Why Use Tools?

If you needed to remove a screw from its housing, you could meet with a measure of success using a butter knife. However, if you had a screwdriver, the task could be performed more efficiently. The same is true of Integrated Apologetics. If you have a basic knowledge and understanding of the Bible, you could mount a defense, but if you understood the method and application of the tools of Integrated Apologetics you could mount a more adequate defense of Biblical principles and doctrine. You would be better prepared to make a stand for: 
  • Sola Fide
  • Sola Gratia
  • Sola Scriptura
  • Solus Christus

 

Introduction to the Tools

 At the time of this writing, there have been ten tools developed to a large extent. Others tools are still being refined for practical application. Let us take a look at the tools that the trained Apologist uses in defense of Biblical doctrine and truth.

 

  • Analysis of Errors of Interpretation – This tool deals specifically with the Biblical Interpretation. It is used when opponents of the Christian faith take different pieces of scripture and take them out of context for proof of their opposing view. The Bible is to be read and understood according to the culture and customs of the times in which it was written. This can be difficult for the untrained mind as we tend to live in the here and now and try to compare Biblical doctrine to the culture and customs of today.  

It is true that sin and heresy ran rampant then as they do today. One example to point out the differences in culture is to look at the days of Moses. When Moses led the people out of Israel, out of Egyptian bondage, they were given specific instruction concerning sacrificial offerings that were to be made to God for various sins. These sacrifices were within the limits of the laws of the land. If someone in America were to sacrifice an animal today, the law would try them and ultimately fine or imprison them. Thus the doctrine of sacrifice during the time of Moses is not practical today. Rather the lesson to be learned is of the requirement of a merciful God upon his chosen people.  

 

  • Analysis of Scripture Twisting – This tool looks familiar to the above tool in that their intended outcomes are the same: refuting the lies of the opposition and exposing the truth. The difference between the two is that Scripture Twisting is a deliberate action taken to spread the fallacies of the opposition.

 

  • Analyzing Bible Difficulties – This tool deals with the art of compartmentalizing. As each difficulty is approached, it is sorted into smaller more manageable categories. It then becomes easier to mount a defense when you realize that each difficulty does not have to be tacked individually.

 

  • Analysis of Scientific Information – Just as its name implies, this tool addresses the arguments waged using scientific methods. Of the various methods, this one can prove to be more challenging. The human mind has been trained to associate science with truth. The two words are used synonymously. This however is not the truth. The availability of information through scientific research is in abundance, thus it becomes necessary for the Apologist to prepare for attack from this arena as well.

 

  • Analyzing fallacies of Logic – Logic is ultimately what drives one to a conclusion. Whether or not the logic is based on truth is irrelevant to the untrained mind. This tool is effective when used to analyze the conclusions drawn from logic. The opposition does not use the strategy of logic lightly. They are well informed and very persuasive in their arguments.

 

  • Analysis of Propaganda Techniques – By definition, propaganda is information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc [1]. This tool seeks to identify, analyze, and provide a suitable defense against the various propaganda techniques employed by opponents of the Christian Faith.

 

  • Analysis of Mind Manipulation – An effective orator can convince an audience of anything if they come with an open heart and an open mind. The technique of mind manipulation has been perfected over the years by those seeking to sow the seeds of deception among the Christian family. The Analysis of Mind Manipulation implies that one has been trained in this art of spotting this technique and will rise against its propagation.

 

  • Analysis of Debating Techniques – The enemy does not fight fair. Give the enemy a forum and they will stoop to whatever level necessary to sway the audience to opinion, even if it is the wrong one. The enemy can be defeated, but only if we understand the tactics used and recognize them early enough to head them off.

 

  • Analysis and Formulation of Leading Questions – is a tool used to counter the method used by the opposition to gain the upper hand from the onset of a debate. The questions are framed in such a manner that almost every answer possible leads to a conclusion of guilt or admission of error. If we are to effectively beat these attacks, we need to be trained to recognize the tactics and quickly dismantle the opposition.

  

How These Tools Work

Not all of the tools mentioned will be used in each argument.  Therefore the first step to mounting a counter attack is recognition of the tactic being used. The second is a systematic dismantling at the root layer, getting into the presuppositions of the argument being waged. The third is ensuring that the truth is all that remains in the minds of the audience. Sadly, the war does not end there. Many battles have been fought in the spiritual arena. Unfortunately, there are many more that are yet to be fought. 

How to Practice Using the Tools

 

Education is an important step in mastering the tools of Apologetics. Read periodicals, magazines, books, or any other information available on Apologetics. Join forums or discussion groups. Interact with more skillfully trained Apologists. Remember always that no matter how advanced you become, you are still a student and there is more to be learned.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:  This article was written by Jason Jones, a fellow BTh student of the Trinity Graduate School, and used with his permission.