Apologetics (apol-o-get-ics): (1) systematic argumentative discourse in defense (as of a doctrine); (2) a branch of theology devoted to the defense of the divine origin and authority of Christianity. 1999 by Merriam-Webster, Inc. -- The word "apologetics" comes from the Greek word "apologia", which means, roughly, "a verbal defense, a speech in defense." Thus, the famous defense which Socrates gave of himself before the people of Athens is recorded in one of Plato's dialogues called "The Apology." The word "apologia" occurs in the Greek New Testament in the following passages: Acts 22:1 & 25:16; 1 Corinthians 9:3; 2 Corinthians 7:11; Philippians 1:7, 16; 2 Timothy 4:16; 1 Peter 3:15. Generally, apologetics is that discipline which seeks to provide a rational defense of the truth of a given system of belief. People who practice apologetics are called apologists or apologetes. Systems of belief as diverse as Christianity, Islam, Jehovah's Witnesses, and atheism can all have their own versions of apologetics. Gnostic apologetics, then, is that branch of Gnostic theology which seeks to provide a rational defense of the truth of the Gnostic faith. (adapted from THE APOLOGETICS LIST, found at http://home.earthlink.net/~vantillian/ )