A Dialogical Apologetics Approach in Communicating the Gospel Amidst a Pluralistic Society
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21730030Keywords:
dialogical apologetics, 1 peter 3:15, pluralistic society, evangelism, theological tolerance, local wisdomAbstract
The greatest challenge for the church in Indonesia is not the lack of evangelistic zeal, but the inaccuracy of methods in conveying it amidst a pluralistic sociological reality. Classical apologetic models that tend to be polemical, confrontational, and focused on "winning arguments" often build walls instead of bridges, proving counterproductive to soul-winning efforts. This article aims to reconstruct the Christian apologetic approach from a debate-oriented model to a dialogue-oriented one. Using a qualitative theological method with a hermeneutic approach to 1 Peter 3:15-16 and Acts 17, this study proposes the concept of "Dialogical Apologetics." Findings indicate that the defense of faith (apologia) must be conducted with a spirit of gentleness (prautes) and respect (phobos). In a pluralistic society, Gospel communicators are not called to attack others' beliefs (destructive), but to present the beauty of Christ persuasively and relationally. The practical implication is a shift from monologues of superiority to listening dialogues, where the Gospel truth is conveyed not as an assault, but as a loving invitation.
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