Bible Studies/Apologetics

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Expert: - 7/5/2006


Question
Tom

 Can you explain to me what is meant by "apologetics"?

                           thanks
                            Bob

Answer
Apologetics comes from the Greek word "apologia" which means the defense of a position against an attack (see this Wikipedia entry for more detail - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apologetics )

Apologetics generall. is understood to mean those who present and defend the truth of the gospel, though it's use has been wideneed by some to include defense of any theological position.

The opposite of apologetics is polemics, which means to put forward an argument against another position or argument. For example, those who expose the false teachings in cults are more rightly called polemicists, whereas those who provide a reasoned defense of the truths of the Biblical gospel would be apologists. However today, often the "apologist" is used incoorectly to cover plemics as well as apologetics.

Tom
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Tom Smith

Expertise

I am able to answer a wide range of questions regarding orthodox Christian theology as well as those of many of the more common cults and religious movements (inside and outside of the church). This includes Protestantism, Charismatic movement, New Apostolic Reformation, Strategic Prayer/Spiritual Warfare, Catholicism, Mormonism, Jehovah Witnesses, Calvinism, Reformed Church, Baptist Church, Pentecostalism, and Oneness Pentecostalism. I have been a member of or have attended many of the above. I have studied the beliefs and literature of the remaining through a variety of means, including in most cases interacting with members and/or leaders in these organizations. I also maintain a significant library/resource of information on these movements and organizations.

Experience

I have been a lifelong student of the Bible. In addition, I have been saved through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, and believe in the truth of God's Holy word in the Bible as the inerrant and infallible word of God. I have been a believer for over 43 years. Other qualifications include:

- Former member of the counril of a local church
- Speaker at the "Last Days Bible Conference" and other functions.
- Researcher into religious movements and cults (maintain website with information on some of these movements and cults)
- Member of the Apologetics Coordination Team

I hold to the view that the Bible is inerrant and infallible, and I belief that the Bible is our sole authority on matters of faith and doctrine (Sola Scripture, Sola Fide).

Organizations
Apologetics Coordination Team (http://op.50megs.com/act/) Network of Christian Apologists in Calgary (http://www.whyjesus.ca)

Publications
Website, accessible by means of http://discern.ca or http://www.religioninfo.org; and Audio files of talks at Last Days Bible Conference available at http://ldbc.ca

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.)

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