The word apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia giving a reason or reply about our faith. This basically means that when a topic that is faith related surfaces, you reply to it. In a modern day situation, it would be associated with a lawyer defending his client (as we defend the faith). A famous example is when St. Cyril of Alexandria gave an “apologetic” (a reply to defend the faith) to the heresy of Nestorius claiming that Jesus was two people, which was a false statement.
There are two types of apologetics; offensive and defensive. Offensive is tackling the problem head on. The Bible talks about offensive apologetics when saying “we are destroying speculations of every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). The other type is defensive. Defensive is when we defend the faith. The Bible mentions Defensive apologetics when saying “For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me” (Philippians 1:7).
Why is this so important to know? It’s important to know because it is our job to defend and keep the faith. If we don’t, then it will change and become false. St. Peter mentions this when he says “Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). That verse tells us to do it in meekness and fear (gentleness).
The important thing that we should always keep in mind is HOW to properly defend the faith, without them gaining or thinking of any false information. It is our duty to defend the faith as the children of God and the future generation of the Coptic Church.