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#340 Apologetics Isn't a Dirty Word: What Everyone Gets Wrong, with Douglas Groothuis

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Nov 3, 2025

Guest

Doug Groothuis

Join philosopher and seasoned Christian apologist Doug Groothuis as he delves into the art of apologetics. He shares his transformative journey influenced by legends like Francis Schaeffer and C.S. Lewis. Discover the nuances between presuppositionalism and evidentialism, and how each approach aids in addressing faith-related questions. Doug emphasizes the importance of tailoring discussions to individuals' worldviews and stresses that engaging with humility and personal storytelling can effectively resonate with others. For practical tips, Doug encourages believers to be inquisitive and resourceful.

54:18

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ANECDOTE

Conversion And Early Apologetics

Doug Groothuis became a Christian at 19 after studying philosophy and Eastern religions and was shaped by charismatic experiences early on.
Reading Francis Schaeffer and C.S. Lewis shifted him into apologetics by showing Christianity's intellectual relevance.

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INSIGHT

Apologetics Defined Precisely

Apologetics literally means giving a defense and is neutral; many fields use it, not just Christianity.
Groothuis defines Christian apologetics as defending Christianity as objectively true, rational, and pertinent to life.

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ADVICE

Use Apologetics As Pre-Evangelism

Use apologetics as pre-evangelism: remove intellectual obstacles before presenting the gospel.
Offer reasons with gentleness and respect while loving the person you interact with.

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Doug Groothuis's Journey into Apologetics

04:37 • 4min

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What Is Christian Apologetics?

08:20 • 6min

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Major Apologetic Schools: Presuppositionalism vs Evidentialism

14:29 • 6min

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Apologetics and Conversion: Can It Save?

20:32 • 5min

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Practical Apologetics for Everyday Believers

25:03 • 5min

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Responding to the Critique That Apologetics Is Just Talking Points

29:33 • 7min

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Why Avoiding the Word 'Apologetics' Sometimes Helps

36:36 • 4min

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Tailoring Apologetics to Worldviews and Epistemology

40:18 • 2min

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Apologetics Shouldn't Be Expected to Instantly Answer Everything

42:42 • 3min

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Using Personal Story and Gifts in Apologetics

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Awake

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Today I’m joined by philosopher and veteran apologist Dr. Douglas Groothuis to tackle the biggest misconceptions about Christian apologetics—what it is (and isn’t), why it matters for evangelism and discipleship, and how to respond when critics dismiss apologetics as mere talking points. We unpack methods (classical/evidential vs. presuppositional), the role of evidence and story, why humility and love are non-negotiable, and how everyday Christians can give reasons for the hope within them with both gentleness and respect.

Along the way, I share updates: a new Unshaken Faith episode where Natasha and I review Jen Hatmaker’s Awake, the release of my Another Gospel?—Student Edition (with new discussion questions and side notes), and details on our final Unshaken Conference of the year in the Dallas area on November 8.

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