If you know what apologetics is, click here. If not, read on.
Apologetics is an explanation, not an apology as we use the word today. We are all called to evangelize. Peter exhorted the faithful to "Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope" (1 Peter 3:15) Apologetics is the form of evangelization that explains as opposed to proclaims the teachings of Christ's Church. Peter goes on to say "but do it with gentleness and reverence..." That's what I attempt to do.
I first came across the idea of Catholic apologetics in a book by Karl Keating called "Catholicism and Fundamentalism". The current generation of apologists owes a debt of gratitude for this work, and for the continuing apostolate of his organization - Catholic Answers. I learned a lot from this book about my faith, and re-learned a lot too. It was a good refresher course.
You see? even the Netscape spell checker knows about apologetics. It doesn't know about apostolate; it suggests "apostate", which is like totally opposite, but then it also suggests Croatia for my last name. Spell checkers can be funny at times. When I was writing mainframe computer documentation on IBM's CICS (Customer Information Control System), the spell checker would always suggest "sex", and I would always respond "not now".
How I got into this is a long story, and you can check out an abbreviated version here, but what I ended up with is a stronger faith, and a desire to share it. I began to write a newsletter as a way of expressing my faith growth and to keep friends abreast of the changes in my life during a difficult time.
The "first issue" was just a party invitation, but I dressed it up to look like a typical members only newsletter. The biggest mistake was putting Volume 1 number 1 on the "masthead", because people asked when the next issue was coming out.
The next issue had a slightly larger audience; about 40 compared to the 12 copies of the party invite. Still rather small, but it started to talk about issues, and reached friends, family and folks at work. You can see some anger here, and if you knew what was going on in my life at the time perhaps you could understand, but thankfully, I grew as a result.
The third issue was a little bit longer and a little less angry, but still had a long way to go. It was fun, and I started work on the next, but with moving to my brother's and then back to my sister's I just let the next issue lie for a while.
The fourth issue was the first with real apologetics "meat and potatoes". The issue was polished up and printed up in time for my cousin John's wedding in Minnesota. I've got lots of family up there, so I printed up some "extra" copies. I took 50 with me, and they were gone in no time. I didn't know I had so many cousins! In retrospect, they probably thought there was some family news in there, but they seemed to enjoy it anyway.
Since then, I've added another issue here and there, but never with enough regularity that I could call it a periodical. Anyway, take the tour, if you like, and let me know what you think. (e-mail address is below...)
Like I said, please let me know what you think, I'd be glad to hear from you.