Mama Bear Apologetics

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
‭‭    1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ 

What is apologetics? Simply put, apologetics is a “defense of the faith.” The Greek word apologia means “defense,” as a lawyer gives evidence at a trial. Peter states that as believers, we are always to be prepared to give an answer, to give reason for the hope we have in Christ. 

In the face of mounting opposition, today's youth must learn to defend their faith, answer tough questions and face cultural pressures. This begins at home. SBC Bible study teacher Tammy Gibbs gave a compelling presentation on Mama Bear Apologetics, a book and movement aimed at arming parents with the tools to defend the Christian faith alongside their children and navigate the complexities of modern culture with love and truth.

Tammy Gibbs urged parents to “start with the Bible. Arm yourselves with truth.” With the foundation of a biblical worldview, we can teach our children to filter information based on absolute truth. Parents were encouraged to be a safe place for children to ask questions. “We also teach discernment: the skill of understanding and applying God’s word with the purpose of separating truth from error and right from wrong.”

Hillary Morgan Ferrar, from Mama Bear Apologetics, emphasizes, “A mature, informed, discerning worldview does not need to fear the false messages that this world churns out. It has already been trained to identify which aspects to reject.” She calls this the “chew and spit” method in which we take in information, “chew” it, and “spit out” that which is false. 

Tammy Gibbs explained the ROAR Method from Mama Bear Apologetics as a way to teach and practice apologetics with our children:

Recognize the Message.
Offer discernment (affirm good/reject bad).
Argue for a healthier approach.
Reinforce through discussion, discipleship and prayer.

Just scratching the surface on the wide field of apologetics, Tammy Gibbs encouraged parents to read Mama Bear Apologetics and arm themselves with information, tools and insights for real-world application. 

Click here to listen to the entire presentation on Mama Bear Apologetics.