When I crawl the feeds on social media and what is getting attention in the Christian-influencer sphere, there are two groups that rise to the top: sermon clips from famous speakers and debates between Christians and non-Christians. So often we call this “apologetics”, or providing a rational defense of the faith. Many churches offer study groups on apologetics. Colleges offer entire courses on apologetics. People revere those who have a smart and crafted YouTube clip-worthy response to doubters of the faith and desire to accumulate the knowledge and skills necessary to do the same.

In my experience, modern apologetics is largely a waste of precious time.

That is not to say that we should not have an answer for the faith that we do have. In fact, the task of apologetics comes from Scripture. In 1 Peter 3:15 we read:

It is clear that all those who call themselves Christians honor Christ by being prepared to deliver an answer to all who ask. It is based out of our love and desire to glorify God that we study, grow in knowledge and confidence, that we may boldly declare the Good News of Jesus.

Jesus himself performs a type of apologetics in the New Testament. In order to prove the very things he was claiming, he pointed to prophecy and miracles to convince people of his validity.

If the Bible commands apologetics and Jesus himself uses apologetics in defense of his own ministry, how can I say that modern apologetics is largely a waste of time?

My argument lies within the heart posture of modern apologetics. Whereas biblical apologetics is concerned with honoring and loving God, modern apologetics twists the honor of God with honoring the self, using apologetics for influence, attention, and profit.

Every Christian should come to have a reasonable answer for the faith that they hold. For example, if you go to a coffee shop and someone hears you talking about church last Sunday and they begin to ask questions about your faith, it is good for you to be able to peacefully converse with that person and present the reasons for your faith.

But when you see professional YouTubers and podcasters arguing for the sake of arguing, they have traded something great for something just good. Maybe they believe that by releasing the clips onto the internet they will convert someone to a new way of thinking. More than likely, it causes walls of division to become entrenched between believers and nonbelievers. As a Christian watches their Christian-apologetic-gladiator duel with the non-Christian-gladiator, the Christian will find themselves digging in and taking sides with the fellow Christian. Likewise, an atheist watching is likely decreasing in their openness to actually hearing and changing and instead deepens their loyalty to the non-Christian on screen.

Modern apologetics is more about performance, entertainment, and spectacle than it is about having a good faith conversation with another individual with whom I have a relationship currently and will have a relationship also in the future.

I have no doubt that these Christian influencers intend to benefit their sprawling internet audience, but I fear it is doing more to divide people than it is drawing them together.

It would be much better to follow the wisdom of the Proverbs:

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. — Proverbs 15:1

Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words. — Proverbs 23:9

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. — Proverbs 26:4

Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears. — Proverbs 26:17

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. — Proverbs 28:26

For clarity, yes, learn your apologetics and boldly give answers. But do it in places of relationship. Not publicly in places where you receive honor and personal gain.

Instead of verbal arguments, it would be much better if you just do good. Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Do good, be good, love good.

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