Do Apologetics ever lead to conversion?

Question

My husband is fascinated with Apologetics (ie explaining and supporting doctrines through scripture and historical evidence, and clearing up misconceptions about a religion's tennets).

I know Mormons, Christians, Jews, Muslims, etc, all do this - appeal to history, scripture, logic, etc. I was just wondering, though, if this kind of intellectual research into religions ever has the power to change a person's faith?

I think it doesn't. I think faith and conviction come through the Spirit, and through living the principles of that religion, not through intellectualism. What do you think? Have you (or someone you know) converted to a religion due to an intellectual discussion or process?

Or do you only use Apologetics as a supplement to faith that you already have? Can faith come from intellectualism?

Answer 1

While I feel that science and faith can co-exist--even within the same person--I feel that apologetics rarely ever work out. Often, apologetics manage to pervert both the religious "scripture" and the science used to "prove" said scripture.

People must remember that science discusses fact, while religions--all of them--address truth. Truth and fact are very different things. This is easily observed when you study how various works of literature--fiction in nearly all cases--have shaped our modern society. In fact, truth is often easier obtained through works of fiction than it is through fact alone.

Another fact must also be considered. For the "true believer," no evidence is necessary. for the non-believer, none is good enough. This holds true for any religion--and science.

Answer 2

I have never seen nor heard of anyone gaining faith through apologetics. I *have* heard of people who are losing their faith re-finding it through answers through apologetics.

We are unique beings. We all have an intellectual side and a side that realizes that intellectual just doesn't cut it by itself. But I find it hard to believe that any human being would continue to believe in something that had no intellectual merit at all. This then is the role apologetics plays. It's a way of showing that a belief system is not "just plain silly."

Apologetics is for those already in the religion, not to gain new converts.

Answer 3

I have always had a lot of quesions and been by nature skeptical, and it was through my own study of Church history and apologetics that I converted. That's not to say that there weren't other factors, but yes apologetics did in part lead to my conversion.

My conversion was a gradual one, but I went from being atheist, to being involved with the 12-step movement briefly, I had some interest in Buddhism but returned to the Church of my youth in part from insight I gained from reading the writings of the mystics like St. John of the Cross, St. Theresa but also Joseph Campbell who explains how and why the symbolic language of religion is such an important aspect of the human experience. It was while I was Roman Catholic that I begin attending an Eastern Rite church, which piqued my interest in Church history that much more, as I read and studied I became interested in reading history from both the Roman Catholic and non-Catholic perspectives, and along with prayer, the Spirit and faith began a process that led to my catechesis and eventual conversion to the Orthodox Church. I've now been Orthodox for 17 years.

Answer 4

I use it as a supplement to the faith that I already have, although at times my faith can fall a little bit.

I like watching the science shows and history shows on the Christian channels.

It renews my faith in a sense and makes everything even more believable. Even though I know it takes more than just that for me to have faith and keep it.

I do not think that faith can come from intellectualism. I think that you have to have certain things happen in your life for you to believe. Not just apologetics.

Answer 5

How will they hear without a preacher or evangelist? If not for the very actions that you say are worthless, the Spirit would be quenched. The Body of Christ needs to be about the Father's business, as we are commanded, "Go into all the world and PREACH..... Apologetics are a great tool for believers to study and show them selves approved, but a minister that has the gift of bringing a sinner to repentance is the one who is looking at the fields that are ripe for harvest. As for intellectualism, read your bible. God chose the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. The Pharisees were the most educated of their day, and they couldn't get it.

Answer 6

I think that the seeds of faith can be planted through intellectualism. A person who wants to know, however, must have a confirmation of the Truth by the Holy Ghost. True knowledge comes through testimony and the Holy Ghost alone. Scientific "proofs" and theories are constantly changing. There are LDS scientists who are trying to "prove" the Book of Mormon and then there are anti-Mormon scientists who are trying to "disprove" the Book of Mormon.

A person who places his faith and trust in the arm of man (or in this case the findings of scientist) will surely be led astray. But the scientific findings are great supplement to the faith I already have.

Answer 7

Used 'apologetics' (= research?) to try to clear some of my doubts (initially). Also I felt I had a lot of time on my hands, as I felt I was very far from the truth.

Things change. My faith hasn't.

I think it's stronger & better supported for the study / learning.

I think, I know, there are 'shortcuts', though, without the intellectual side.

In the Buddha's time, children younger than 10, attained Enlightenment as 'disciples/followers/'hearers''.

Jesus said to enter the Kingdom of Heaven we must be as children. Lilies of the fields...

I agree with you. Theorising can be mediate (not im-).

I'm becoming a fan of The Cosmic Drifter...

Answer 8

As St. Peter said, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," (1 Peter 3:15)

Apologetics does work. There are numerous books of conversion won through apologetics.

Answer 9

Apologetics main function is to keep the faithful 'faithful' by addressing a concern of that faith. More often than not, others in the scientific community do not hold them in very high regard, since in many cases, they are paid by the church to make the 'science fit'.

Answer 10

I know with out a doubt that faith comes only by the Spirit. Faith is not be able to see and and still believing. (like the wind) We see it move things but, can not see it. We can stop something in the wind but not the wind itself.

Some of those who lived in the time of Christ saw him, touched him and still did not believe. And many who have never seen his face or heard him speak fallow him. Through the Spirit man is moved. For it is only the Spirit that can move beyond the flesh to touch the heart.

Although it is cool to see the proof of something you have always believed. But I also Imagine that It would be awesome for the Spirit to testify to your heart as proof unfolds before your very eyes.