Early Apologetics & the Development of Doctrine

The term Apologetics refers to the reasoned defense of one’s beliefs and doctrines through argument and dialogue. The term comes from the Greek word apologia (ἀπολογία), which originally meant a formal defense in response to an accusation. In the legal system of Classical Greece, a prosecutor would present the kategoria (κατηγορία)—the charge—while the defendant responded with an apologia—the defense.

In the 2nd century, as Christians faced intense persecution under the Roman Empire, they were accused of crimes such as cannibalism and incest. In response, early Christian writers such as Justin Martyr, Theophilus of Antioch, Irenaeus of Lyons, Tertullian, and Origen of Alexandria began developing and writing systematic defenses of their beliefs aimed at both Roman authorities and pagan critics.  These writers became known as Apologists.