Nurturing Faith: Teaching Apologetics in Our Homes
In our ever-evolving world, the truth of God’s Word is always constant. The importance of anchoring yourself in Biblical Truth while equipping your children with the tools to defend their faith is of paramount importance. Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast host, Meeke Addison, recently sat down with super mom and dedicated apologist, Maria Hamilton, to discuss what this looks like on a day to day basis.
Discovering a Passion for Apologetics
Maria Hamilton’s journey into apologetics didn’t start from childhood. In fact, she became a Christian at 16, an age that already came with plenty of curiosity and questions. "I just did not grow up in church, so when I started really seeking God and he really captured my heart, I had a lot of questions," she shared. From questions about dinosaurs to deeper theological concepts like salvation and sanctification, Maria’s burgeoning relationship with God was marked by an incessant need for understanding.
As she began raising children, Maria’s developed a deep passion for making apologetics accessible and engaging for her children and others.
Homegrown Apologetics: Laying Foundations
Maria emphasizes that teaching apologetics in the home starts with understanding who God is and recognizing that faith in Him is indeed intelligent. She notes, "God doesn't require us to just lightly sprinkle ourselves with Christianity. He's asking for us to give our lives." A reasoned faith that has answers for hard questions is central to the Christian life.
As a homeschool mom, Maria wasn’t just looking to grow her own faith, but to lay a foundation of biblical truth for her children. Early homeschool lessons weren’t merely academic; they were spiritually formative. Maria mentions introducing the concept of God through regular, ongoing conversations, while emphasizing scripture as the ultimate guide. “We would open scripture and read the Bible...in the beginning, God…” she explains, underscoring the necessity of building a biblical worldview from the very start.
Equipping for Belief and Defense
Successfully equipping children with the tools of apologetics involves more than presenting them with ready-made information. It requires fostering a genuine belief in them. "We want our kids to be REAL believers, so that they are actually defending something they believe and not just something we believe.” “You start with character formation—highlighting sin—and then eventually, as you continue to present the gospel, you're showing them their need for a Savior."
Encouragement for Parents
Maria provides encouragement for parents feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of teaching apologetics. She insists that God has placed the perfect children with you, and with His guidance, all concerns can be navigated. Her approach highlights that, above all, raising children rooted in an intelligent, robust Christianity prepares them not only to defend their faith but to live it authentically.
