This article is the first of a monthly apologetics series. The field of Christian apologetics is a vital discipline of the Christian faith. "Apologetics is the vindication of the Christian philosophy of life against the various forms of the non-Christian philosophy of life" (Cornelius Van Til, "Apologetics," p. l). The term apologetics is derived from the Greek word "apologia" which means a "a defense offered." We see several occasions where Paul gives his apologia ( Acts 23:lff; 24:1; 26:lff; Galatians 1 and 2; and II Corinthians 13). Apologetic situations are inevitable. Every Christian at some point has encountered an apologetic situation whether it be to an unbelieving family member who thinks the Christian is a fanatic, whether it be an acquaintance who thinks that Christianity and the Bible are merely one of many viable religious alternatives, or whether it be the average man on the street who lets his feelings dictate his moral actions.