Apologetics, simply put, is for defending the truth of Christianity against objections from without—atheism, deism, other false cults and religions—and within—false teachings, “Christian” cults, etc.. The underlying goal should always be a loving presentation of the Gospel to those who you are talking to who might not be Christians. Spreading the Gospel, after all, is the entire purpose that the church was put here in the first place. It is not simply to “hold the line” until Jesus returns.

Another purpose of apologetics is to strengthen the faith of those who are already Christians. Studying apologetics has helped my faith grow immensely stronger. Obviously the Holy Spirit has worked through this, as he can many other things. However, as Christians, our faith is being attacked by ideological forces beyond our control. We must know how to present the truth in a way so as to demonstrate those other frameworks untenable for life and godliness.