Joe is doing a good job of giving one man's answers to how it is for him, but the subject is usualy covered in several sub-subjects, such as Moral Theology, Ethical Theology, Christology, etc., within a framework of Systematic Theology that looks at the various facets of one's faith. HERE is an outline of what's involved in Systematic Theology. There are various texts that give one a more or less rigorous study.

A group Hardi and I lead takes another approach-- working with a group of people over time who study Scripture and other texts, and who then engage each week in refelcting together on what they have read, in light of culture, personal experience/position, and possible individual action. Without that process of theological reflection, whatever information is studied tends to swirl around one's pre-existing opinions. A little reflection with others who are honestly reflecting tends to let in a little more light.

Another discipline, APOLOGETICS, seeks to provide answers to the problems most folks have with Christianity. Another definition, from the Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church:

1. to show that it is more reasonable to have a religion than not;
2. to show that Christianity can give a more rational account of itself than any other religion;
3. to show that it is more reasonable to profess orthodox Christianity than any other form of Christianity.


CLASSIC APOLOGISTS:

Aristides (Air-iss-TYE-dees)
2nd Century writings discovered in 1891        
Defended the existence and eternity of God

Justin, Martyr
c.100—c.165        
First to address categories of faith and reason; before his conversion, he sought for truth in pagan philosophies

Tatian (TAY-shun)
c.160        
Student of Justin, Martyr; a rigorist

Athenagoras (Ath-en-AG-or-ess)
2nd Century        
Influence on Marcus Aurelius; philosophical defense of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity in the face of atheism (Socrates)

Theophilus (Thee-o-PHY-lus)
Late 2nd Century        
Bishop of Antioch, championed the doctrine of creation over pagan myths of creation; developed the concept of the Logos and emphasized the Trinity

Minucius Felix (Min-OO-shuss)
2nd or 3rd Century        
Author of Octavius, a discussion between Octavius and Caecilius (a pagan), in which pagan objections to Christianity are refuted. (from Africa)

Tertullian, Quintis Septimus (Ter-TOO-lee-un)
c.160-c.225        
Most prolific writer; tended to be a rigorist; attacks pagan superstition; argued against Marcionism; debated the practice of infant baptism

The collective challenge to classic apologetics was twofold:
(1) meet the pagan society and philosophy, and
(2) address Jewish objections to Christianity

~Susan