How to Defend the Christian Faith
In the pool of religious opportunities, Christians have a desire to demonstrate that the faith of the Bible, whether Catholic or Protestant, has a valid place at the table as a solid worldview belief system. The practice of "apologetics"---commonly known as defending the Christian faith---is a long established feature of global Christianity. From scholars to school children, it is a wise habit for any adherent of Christianity to be able to give a sound, reasonable explanation about why people should or do follow Christian faith.
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Instructions
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Study the Bible regularly, both the Old Testament and the New Testament, to learn how the books of the Bible fit together. As you read, write down the overarching themes of each book. Note which repeat as you fit the whole Bible together. Learn more about these "systematic" themes of the Christian faith such as the Trinity, salvation by grace and faith in Jesus Christ, the role of the church and the role of the Scripture (sacred texts) in the lives of Christians.
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Take a class on the core beliefs of Christian faith within your denominational tradition or outside of it (Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Reformed, Baptist, Evangelical Free and others). Remember that among Christian churches, a handful of beliefs often referred to as "core doctrines" are common to every denomination, but other doctrines are taught with varied interpretations. Expect to encounter Christians who have differing viewpoints on some theological questions.
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Ask non-religious friends what kinds of questions they have about the Christian faith. Don't necessarily try to answer them, but survey what people outside this faith tradition are curious about. This is a beginning to apologetics. Alongside personal surveys, read an introduction to apologetics book to understand some more universal questions frequently asked about the Christian faith.
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Learn the basic nuances of key apologetic questions like the following: Is the Bible reliable/historically accurate? How do we know Jesus really rose from the dead? Does God speak to people today? How could a loving/good God allow so much suffering in the world? Many more questions arise, including highly charged social issues such as women's roles, abortion and homosexuality and the Bible. Read a variety of scholars and writings from different denominational traditions to research helpful ways to converse about these questions.
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Practice discussion conversations with other knowledgeable Christians to help you clarify your understanding of these questions. Pray that God will enable your understanding as you discuss these important questions with skeptics or curious friends.
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Go back to one of the non-religious friends or co-workers you surveyed and ask if you can have a conversation about the question. When you meet with your friend, make it a discipline to listen as much or more than you speak. Ask your friend to ask clarifying questions to make sure you explain your points of the discussion in a relevant and helpful way. Humbly ask them to point out to you any place where your argument seems confusing. Thank them for the discussion.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice humble, respectful conversational skills, not debate oriented, "win-lose" arguments.
Be careful to not reduce the whole of Christian faith to a list of apologetic "truth statements," but remember it is a dynamic relationship with the Trinitarian God.
Avoid arrogance or a condescending tone. Consider this a learning conversation on both sides, even if the other person doesn't agree with you.
