Modern Paladin

No Apologies

All well-trained or formally educated Pastors and Theologians are familiar with the term “apologetics”, which derives from the Greek word “apologia” [ἀπολογία] (Strong’s 627). The combination of “apo” [ἀπό] (Strong’s 575) meaning “from” and “logos” [λόγος] (Strong’s 3056) meaning “intelligent reasoning” (which is the base word of the English term “logic”) can be understood to mean an argument or defense arising from intelligent reasoning. Very early in church history this became a full-time job. Almost every writer and historical theologian mentioned throughout this book can be referred to as an “Apologist”, or someone who engages in apologetics. Unfortunately, over time, as many words tend to do, this term migrated through cultural lens into a new evolution. The idea of “apologia” as an intelligent argument evolved into the technique by which a positon was defended or supported. This concept in turn evolved into a defense of the Bible or a philosophy, and eventually, a person. One might write an apology for themselves or another, for instance, around 300 AD Pamphilus of Caesarea wrote an “Apology for Origen” which defended Origen and his positions. Over time, this idea of defending oneself became a common word used to express a defense of something someone said or did, but in the last couple centuries this continued to evolve into something one might say to excuse a mistake they made. In the current context, to apologize typically means you have made a mistake. The term “apologetics” has become damaged in modern society as it is often interpreted by non-theologians to mean Christians or the Bible have made errors for which they need to apologize. This modern context is far from the deep intellectual argument originally intended, and as we enter the final section of this dissertation we want to say loud and clear that although much of this work can be considered apologetics, in modern terms there are no apologies. There is nothing to apologize for. God is real; He sent His Son who died for us and rose again, and the Bible is a proven source of truth. This approach of boldness is the key to this final section. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim 1:7).

Believers know from Chapter 6 of Ephesians who their enemy is, and every page of this book has highlighted the message of Christ and Paul and others in their instruction that readers should be bold. This is not a colloquial linguistics essay, we do not mean to suggest that the evolution of the word “apology” has been manipulated by the enemy, certainly that is possible, but it is more likely that is a simple result of history. It is the culture, the modern physical world where Christians often feel attacked and marginalized that we call into question. It is important to realize, regardless of the wording, that the enemy desires to undercut a developing leader and instill doubt that will foster weakness. “No apologies” is our theme because just as the word “apologetics” has devolved from a deep intellectual defense into a word describing weakness and mistakes, so the culture and marginal Christians have devolved from powerful intellectual world movers and changers, to a group of quiet and concerned members of a pluralistic society. This word is our symbol, but it is the state of modern Christians who have been lulled into complacency and worldliness that we intend to address. “No apologies” is a position of strength, a position of authority as a warrior. “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19). As Paul explained thoroughly in Ephesians, adopted sons and daughters of the living God, within Christ, have been empowered with the authority of Jesus to do the things he has done and even greater things (John 14:12). “No apologies” is the mantra of the Paladin, who fights for the Word and defends the Savior from all attacks, prepared to lead and serve, uniting the Modern Church. No matter what happens in the physical fallen world, and no matter what society has to say to you, remember what Jesus said in Matthew 10:33 and stand on the Word. “Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I deny before my Father which is in heaven” (Matt 10:33). It is not our intention to sound unkind, quite the opposite; and it is not our intention to sound unforgiving, quite the opposite; but we must instill strength in a compromised world. Disciples must be trained to fight and survive and thrive even behind enemy lines. What we have learned from Paul and Jesus and John is that the battle is real and our leaders must be aware and prepared. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet 5:8).