Apologetic Quote by Timothy Keller
““Third, do “apologetic sidebars.” Try to devote one of the three or four sermon points mainly to the doubts and concerns of nonbelievers. Keep in your head a list of the ten or so biggest objections people have to Christianity. More often than not, the particular Scripture text has some way to address them. Always treat people’s typical doubts about Christianity with respect. Jude reminds us to “be merciful to those who doubt” (Jude 22). Never give the impression that “all intelligent people think like I do.” Don’t hesitate to say, “I know this Christian doctrine may sound outrageous, but would you consider this…?””
About This Quote
Source Sermon: “Apologetics in the Pulpit”, 2010
Encourages addressing nonbelievers’ doubts directly in sermons, using scripture to respond respectfully and acknowledging objections.
In simple terms: Address doubts openly with respect and scriptural answers.
Key Takeaway
Respect doubts, use scripture.
Themes
apologetics
empathy
communication
Mood
thoughtful
respectful
Type
instructional
inspirational
When to use this quote
- church preaching
- interfaith dialogue
- education
- personal counseling
Key Concepts
Christian doctrine
objection handling
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance truth with empathy?
- What objections are most common in your context?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex theological issues.
![“24 A few pages later, Delbanco writes the following: [Alexis de] Tocqueville’s detection of a “strange melancholy in the midst of abundance” has a special salience today — because while we have gotten very good at deconstructing old stories (the religion that was the subject of my first chapter…” quote by Timothy Keller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/85a/timothy-keller-240_sad_24-a-few-pages-later-delbanco-writes-the_25320.jpg)
