Apologetics

On what grounds do the children of light defend their faith against the children of this age? The answer is their creation in the image of God. ... man's creation in the image of God does not first and foremost entail his rational facilities, but his built-in teleology as a receptacle and reflector for the divine glory-presence. By his life of faith the Christian reflects the glory of God. Thus, the most compelling apologetic argument the believer can make is his godliness. It is our godliness that most clearly demonstrates our other-worldliness ... Unfortunately, the practice of apologetics has become an academic enterprise. The Kingdom of God is not advanced by winning a debate, but by losing your life. This is the foolishness of the cross. An apology of the hope that is within us (1 Pet 3:15) is a witness to the truthfulness of the gospel-event. It is not a defense of our subjective feelings of hopefulness, but a defense of the objective hope into which we were broght, the living hope which is Christ resurrected from the dead (1 Pet 1:3). If we investigate this text in 1 Peter we are brought to realize that the subject of apologetics arises in the midst of our suffering for righteousness' sake (3:14) and the apologetic of godliness (3:13). It is specifically our patience in suffering for righteousness' sake which bears witness to our eschatological hope (not-yet other-worldliness) as it demonstrates our union with our Saviour (other-worldliness already) who alone truly suffered for righteousness' sake and that with perfect patience. As it is written, "As a lamb led to slaughter He did not open His mouth." And lest we should grow triumphalistic in our apology the imperative is modified by "with gentleness and fear."
Two Age Press