Somebody should.
The job of defending the Christian faith, and answering questions such as these, is known as apologetics. One person has defined apologetics as "proving what you never doubted by arguments you don't understand." This, however, is certainly not the case!
Our English word "apologetics" comes from two Greek words - the noun apologia and the verb apologeomai. In the New Testament era, these words meant "to give a defense or reply." They are found some eighteen times in the New Testament.
The Noun "Defend"
The noun apologia is used eight times in the New Testament.
1. Brothers and fathers, hear my defense which I now offer to you (Acts 22:1).
The Apostle Paul is offering a defense to certain things he was wrongly accused of.
2. And I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over any man before the accused meets his accusers face to face, and has an opportunity to make his defense against the charges (Acts 25:16). Here the word is used in the technical sense of making a defense against accusers.
3. My defense to those who examine me is this (1 Corinthians 9:3).
Paul again is using the term in the legal sense.
4. For behold what earnestness this very thing, this godly sorrow, has produced in you: what vindication of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what avenging of wrong! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be innocent in the matter (2 Corinthians 7:11). Here the word has the idea of vindication.
5. For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me (Philippians 1:7).
The scope of Paul's ministry concerns both the defense and confirmation of the good news. This implies that his response or apology was closely linked with the gospel.
6. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel (Philippians 1:16). This clearly points out his purpose - he is set for the defense of the gospel.
7. At my first defense no one defended me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them (2 Timothy 4:16).
This could mean defend or support in front of hostile witnesses.
8. but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence (1 Peter 3:15).
This is a key verse with respect to the defense of the Christian faith. Here it is in the context of persecution. When asked, we are commanded to have an answer as to what we believe and why we believe.
The Verb "To Defend"
The verb apologeomai is used ten times in the New Testament.
1. And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not become anxious about how or what you should speak in your defense, or what you should say (Luke 12:11).
Jesus uses "defense" here with the idea of our defending the faith before institutions and authorities.
2. So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves (Luke 21:14). This could be a formal defense before those who were making a legal charge.
3. And some of the crowd concluded it was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly (Acts 19:33).
Alexander was attempting to respond to the charges made against him.
4. And when the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded: Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense (Acts 24:10).
Again, we have Paul's defense to charges that were brought against him. In this case it is before the governor.
5. while Paul said in his own defense, "I have committed no offense either against the Law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar" (Acts 25:8).
Paul is responding to the specific charges that he has committed offenses either against the Jews, their religion, or Rome.
6. And Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for yourself." Then Paul stretched out his hand and proceeded to make his defense (Acts 26:1).
He begins his legal defense before King Agrippa.
7. In regard to all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that I am about to make my defense before you today (Acts 26:2).
Again, we have another use of the term in a sense of a legal defense. Paul makes his defense before Agrippa, verse 22 is the key to understand of what his defense consisted.
And so, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place (Acts 26:22).
Paul argues that he is teaching nothing different than what is found in Moses (the Law) and the Old Testament prophets.
8. And while Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, "Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad (Acts 26:24).
Here Paul is interrupted by Festus as he is making his defense.
9. in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness, and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them (Romans 2:15).
The thoughts of humans can either bring an accusation or a defense.
10. All this time you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Actually, it is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ; and all for your upbuilding, beloved (2 Corinthians 12:19).
This refers to specific attacks against Paul from certain people in Corinth.
From these verses we learn that an apologist is one who gives a defense or reply to questions about the Christian faith. This is true whether it is answering a simple question or responding to some type of accusation.
Don't worry about it, logjam. If it is false, you have nothing to worry about.