Southern Seminary Magazine (Vol 90.1) The Light of Truth: Apologetics in the 21st Century

What does apologetic method
and strategy have to do with
W
our understanding and practice
of evangelism?
For many people, to ask
such a question is strange,
since it is common to think
that apologetics and evangelism belong in distinct
domains. In apologetics, we defend the truth of
Scripture, give reasons for why we believe the gospel,
and challenge the unbelief of the non-Christian.
But is not evangelism something different? Is it not
less polemical than apologetics? Is not evangelism
more about sharing the good news of our Lord Jesus
Christ as we call people to repentance and faith
than about arguing for the truth of the gospel?
Although some people distinguish apologetics
from evangelism in this way, in truth, this is an
artificial and unhelpful distinction. In fact, it is
especially unhelpful if one embraces a presuppositional
view of apologetics. Why? Because properly
understood, presuppositionalism involves both
the defense and proclamation of the gospel.
As such, as a method and strategy, a presuppositional
approach is vitally necessary to help the
church fulfill her calling to proclaim Christ Jesus
and to “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion
raised against the knowledge of God, and take every
thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5).
To explain why this is the case, let me develop
two points. First, I’ll explain what a presuppositional
approach to apologetics is. Unfortunately, there
are not only varieties of apologetic approaches
known as “presuppositional,” there are also a number
of misconceptions of the view. Second, after
clarifying what presuppositionalism is, I’ll then explain
why it is crucial to a sound defense and proclamation
of the gospel.
What Is Presuppositional Apologetics?
Without describing every use of the term “presuppositional,”
let me describe how I am using
the word. “Presuppositions” refer to one’s ultimate
summer 2022
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