by Fr. Paul & Pat Key
Copyright, February 2000

A Special resource for those who wish to explain and defend difficult issues of the Catholic Belief

​What does the word "apologetics" mean? It does not mean, "I am sorry about the beliefs of my Church." The word has its roots in the Greek, apologia, which means speaking in defense of something. "Apology" means a formal spoken or written defense or argument to show that some idea in religion, etc. is right. "Apologetics" is a branch of theology having to do with the defense and proofs of Christianity, but since the word has aoso obtained the meaning  of asking pardon or acknowledging a fault in English, it is probably better to use "defending" or "explaining" the faith.

Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence; and keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are abused, those who revile your good behavior may be put to shame. (1 Peter 3: 15-16)

​Fr. Paul & Pat Key have developed these outlines in response to different "Difficult Questions" that were posed to different people while they were in the Diocese of Lubbock.