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

Example Sentences

Apologetics is a branch of Christianity whose adherents actively defend their faith, and Ham is a robust debater.

From Washington Post • May 24, 2017

In 1904�the year when Pastor Dulles gave up his church to take the chair of Apologetics at the Auburn Theological Seminary�John Foster began his college career in Princeton.

From Time Magazine Archive

Dr. Machen, a stricter Presbyterian theologian than Dr. Erdman, had been named to the Chair of Apologetics at the Seminary.

From Time Magazine Archive

Apologetics and Philosophy.—The main part of this subject is discussed under Theism.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 3 "Apollodorus" to "Aral" by Various

All Apologetics will inevitably dash themselves to pieces against the insurmountable contradiction that they will soon encounter.

From Outlines of a Philosophy of Religion based on Psychology and History by Sabatier, Auguste