4 Christian Apologetic Tactics to be Avoided

Why do Christians always feel the need to apologize-badly?

It’s better being a happy Atheist as opposed to an unhappy Christian

Apologetics comes from the Greek meaning “speaking in defense.” It is the discipline of defending a position (usually religious) through the systematic use of reason. Early Christian writers (c. 120-220) who defended their faith against critics and recommended their faith to outsiders were called apologists.

In modern times, apologists refers to authors, writers, editors or academic journals, and Christian leaders known for defending the points in arguments, conflicts or positions that receive great popular scrutinies or are minority views.

So, I spent the morning traveling the internet looking for good reasons why Christians are always apologizing. I found dozens of Jesus Jumper sites that spoke to this subject, but in broad terms, without a specific reference. The apologies ranged from “we really didn’t have anything to do with the crusades” to “we’re sorry that we have to protest the homosexuals but they are seen as an abomination by the lord as quoted in the Silly Book.” I added the Silly Book part, but you guys know I’m talking about the Bible.

Anyway, you get the point which is the Christians just don’t get it because, after all, there are some important names that make a good living off of telling deluded Christians what they think they want to hear, despite the evidence. As a result our friends over at TS are providing the following examples of apologetic tactics that you should avoid so you don’t look like giant idiots….still.

1. Unequal Honesty

Most arguments for Christianity can be disproved by simply applying it to any other topic. A certain subconscious bias is given by Christians to any response in defense of their religion. In order to avoid this bias try applying the argument to any other topic and see if it still sounds like a valid argument. For example, some believe that Christianity must be true because historically people have died for the faith. Sounds logical, people would not be willing to die for a lie. However people have also killed themselves for the UFO religion Heaven’s Gate. Does that mean there really was a space craft trailing the comet Hale-Bopp? Obviously not. Just because people are willing to die for a claim does not mean that the claim is true. It just means that they think it is true.

2. Quote Mining

Quotes are very easy to misuse to give a false impression of what an author means. Apologists commonly take quotes out of context so it appears that the experts agree with them. To find out what scientists and historians really say listen to them instead of letting apologists speak for them. Quotes, even in context, should still never be used as a basis of truth. What experts say is not as important as why they say what they say.

3. What They Say, But Not What They Mean



Being honest about the words said by scientists while lying about what was actually meant by those words is a common tactic by Apologists. It’s so effective because a person can actually check to see that scientists really do say what the apologists say they are saying. However, what it sounds like they mean is not always what is actually meant because certain terminology holds different meaning when used in layman terms. Again it is best to just let the experts speak for themselves instead of letting apologists speak for them.

4. A Lack Of Fact Checking