This document defines key terms related to urban apologetics. It explains that apologetics refers to defending the gospel of Jesus Christ. Christian apologetics involves being ready to give reasons for one's faith according to 1 Peter 3:15. An urban apologist approaches apologetics in a way that is culturally relevant to urban contexts. Urban apologetics studies how to effectively engage with the complexities of urban life and inner cities using scripture. The document outlines major issues facing urban communities today and challenges for urban church leaders, missionaries, apologists, and evangelists in addressing these issues through cultural engagement and Christ-centered solutions.
1. Urban Apologetics OL
ATH 248
Professor Juandolyn Stokes
Beulah Heights University
Terminology for the Urban Context
Power Point #2
Juandolyn.stokes@beulah.edu
2. Terms You Need to
Know
From your Urban Apologetics, Christopher W.
Brooks reading assignments
3. APOLOGETICS
The word “apologetics” is derived from the
Greek term apologia, which means
“defense.” the art & science of commending
and defending the gospel of Jesus Christ. It
simply means to make a defense, likened
unto an argument made before a court.
4. CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS
1 Peter 3:15
CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS is all about defending our
Christian faith to others. Although there are
numerous Scriptures that explain and encourage the
need for apologetics, the one that best explains it is
in 1 Peter 3:15 – “…... but sanctify Christ as Lord in
your hearts, always being ready to make a defense
to everyone who asks you to give an account for the
hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and
reverence.”
5. Terminology for the Urban Context
URBAN APOLOGISTS
is an apologist who
approaches apologetics
with the preacher-prophet-
poet approach in an effort
to capture the souls and
minds of listeners, who are
stirred by the soulful
sounds of stanzas,
narratives and hymns,
which echo with beauty
and truth.
URBAN
APOLOGETICS
Is the theological and
biblical study of how
Christians can effectively
engage the context and
complexities of the urban
life and inner cities with the
ancient biblical scriptures,
keeping dialogue,
conversation and
instruction relevant to the
cultural-social context.
6. 4 Things Urban Apologists are
called to Do
G
• Give clear answers to the questions people are asking
concerning what Christians believe, especially in light of
current issues that arise in our culture
A
• As responsible Christians, they should always be ready to
give a reason for the hope that lies within
F
• Foster help and hope to those who believe that the
gospel lacks sufficient solution for all things that plaque
humanity.
U
• Understand the cultural context of generations, and the
concerns & challenges non Christians have about our
Christian faith
7. URBAN CHRISTIAN
Are men and women
who are not afraid to
make investments in
the lives of the
residents of our inner
cities throughout
America. They live,
minister and are called
to teach and reach
people who live in the
inner city.
Called to the inner city
10. Some major issues today….
Climate use,
Terrorism,
Politics, Race
Relations
Education,
Unemployment,
Crime, Violence,
Wars,
Immigration
Hunger,
Homelessness,
Poverty, Climate
Change,
Environment
These are worries among urban communities.
11. An Urban Challenge to all…
Urban Church Leaders
Urban Missionaries
Urban Apologists
Urban Evangelists
Urban Christians
The Urban Church
12. Urban Challenges….
You must have cultural
engagement in an effort
to impact the world
You must resist the
temptation to resign
itself from the social ills
that grip our
communities
You must be willing to
engage the culture by
providing Christ-centered
solutions to societal
problems
You must be capable and
wiling to engage in
discussions about
relevant issues
13. URBAN CHALLENGES…
You must learn to face and
address difficult questions
around those who feel
economically neglected,
disenfranchised and
marginalized.
You must be wiling to provide
strong urban family apologetics
for those who have never been
taught the principles of biblical
manhood, womanhood,
marriage, divorce,
relationships, etc.
You must have compassion and
sensitivity to those who have
been hurt, disappointed,
shamed and wounded by the
Christian church and faith.
You must be capable of giving
compelling and coherent
reasons to follow Christ.
14. URBAN CHALLENGES…
Urban Evangelism OL
You must be able to bring
understanding and cohesiveness
among Scriptures, in light of other
world religions, Christian
indifferences, false doctrines and
influential organizations who garner
followers by misrepresenting
Christian beliefs and practices.
15. URBAN EVANGELISM OL – ATH 248
POWER POINT #2, Spring, 2019
Professor Juandolyn Stokes
Email: juandolyn.stokes@beulah.edu
REMEMBER, THESE ARE TERMS YOU NEED TO
KNOW!.
