GLOSSARY TERMS
APOLOGETICS TERMS
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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..."
LEGAL & INVESTIGATIVE TERMS
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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.)
COMMON OBJECTIONS & ANSWERING STRATEGIES
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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.
SCIENTIFIC & PHILOSOPHICAL TERMS
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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.
SPIRITUAL & CULTURAL IMPACT TERMS
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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.
DISCIPLESHIP & MINISTRY TERMS
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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…”