For too long, the modern Christian experience in the public square has felt like a perpetual cross-examination. We are constantly put on the witness stand, forced to answer for the Crusades, explain the problem of evil, or defend the historical reliability of the Gospels.

We have become experts at the “back foot”—always reacting, always explaining, always defending.

While giving a defense is a biblical mandate, it is only half of the equation. In our effort to be “winsome,” we have largely abandoned a crucial tool in the Christian arsenal: Polemics. It is time to understand the difference between defending the truth and exposing error, and why we need to start doing both.

Apologetics vs. Polemics: Knowing the Difference

To understand where we have gone wrong, we must define our terms. While they are often used interchangeably, Apologetics and Polemics are two distinct mindsets

1. Apologetics (The Shield)

The word comes from the Greek apologia, meaning “a formal defense,” often used in a legal context. The scriptural mandate is found in 1 Peter 3:15:

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 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.”

Apologetics is the shield. It is rational, protective, and explanatory. It answers the skeptic’s questions and removes intellectual barriers to faith. It is defensive by nature.

2. Polemics (The Sword)

The word comes from the Greek polemos, meaning “war.” If apologetics is defending the castle, polemics is storming the stronghold. It is the active dismantling of false teachings and cultural idols. The scriptural mandate here is found in 2 Corinthians 10:5:

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Polemics is the sword. It does not just defend the truth; it exposes the incoherence, historical fallacies, and moral failures of opposing worldviews.

The Problem with the “Back Foot”

The modern church excels at the shield but has largely dropped the sword.

Groups like Islam, Mormonism (LDS), and Jehovah’s Witnesses—along with modern atheists—have developed aggressive strategies to keep Christians on the defensive. They cherry-pick Bible verses, question the Trinity, or mock the Resurrection.

In response, we scramble to write books and record podcasts defending our position. We have allowed the enemies of the Gospel to frame the debate. We let them ask all the questions while we provide all the answers.

We must remember that for over 2,000 years, Christianity has been the anvil that has worn out many hammers. From the early Gnostics and ancient heretics to the “New Atheists” of the 21st century, the Gospel has withstood the most intense scrutiny history has to offer. It has stood strong because it is true.

Turning the Tables

Here is the uncomfortable reality we must face: We have been far too easy on false ideologies.

We treat opposing worldviews with a level of deference they do not extend to us. We hesitate to critique the Quran, the Book of Mormon, or the Watchtower Society because we fear being labeled “intolerant.” Meanwhile, these groups actively undermine the deity of Christ and the sufficiency of His work.

If we put these false ideologies under the same level of scrutiny that Christianity endures daily, they would falter immediately.

* Islam: Claims to correct the Bible, yet its textual history and the life of its founder crumble under the historical method used to test the Gospels.

* Mormonism: Asks us to trust Joseph Smith, yet the archaeological and historical record offers zero support for his claims of ancient civilizations in the Americas.

* Jehovah’s Witnesses: Claim to be the sole channel of God’s truth, yet their history is littered with failed prophecies and constantly changing doctrines.

The Path Forward

It is not unloving to expose error; it is the most loving thing we can do. If a bridge is out, you don’t gently whisper to the driver; you wave your arms and warn them of the danger.

It is time to stop apologizing for our faith and start scrutinizing the alternatives. We must move from the back foot to the front foot. We must be willing to ask the hard questions of those who attack the Cross.

In the coming weeks, I will be releasing a series of posts specifically designed to turn the scrutiny onto these competing worldviews. We will look at the clear, undeniable issues within the ideologies that seek to displace Christ.

The shield is up. Now, it’s time to pick up the sword.

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