GLOSSARY TERMS
APOLOGETICS TERMS
These terms form the foundational tools and categories for apologetics and rational faith defense.
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Definition
From the Greek apologia, meaning “defense.” It is the discipline of giving a reasoned defense of the Christian faith.
Biblical Connection
1 Peter 3:15 – "Always be ready to give a defense..."
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Definition
Trust grounded in evidence, not a blind leap. Faith is the response to what God has revealed.
Biblical Connection
Hebrews 11:1 – “Substance of things hoped for, evidence of things not seen.”
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Definition
A belief that is supported by evidence, logic, and experience—not just feeling or tradition.
Biblical Connection
Acts 17:2 – Paul “reasoned with them from the Scriptures...”
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Definition
Believing without evidence or reason. Contrary to biblical faith, which invites examination and confidence.
Biblical Connection
John 20:31 – “These are written that you may believe...”
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Definition
A person's overarching perspective of reality, truth, purpose, morality, and destiny. Everyone has one—even atheists.
Biblical Connection
Colossians 2:8 – "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy..."
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The study of the origin, nature, and limits of human knowledge.
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The study of correct reasoning and the principles that lead to truth.
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A self-evident assumption or belief accepted as true, though not provable.
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Foundational beliefs that shape how we interpret reality.
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A truth so obvious it requires no proof.
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The belief that truth and morality are relative to individuals or cultures, denying objective truth.
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Definition
A low threshold—there’s enough to investigate.
Example / Relevance to Resurrection
Billions believe in Jesus; worth investigating resurrection claims.
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Definition
A reasonable basis to believe an event (or crime) occurred.
Example / Relevance to Resurrection
Empty tomb, missing body, eyewitness claims of resurrection.
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Definition
More likely than not" – standard used in civil trials.
Example / Relevance to Resurrection
Resurrection has more credible support than any competing theory.
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Definition
Highly probable and persuasive; a firm belief in its truth.
Example / Relevance to Resurrection
Manuscript evidence, archaeology, fulfilled prophecy, transformed lives.
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Definition
The highest legal standard. No rational explanation fits better.
Example / Relevance to Resurrection
Resurrection is supported by historical, legal, and circumstantial evidence.
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Definition
A firsthand account from someone who directly observed an event.
Example / Relevance to Resurrection
1 Corinthians 15:6 – “Seen by over 500 at once…”
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Definition
Indirect evidence pointing to a conclusion. Powerful when layered.
Example / Relevance to Resurrection
Guards bribed (Matt. 28), early church growth, changed disciples.
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Definition
The obligation to present sufficient evidence to support a claim.
Example / Relevance to Resurrection
Christianity welcomes investigation. God has provided the evidence.
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Definition
A conclusion based on evidence. In faith, we must decide based on what’s most reasonable.
Example / Relevance to Resurrection
John 20:28 – “My Lord and my God!” (Thomas’ verdict after evidence.)
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Starts with general truths and guarantees a true conclusion if premises are true.
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Starts with observations and leads to probable conclusions.
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Infers the best explanation by showing other options are implausible.
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The conclusion logically follows from the premises.
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A valid argument with true premises, leading to a true conclusion.
LEGAL & INVESTIGATIVE TERMS
These terms reflect reasoning strategies often used in courtroom logic and investigation—particularly useful in evidential apologetics.
COMMON OBJECTIONS & ANSWERING STRATEGIES
Tools for identifying and responding to flawed reasoning or misunderstandings.
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Definition
Misrepresenting someone's argument to make it easier to attack.
How to Use in Apologetics
Don’t allow critics to misstate Christian claims—clarify truth.
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Definition
Claiming two things are the same when they are not.
How to Use in Apologetics
“All religions teach the same thing” – a false equivalence.
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Definition
A claim that contradicts itself.
How to Use in Apologetics
“There is no absolute truth” is an absolute truth claim.
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Definition
Interpreting evidence to support one’s preexisting beliefs.
How to Use in Apologetics
Encourage skeptics to examine their own bias when dismissing God.
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Definition
A collection of multiple lines of evidence building a strong conclusion.
How to Use in Apologetics
Resurrection is supported by historical, prophetic, and personal evidence.
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A flaw in reasoning.
Formal Fallacy – Error in logical structure.
Informal Fallacy – Error in content or assumptions.
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Using a word in multiple senses to confuse an argument.
(Example: “evolution” as micro vs. macro)
SCIENTIFIC & PHILOSOPHICAL TERMS
Concepts that intersect faith with reason, logic, and the sciences.
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Definition
Process using observation, hypothesis, and testing. Limited to repeatable natural events.
Apologetics Use
Cannot test historical or supernatural events like the resurrection.
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Definition
Determines truth through testimony, documents, and circumstantial evidence. Used in court.
Apologetics Use
Perfect method for evaluating historical events like the resurrection.
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Definition
A testable claim must be capable of being proven false.
Apologetics Use
The resurrection is falsifiable (1 Cor. 15:17)—yet it hasn’t been.
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Definition
Everything that begins to exist must have a cause.
Apologetics Use
Points to God as the uncaused cause of the universe.
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Definition
A system that cannot function without all its parts.
Apologetics Use
Used in biology to argue against Darwinian evolution.
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Definition
Natural systems tend toward disorder over time.
Apologetics Use
Points to a universe winding down—therefore it had a beginning.
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A thing is identical to itself. (A = A)
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Two contradictory propositions cannot both be true in the same sense at the same time.
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Every proposition must be either true or false—no middle ground.
SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL IMPACT TERMS
Terms reflecting worldview and cultural engagement, especially in spiritual and ethical debates.
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Definition
A universal sense of right and wrong written on the human heart.
Implication
Romans 2:15 – “Their conscience bearing witness…”
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Definition
Viewing life in light of eternity and God’s purpose.
Implication
Ecclesiastes 3:11 – “He has set eternity in their hearts…”
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Definition
A society where feelings and opinions override facts and logic.
Implication
Apologetics helps restore confidence in objective truth.
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Definition
Applying truth in ways that connect with people’s stories and context.
Implication
Acts 17 – Paul uses Athenian culture to explain the Gospel.
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Shapes worldview assumptions.
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Undermines the concept of objective morality and truth.
DISCIPLESHIP & MINISTRY TERMS
While not heavily represented in this particular list, the following terms are useful in teaching believers how to think well and defend their faith as part of their spiritual growth journey:
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Definition
Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.
Discipleship Application
Apologetics removes obstacles and strengthens our witness.
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Definition
A process of growing in spiritual maturity and Christlikeness.
Discipleship Application
Apologetics sharpens our understanding and commitment to truth.
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Definition
Bringing biblical truth into public life and cultural conversations.
Discipleship Application
Equips believers to speak winsomely in a skeptical world.
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Definition
To revere God as holy and central in your life.
Discipleship Application
1 Peter 3:15 – The posture of every apologist.
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Definition
To fight for and defend biblical truth with humility and clarity.
Discipleship Application
Jude 3 – “Earnestly contend for the faith once for all delivered…”
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Key to discipleship in developing a Christian worldview.
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Helps believers discern truth and avoid deception.