Apologetics is a theological science which has for its purpose the explanation and defense of the Christian religion

NOTE: This is not an article from the Catholic Encyclopedia. It is provided here for the benefit of those interested in pursuing additional studies in this area.

Contents 1 I - Apologetics 2 II - Religion 3 III - Foundations 4 IV - Higher Truths 5 V - Temporal Manifestation 6 VI - Divisions 7 VII - Temporal Activity

I - Apologetics

In the following article note the origin of the word, equivalent terms, divisions of the subject, and its history in four periods.

• Apologetics - overview

II - Religion

The apologist first inquires into the nature of religion, its universality and man's natural capacity to acquire religious ideas.

A - Overview

• Religion - nature and origins

B - Various manifestations

• Naturism
• Animism
• Fetishism
• Totemism
• Deity
• Paganism
• Superstition
• Idolatry

C - Key civilizational developments

• Assyria
• Babylonia
• Egypt
• India
  • Hinduism
  • Brahminism
  • Buddhism
• Avesta - sacred books of ancient Persia
  • Theological Aspects of Avesta
• Parsis - Zoroastrianism in India
• Mithraism - cult of ancient Indo-Persia
• China
  • Confucianism
  • Taoism

See also various Indian Tribes for additional variations.

These various forms, while showing the universality of religion, also show the errors into which the human mind may fall.

III - Foundations

There now follows a study of the foundations of true religion:

A - Supreme Being

• God - Existence and attributes

B - Key attributes

• Omnipotence
• Infinity
• Creation
• Divine Providence
• Man
• Soul
• Free Will
• Immortality

C - Opposing beliefs or theories

• Atheism
• Agnosticism - Knowableness
• Monotheism
• Monism
• Pantheism
• Emanationism

D - Modern Conflicts

• Evolution - hypothesis; theistic and atheistic conceptions
• Natural Law - rule of conduct prescribed by the Creator
• Transcendentalism

IV - Higher Truths

While the basic truths of religion may be discovered by human reason, God has made known a higher order of truths to be accepted by man.

A - Revelation

• Revelation
• Mystery
• Faith
• Dogma
• Miracles
• Prophecy

B - Errors

• Naturalism
• Rationalism
• Deism

C - Revealed Truths

• Bible
• Old Testament
• Jews and Judaism
• Biblical Criticism

The revelation begun in the Old Testament and accepted by the Jews is completed in the New Testament, the basis of the Christian religion.

• New Testament
• Christianity
• Jesus Christ
• Gospel
• Christology
• Redemption
• Resurrection
• Apostles
• Christian Archaeology
• Catacombs
• Persecution

V - Temporal Manifestation

A - Establishment
In order to continue the work of redemption, Jesus Christ established a temporal authority for all of mankind.

• The Church

B - Four Marks
The Church of Christ is recognized by certain marks or notes which are found in the Catholic Church alone.

• Unity
• Sanctity
• Catholicity
• Apostolicity

Note the identity of the foregoing with the ancient creeds: "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic"

C - Deposit of Faith
To this Church He entrusted the deposit of Faith:

• Rule of Faith
• Infallibility
• Tradition - and the Living Magisterium

D - Visible organization
Jesus Christ gave the Church a visible organization:

• Hierarchy
• Pope
• Bishop
• Priesthood
• Jurisdiction

E - Means of Grace
As the ordinary means of grace He instituted the Sacraments.

• Sacraments

VI - Divisions

In the course of time, divisions arose among men; hence a number of Christian bodies separated from the Church:

• Heresy
• Sect and Sects - Etymology and Meaning
• Schism
• Greek Church
• Protestantism
• Modernism

VII - Temporal Activity

In spite of these defections, the Church continues her activity for the good of mankind:

• Charity - and charitable organizations
• Science - and its relation to the Church
• Education
• Ecclesiastical Art