apologetics

American  

[uh-pol-uh-jet-iks] / əˌpɒl əˈdʒɛt ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. the branch of theology concerned with the defense or proof of Christianity using rational argument.

   In the face of evidence-based objections from the scientific community, creation apologetics has had to evolve to survive.

2. reasoning in defense of any theory or doctrine, typically drawing on a set of established responses to specific criticisms.

   Capitalist apologetics often claim, quite convincingly, that unrestricted market competition safeguards democracy.

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apologetics British  

/ əˌpɒləˈdʒɛtɪks /

noun

1. the branch of theology concerned with the defence and rational justification of Christianity

2. a defensive method of argument

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Etymology

Origin of apologetics

First recorded in 1725–35; see origin at apologetic, -ics