apologetics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

apol·o·get·ics | \ ə-ˌpä-lə-ˈje-tiks

How to pronounce apologetics (audio)

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Definition of apologetics

1 : systematic argumentative discourse (see discourse entry 1 sense 2a) in defense (as of a doctrine)

2 : a branch of theology devoted to the defense of the divine origin and authority of Christianity

Examples of apologetics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Like no one else, Hooper absorbed the vast corpus of Lewis’s work: fantasy, satire, science fiction, literary criticism, essays, sermons, apologetics, and poetry. — Joseph Loconte, National Review, "Walter Hooper, R.I.P.," 7 Dec. 2020 There’s much, in both the book and the television series, that’s irreverent to the point that you’d be horrified to come across it out of context; Onion, for instance, offers many apologetics for slavery. — Carvell Wallace, New York Times, "‘The Good Lord Bird’ Is Good TV. But Mix Art and Slavery at Your Peril.," 6 Oct. 2020 Aspiring pastoral candidates were inspired by his capacity to teach systematic theology and apologetics, the defense of the Christian faith. — Russell Pulliam, Washington Post, "Theologian R.C. Sproul, who influenced evangelical beliefs about the Bible, dies at 78," 15 Dec. 2017 Many of its students are pastors who want to get more education in Christian apologetics, or defending the faith using history, reason, evidence and philosophy. — Tim Funk, charlotteobserver, "With more students streaming classes online, school plans to sell campus and find smaller facility," 29 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'apologetics.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near apologetics

apologia pro vita sua

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Last Updated

13 Dec 2020

Cite this Entry

“Apologetics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apologetics. Accessed 17 Jan. 2021.

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