Using Non-Biblical Examples in Apologetics and Evangelism Effectively
The effective use of non-biblical examples in apologetics and evangelism involves drawing parallels between Christian truths and concepts found in general human experience, culture, or philosophy. This approach can help bridge understanding for those unfamiliar with biblical language or theological frameworks.
One common area where non-biblical examples are implicitly used is in illustrating universal human conditions, such as sin. While the Bible explicitly states that all human beings are born sinners [3], and describes sin as rebellion against God [6] and a preference for the creature over the Creator [5], these concepts can be illuminated by examples from everyday life. For instance, the idea of "vanity" in Proverbs 30:8 is interpreted as encompassing "all sorts of sinful acts" [4]. Similarly, the concept of "sincerity" is presented in scripture as a characteristic of Christian conduct and worship [1]. When discussing the absence of sincerity or the presence of vanity in human actions, apologists might point to examples of deceit, self-interest, or hypocrisy observed in society or literature, which resonate with the biblical understanding of sin without directly quoting scripture.
Another area is in demonstrating moral principles. The Bible frequently calls for virtues like "liberality" [2], which is described as pleasing to God and characteristic of saints [2]. While the biblical context specifies giving to the poor, strangers, and enemies [2], non-biblical examples of generosity, self-sacrifice, or altruism from history or contemporary society can serve to illustrate these virtues. Such examples can show that these principles are not alien to human understanding of goodness, even if their ultimate source and motivation are understood differently within a Christian worldview.
The apostle Paul himself demonstrated a willingness to adapt his communication style to his audience, as seen in his emphasis on preaching the Gospel "not with excellency of speech" or "arts of rhetoric" when addressing the Corinthians, who were accustomed to philosophical discourse [7, 8]. This suggests a strategic approach to communication, where the message's clarity and truth take precedence over stylistic conventions that might alienate the audience. By drawing on examples that are culturally relevant to the listener, apologists can make the Gospel message more accessible, much like Paul sought to present the "testimony... of God" in a way that would be understood [7]. This method acknowledges that while the content of the Gospel is unique, its implications often intersect with broader human experiences and ethical considerations.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sincerity — Christ was an example of -- 1Pe 2:22. Ministers should be examples of -- Tit 2:7. Opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Should characterise Our love to God. -- 2Co 8:8,24. Our love to Christ. -- Eph 6:24. Our service to God. -- Jos 24:14; Joh 4:23,24. Our faith. -- 1Ti 1:5. Our love to one another. -- Ro 12:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:18. Our whole conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. The preaching of the gospel. -- 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-5. A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel -- 1Pe 2:2. The gospel sometimes preached without -- Php 1:16. The wicked devoid of -- Ps 5:9; ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Liberality — Pleasing to God -- 2Co 9:7; Heb 13:16. God never forgets -- Heb 6:10. Christ set an example of -- 2Co 8:9. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 112:9; Isa 32:8. Unprofitable, without love -- 1Co 13:3. Should be exercised In the service of God. -- Ex 35:21-29. Toward saints. -- Ro 12:13; Ga 6:10. Toward servants. -- De 15:12-14. Toward the poor. -- De 15:11; Isa 58:7. Toward strangers. -- Le 25:35. Toward enemies. -- Pr 25:21. Toward all men. -- Ga 6:10. In leading to those in want. -- Mt 5:42. In giving alms. -- Lu 12:33. In relieving the destitute. -- Isa 58:”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”
- Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 2:1: When I came to you - Acting suitably to my mission, which was to preach the Gospel, but not with human eloquence, Co1 1:17. I declared to you the testimony, the Gospel, of God, not with excellency of speech, not with arts of rhetoric, used by your own philosophers, where the excellence of the speech recommends the matter, and compensates for the want of solidity and truth: on the contrary, the testimony concerning Christ and his salvation is so supremely excellent, as to dignify any kind of language by which it may be conveyed. See the Introduction, Section 2.”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 1:17: For Christ sent me not to baptize - Bp. Pearce translates thus: For Christ sent me, not so much to baptize as to preach the Gospel: and he supports his version thus - "The writers of the Old and New Testaments do, almost every where (agreeably to the Hebrew idiom) express a preference given to one thing beyond another by an affirmation of that which is preferred, and a negation of that which is contrary to it: and so it must be understood here, for if St. Paul was not sent at all to baptize, he baptized without a commission; but if he was sent, not only to ba”