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The term apologetics is derived from the Greek word apologia meaning "defense." This word appears in the First Catholic (i.e., Universal) Epistle of the Holy Apostle Peter, in which he instructs: "Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer (apologian) to every man that asketh you a reason (logon) of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15). Therefore, in Christian theology, the term apologetics is used in regards to defending the true faith against atheists, pagans, Jews and heretics. This defense, however, is done in a loving manner in order to bear good fruits, and not in a polemical or obsessive manner which in many cases can be detrimental towards the Apostolic Faith. The following articles are apologetic works directed towards the atheists, various pagans, the Jews, Mohammedans, heretics and schismatics. The modern Pan-heresy of Ecumenism is not directly addressed in this section as it is exposed on the Ecumenism Page. |
