absolute truth.
And …
The practical art, science, and discipline of presenting, explaining, and justifying the Catholic faith to atheists, agnostics, deists, skeptics, critics, pagans, believers, unbelievers, politicians, judges, the ignorant, the arrogant, and the confused.
March 6, 2008
Categories: Catholic Q & A . Tags: account, apologetics, apology, art, discipline, hope, peter, science . Author: Doug Lawrence . Comments: Leave a comment