Ready to Defend: A Humble Journey Into Apologetics

Apologetics (noun, Merriam-Webster): systematic argumentative discourse in defense (as of a doctrine); specifically, a branch of theology devoted to the defense of the divine origin and authority of Christianity.

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have — but do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)

Faith is powerful. Faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains (Matthew 17:20). I believe that. I trust that. And yet lately, I’ve felt a thirst to go deeper; to not only believe, but also to understand how to defend that belief.

A humble pursuit of wisdom. I’m 44 now, and I’ve read plenty of books in my life. But lately, I feel a pull toward apologetics: learning how to articulate the truth of the Gospel in ways that engage with science, history, philosophy, and culture.

Maybe you feel the same way? Maybe you’ve been reading your Bible, praying faithfully, but you also want to be equipped to have those hard conversations with skeptics, with friends, with your kids, with coworkers...and to do so with gentleness and respect.

Why Apologetics?

Apologetics is not about “winning arguments.” It’s about loving God with all our mind (Luke 10:27), being wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16), and offering thoughtful answers to honest questions.

We live in a time when skepticism is normal, where people dismiss Christianity as myth or superstition. In that environment, apologetics becomes a way of removing stumbling blocks. It shows that our faith is not blind, but anchored in reality: historical, rational, and coherent.

A Starter Reading List for Apologetics

Here’s a collection of books and authors; some classic, some contemporary that are approachable, practical, and deeply helpful for those stepping into apologetics.

1. Mere Christianity. C. S. Lewis

A classic that walks through the reasonableness of Christian belief with simple, elegant logic.

2. The Case for Christ. Lee Strobel

Written by a former atheist journalist who investigated the evidence for Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

3. Reasonable Faith. William Lane Craig

A philosopher and theologian who tackles the logical and scientific foundations of belief in God.

4. The Reason for God. Timothy Keller

A pastoral, compassionate response to common doubts and objections to Christianity.

5. Cold-Case Christianity. J. Warner Wallace

A former homicide detective examines the Gospels like eyewitness testimony in a courtroom.

6. Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions. Gregory Koukl

Practical advice for how to have respectful, meaningful conversations without being combative.

7. On Guard. William Lane Craig

A beginner-friendly entry point to Craig’s philosophical arguments for God’s existence.

8. Evidence That Demands a Verdict. Josh McDowell

A foundational text collecting historical and logical evidence for the reliability of Scripture.

9. Can Science Explain Everything? John Lennox

A mathematician at Oxford who shows why science and faith are not enemies but allies.

10. Confronting Christianity. Rebecca McLaughlin

Tackles twelve of the hardest questions facing Christianity today (suffering, diversity, gender, exclusivity) with clarity and compassion.

11. The Everlasting Man. G. K. Chesterton

A witty, brilliant defense of Christianity’s uniqueness and Christ’s centrality in history. Considered Chesterton’s most important apologetics work; one that deeply influenced C. S. Lewis.

Bonus: Contemporary Christian Living & Worldview Books

These aren’t apologetics in the classic sense, but they speak into what it looks like to live as Christians today: courageously, intentionally, and faithfully.

1. The Warrior Poet Way. John Lovell

A modern guide blending courage, character, and faith. While not strictly apologetics, it challenges men (and women) to live with integrity, courage, and creativity in a culture that often drifts aimlessly.

2. Live Not by Lies. Rod Dreher

A call to resist cultural pressures and hold fast to truth, drawing lessons from Christians who endured totalitarian regimes in the 20th century.

3. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. John Mark Comer

A practical, spiritually grounded book that calls believers to step out of busyness, digital noise, and cultural pressure, and to rediscover the rhythms of Jesus: simplicity, rest, community, and depth.

How to Approach the Journey

• Pray first. Let your study of apologetics be worship, not just education. Ask God for humility and discernment.

• Read slowly. Don’t treat these books like a checklist. Chew on them. Journal what stands out.

• Discuss with others. Share what you’re learning with a friend or small group. Teaching reinforces understanding.

• Stay rooted in Scripture. Apologetics supplements the Bible; it never replaces it. Keep the Word central.

• Practice gentleness. Remember: you’re not trying to “win.” You’re trying to reflect Christ.

Final Thoughts

Faith is enough. Faith saves. But there’s also beauty in equipping our minds so that when the world asks hard questions, we’re not shaken. We can point back to the truth of the Gospel with confidence, humility, and love.

This isn’t about pride or proving ourselves smarter. It’s about stewardship; using the minds God gave us to strengthen our faith and serve others.

If you’ve been feeling that pull too, maybe it’s time to pick up one of these books; perhaps The Everlasting Man to begin defending the faith, or The Warrior Poet Way to be challenged in how to live it out. Not to replace faith, but to deepen it. Not to win arguments, but to win hearts.