The Bible commands us to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within us. I am not “defending” God when I do so - apologetics and evangelism are inextricably linked. God does not require my protection, only my obedience.
Throwing myself between Jesus and His tormentors, as suggested in the hypothetical, would actually be an attempt to thwart God’s plan of salvation.
Roman Catholics arguing and articulating their views about the Eucharist would fall into the category of “giving an answer,” in my opinion. Pointless raging as though Myers could actually cause some sort of material harm does not.
The very word you used - apologetics - translates as giving a defense. Therefore, you ARE defending Him, as I am, with whatever feeble power we muster. In your obedience, you fight battles on His behalf - "giving an answer" is an attempt to win souls. In the battle for souls, we have been deputized. Fighting on His behalf is defending Him, as I see it.
Throwing myself between Jesus and His tormentors, as suggested in the hypothetical, would actually be an attempt to thwart God’s plan of salvation.
So Peter was trying to thwart God's plan? Or was it a desire born of a sincere love of Christ?
Roman Catholics arguing and articulating their views about the Eucharist would fall into the category of “giving an answer,” in my opinion. Pointless raging as though Myers could actually cause some sort of material harm does not.
But aren't they inextricably linked? If Catholics are right, and Christ Himself is in the Eucharist, isn't that most precious thing you could ever receive in the world? If you had that gift in your possession, wouldn't you share it with those who recognized its value, and not those who sought to belittle you and/or it? Pearls before swine and all that. If we don't do the "pointless raging," as you call it, I would see us as hypocrites, silently admitting either 1) the Body and Blood is not a precious as we claim, or 2) it really isn't His Body and Blood. I'm not comfortable with either of those positions.