Fred von Kamecke is the author of Busted: Exposing Popular Myths About Christianity. BCL’s Drew Dyck asked him a few questions about apologetics and the church.
What do you say to Christians who believe that apologetics just alienates unbelievers? Isn’t it better to focus on relationships in the new postmodern reality?
There are many tools in the toolbox. If you’re talking with someone who is alienated by an apologetic approach, switch tactics. Remember Paul’s example of adjusting to his audience, becoming all things to all people (1 Cor. 9:22). This would include becoming more relational to a postmodern audience.
How can a church leader motivate average Christians to learn how to defend the faith?
This can be done by example. When a congregation catches the passion of the leadership who consistently reach the lost by a reasoned defense of the faith, and when they see the fruit being born in new believers, they’ll follow suit.
What’s behind the growing biblical and doctrinal illiteracy in our churches?
We have gotten away from actually teaching the Bible and have replaced it with sermons about the Christian life. Those are important messages as well, of course; the problem comes when they squeeze out exposition. The Bible is seen as a collection of sermon springboards rather than a comprehensive record of God’s revelation throughout history.
What’s the most common myth out there about Christianity that needs busting?
That Christianity is just made up, no different than any other belief or philosophy.
