Apologetics 101 consists of providing Bible answers to questions, especially ones that claim that there is no Scriptural proof or evidence on a topic. Apologetics 201 involves refuting claims that spuriously quote Scripture as a basis for a deviant theological position. This includes citations of Bible verses taken out of context and incorrectly applied to issues.
Apologetics 301 is involved when the proponents of error or heresy refuse to accept any Scripture or are so committed to incorrect interpretations that they are essentially denying or dismissing any controverting citations. In this situation, using Bible verses to counter their argument is akin to appealing to a dictionary to explain relativity. It certainly has the proper language to explain it, but not until the words are sequenced in proper order.
An example of the last situation can be illustrated by an examination of the blog that I posted on January 28. (Sunday, January 28, 2018 Elusive Truth http://reflectionsfromjim.blogspot.com/2018/01/elusive-truth.html) I do not normally link to articles that contain egregious error, but in this instance I will do so, in lieu of reproducing the entirety of the article here. (https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/2018/01/23/christians-can-agree-disagree-key-issues/105536568/)
This editorial purports to explain and justify the adoption of a position of acceptance of homosexuality and same sex marriage by the PC(USA). This opinion was written by a clergyman of this denomination. As I explained in my response, I did not quote a single Scripture, though the temptation to do so was overwhelming. (101 and 201) But, although the arguments, explicitly raised and implied, were not new, nor compelling, it seemed that any appeal to correct doctrine would be futile. It would not carry any probative force, for the author anyway, because he is so completely committed to his aberrant position.
I am unaware of his personal experience, but that is irrelevant to the discussion. Scripture that is counter to “his” interpretation or translation would be dismissed or ignored. So the key to a refutation is to probe the basic, fundamental position. There is an unstated, but accepted presupposition to which an effective response must appeal. This will not always convince the party of their error, but that is the only way to undermine the structure of their reasoning.
In this instance, I appealed to his understanding of and appreciation for the attributes of God. God is immutable. He does not change.* In order for the obvious statements in the Old Testament which condemn homosexual activities to be condoned or even approved in the New Testament would involve a change of mind on the part of God. This change would be a fundamental violation of His nature which would immediately reveal Him as an impostor and not God at all.
An admitted atheist or a practical atheist would not be convinced by this tactic. If there is not really a God, then proving that He does not exist would not be counter to his belief system. But a theist would have to cope with a complete world view upheaval in order to accept this premise. Note that the acceptance or rejection of the existence of God does not affect the truth, but it does expose the fundamental presupposition from which a person argues. The pastor may not overtly accept the argument, but the germ of an idea has been planted.
There are three reasons for becoming involved in such controversies. First, an interested third party may see it and be moved toward belief in Christ. Second, as noted above, the “raw materials” for conversion or correction have been introduced into the thinking process of the protagonist. And third, even if no change occurs, I am a firm believer in the Holy Spirit. He is able to take the ideas, even ones which were rejected, and mold them into a persuasive pressure to move the erring one toward the light.
I do not save nor convince people. My purpose is to present the truth and let the Holy Spirit weave it into their souls. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:6. One sows, another waters, but God gives the increase.
Don’t grow tired or give up in fighting the good fight.
* Other Verses
Psalm 55:19 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+55:19&version=NASB)
Malachi 3:6 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Malachi+3:6&version=NASB)
Hebrews 7:21 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+7:21&version=NASB)
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