What is narrativeapologetics.com and why does it exist?
The idea for this website began while I was sitting in a café in Helsinki, researching narrative apologetics over a cup of Zimbabwean coffee. My interest in the subject had grown while studying apologetics at Kansanlähetysopisto (the Finnish Lutheran Mission College) in the scenic countryside of Ryttylä.
While researching the subject, I noticed that finding information about this field of apologetics online is very hard. Searching “narrative apologetics” brings up a whole list of articles and reviews relating to Alister McGrath’s book Narrative Apologetics. Don’t get me wrong, it is a wonderful introduction to the subject and a must-read for every apologist. However, this focus means all the other wonderful and valuable resources on the subject do not get the attention they deserve.
And so, inspired by the words of the Finnish Christian children’s choir Jippii (my translation): “And who will go, if we do not go, and who will do if we do not do,” I created this website to deepen my own understanding of this subject and hopefully help others in learning about narrative apologetics.
The site has four main purposes:
- To serve as a central resource hub and reference library on the subject of narrative apologetics.
- To promote and teach the principles and practice of narrative apologetics to Christians and apologists.
- To create and publish material, such as blog posts and essays, on narrative apologetics.
- To reach a non-Christian audience about the beauty of God’s Grand Narrative and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
If you are interested in narrative apologetics or have ideas or feedback feel free to reach out at narrativeapologetics@gmail.com. If you feel like this website is not fulfilling its potential, then also feel free to reach out to the aforementioned e-mail. I would love to get help in creating this website.
While I am a confessional Lutheran, I hope to keep this website ecumenical and guided more by a love for apologetics and a wish to fulfill the commandment given to us by our Lord at the end of the gospel of St. Matthew (28:18–20). With this in mind, we must have some clear definitions and guidelines when talking about faith-related questions to protect us from accidental or intentional heresy. Therefore, for the purpose of this website, a Christian is someone who confesses and believes in the three historical creeds of the Christian church: the Nicene Creed, the Apostles’ Creed, and the Athanasian Creed. These creeds summarize the core truths of the faith, providing a common foundation for learning and discussion, regardless of denominational background.
Soli Deo Gloria!
—Matias