In its Christian usage the term apologetic (Gr. apologia) refers to a reasoned presentation and defense of the Christian faith. Development of an apologetic is based on the demonstration that genuine knowledge of God is found particularly in biblical revelation (see also REVELATION). A Christian apologetic may also involve a framework of divinely revealed truth used to expose and refute (1) the error of anti-Christian systems of thought such as atheism, secular humanism, and naturalistic evolution (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:5; 1 Timothy 6:20, "what is falsely called 'knowledge'") and (2) pseudo-Christian teachings such as antinomianism (Jude 4) and legalism (Galatians 1:6-6:18; Colossians 2:16-23) (see also ANTINOMIANISM; LEGALISM).

This topic is from the Lockman Foundation.