To make a good argument, it is vital to have true premises and valid logic. However, a good argument is not all there is to the Gospel message. There is also the evidence of love. Day-to-day the people around us (or in our social media circles) are watching us to see if we demonstrate an attitude of love and concern for others. Francis Schaeffer coined a phrase concerning the powerful testimony of our love for one another: “the final apologetic.” It is an approach that will always be relevant.
The latest Outreach Magazine volume focuses on evangelism and apologetics. In my article, “Why ‘The Final Apologetic’ Still Matters,” I discuss the power of a two-fold approach to apologetics: strong arguments paired with demonstrative love. I also include why we cannot treat people as a “Jesus project,” as well as a caution to Christians who publicly criticize other Christians in a way that violates the teaching of the Scriptures they are attempting to defend.
From Outreach Magazine’s site, “In this issue, Ravi Zacharias echoes the words of the apostle Peter, urging us to offer answers in the power of gentleness and respect. Ed Stetzer
notes that Christians seem to really love evangelism—as long as someone
else is doing it. He states it plainly: ‘Stop talking yourself out of
evangelism.’ InterVarsity’s James Choung reminds us that the gospel implies words. ‘Actions aren’t enough. Actions don’t interpret themselves.’ Apologist Mary Jo Sharp
calls to mind what Francis Schaeffer called ‘The Final
Apologetic’—ultimately how we live and how we love underscores our
message or erases its impact. There’s a lot here to provoke thought and, by God’s grace, action.”
To get the issue click here.
Hi Mary Jo Sharp–The most beautiful & intellectually witty Christian apologist in the world!
…now let me say these few things about your post: the main reason Christians don't evangelize is because they don't believe it at an intellectual level. Their Jesus belief is more a comfort thing–I should know I challenge Christians all the time and watch how easily they back down when I ask them "do you really believe Jesus is going to come back surfing the clouds or on a flying police horse" …Christians immediately fall back to "hey Brett Strong; life is hard–so Jesus helps me get by in life & makes me feel happy inside and that's good enough for me. I respect everyone's belief" Yep Mary Jo, that's about the length Christians will evangelize!
and how Christians live as a tool for evangelism??? Pew and Barna group repeatedly show Christians live just like atheists–godless lives in their deeds! the god point only comes up with they want to feel good or feel forgiven but rarely in their 99.9% lives!
Point: isn't it true Christian women get more abortions than lets say Muslim women?
Brett Strong! Keep up the work MJ! you are my favorite Christian apologist–then again you are the cutest 🙂 later!
Mary Jo,
Some time ago you permitted some of my observations to be published on your site. As nothing more than an internet interloper, I appreciate that hospitality.
I would like to note that my observations and arguments designed to further promote a rational exchange were met with continued silence leaving me to wonder about your interest in an intellectual exchange where you presented your strong arguments during your apologetic presentation.
I have actually discovered an unwillingness on the part of most apolgists to engage in meaningful, substantive dialogue when their arguments are put to the fire. Especially is this true when discussing or desiring to discuss the historical grounds for believing in the Resurrection Hypothesis, also known as the Minimal Facts Approach to the Resurrection. To take refuge, or what appears to be refuge, in Schaffer's view that the mark of the Christian is the most persuasive aspect of the apologist's case, seems somewhat removed from the evidential side of the Christian's belief and apologetic.
It appears to me that Truth is not what ultimately matters to most apologists, but, rather, what you can get people to believe. It is more important to be effective than it is to pursue Truth. That is my observation.
Once again, thanks for the space. Perhaps we can debate this topic of Resurrection. It seems to be up your alley. By the way, I do have a master's degree from a leading evangelical seminary in the country. So, while not credentialed to the degree that some are, I do have some standing within the arena of Resurrection ideas.
thanks again.
thom
Strong – I believe Christianity to be true. I am skeptical of anyone who believes Jesus is the savior of mankind in order to receive some simplistic "good feeling" for themselves. This is a lack of understanding about salvation history and of the problem of evil.
Thom – I realize you've been trying to engage me for some time, now. I apologize for a seeming disinterest. It is not a lack of desire upon my part, but a juggling of my time resources. I noticed in your response here there are some generalizations about apologists that cannot be satisfyingly evidenced; for example, "it appears truth is not what matter most, but what you can get people to believe." I'm not sure how this statement could be reasonably evidenced. Further, "I have actually discovered an unwillingness on the part of most apolgists to engage in meaningful, substantive dialogue when their arguments are put to the fire." To whom are you referencing? Paul Copan, William Lane Craig, Daniel Wallace, Craig Evans, Michael Licona, Gary Habermas–to name a few of the more well-known apologists–have all engaged in public, formal debates (written and/or verbal) with scholars of opposing viewpoints. WLCraig and Licona regularly debate.
Further, which apologists are you attempting to engage that do not respond? If they have a very large speaking and writing platform (plus other duties, such as teaching) they may not be able to respond to everyone.
I do not know what you mean by "taking refuge" in the Schaeffer "Mark of a Christian" argument. One of the ways Christians demonstrate the truth of their beliefs is by exercising love. It is a testimony to their belief that love exists.