On apologetics and why I don’t usually take on that mantle.

I think a quote by Charles Spurgeon is in order here.

Who ever heard of defending a lion? Just turn it loose; it will defend itself.

I don’t see the need to jump to the defense of anything. I don’t have to. If it’s good, it’ll defend itself. If it’s bad and people have to defend it from criticism constantly, then it must not have been a very good work, has it?

My role is to provide a correct testimony when anything is scrutinized. If it’s good, I’ll say it is. If it has faults, I’ll voice them. If no one wants to provide a positive testimony, I provide it. Granted the last bit is the work of an apologetic, if it can defend itself from criticism, I usually don’t have to step in.

Besides, who knows what lies in the heart of an apologetic? Does he defend it with a pure heart, or does he have his own agenda to fulfill? I’d rather be a truthful witness than an apologetic. Less stress, hassle, it’s the right thing to do, and when I do get action, it’s usually meaningful.

PS: This was originally applied to the Bible, but it works in any form.