**This response is biblically sound, provides helpful foundational information, gives practical wisdom, and answers the specific question directly. The tone is encouraging and personable. **

Question: What is a strong apologetic response to this statement from Louis Theroux and others like it? Psalm 14:1 – The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good. “Well, the Bible would say that, wouldn’t it?”

Profile: Male, North America, 19–25, Christian

Answered by: Luther Amrich, who has been a volunteer with us since March, 2017.

Answer: Hello and thank you for your question.

So, let’s first understand something about apologetics as a whole. There is a core concept called “defining your terms”.

Whenever someone states something or makes any claim against scripture, your very first question should always be, “what do you mean by that?”.

Those who are against scripture are almost 100% of the time arguing from ignorance. They don’t know the context or setting or passage or verse, they’ve simply overheard it from somewhere or read it very cynically and don’t really care to understand what is going on. So, it’s their job to clarify what they mean and it’s your job to help them. Only then can you properly respond because if you don’t know what they are really talking about, how can you provide the correct answer?

In the case where you cannot ask them what they mean you will have to take a more general approach, so in this case, if someone was to say something like “well, the Bible would say that, wouldn’t it?” Your response could be something along the lines of “Yes it does, but do you know why the bible says that?” and then move on from there.

This is called an invitation, it’s an attempt to get someone to learn more about who God is and why He says and does some of the things that He says and does. Some will take this invitation and others will not but don’t take it personally, it’s not you, it’s the devil and his control over those people.

Apologetics is less about talking “at” someone and more about talking “to” someone. Your goal is not to argue but enlighten. Not to bring heat and frustration to a conversation but to bring light and truth. Always remember Ephesians 6:12

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

We are fighting a war of knowledge, truth and understanding. Our true enemy is the devil, not humans, he just uses humans who don’t know any better as his shield.

I hope I was able to answer your question. If you have any follow up questions or any other questions, please don’t hesitate to email us back. Thank you for your time and God bless.