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; apologetic, -ics

Example Sentences

But Mr. Johnston, whose work at the 57,000-member megachurch in Plano, Texas, centers on apologetics and cultural engagement, isn’t opposed to digital versions of the world’s best-selling book.

From Washington Times

It is not too much to say that conservative apologetics is a vast rhetorical structure that purports to say one thing when it means another.

From Salon

Those remarks echoed a previous bout of Putin apologetics by Mr. Berlusconi last month on one of the country’s most prominent political talk shows.

From New York Times

Christopher Check, president of the apologetics website Catholic Answers, called Mr. Newsom’s project a “deadly blasphemy” for “co-opting Sacred Scripture in the service of abortion.”

From Washington Times

Sure enough, Fuentes quickly became a verified member, putting his openly white nationalist beliefs and Nazi apologetics into the realm of the "truths" that Trump is protecting.

From Salon