The apologist’s profession had a noble beginning, defined from the Greek as “speaking in defense.” These heroes of the faith storm into the halls of the damned, defending the faith by picking fights in Berkeley. Yes, they get a lot of press. They are often sought after for their opinions, as the Christian faith encounters new and unsavory elements of the unsaved.

But what does it take to be a Christian apologist these days? It seems like they are popping up all over the place, writing blogs and books. They become authoritative by using that old name, “apologist,” but what do they actually need to know to take that hallowed title? For all those aspiring storm troopers of the faith, I give you:

The three top things to remember if you are a Christian apologist!

Ann Powers of the Los Angeles Times has a brilliant article about tonite’s American Idol finale. She points out the cultural divide between Adam Lambert’s seemingly unambiguous homosexuality and Kris Allen’s worship leading ways. “Glambert” hails from San Diego, while Kris Allen’s trumpets his downhome Arkansas roots. Adam likes to rawk, while Kris turns rap songs into sensitive ballads. These Idol finalists should be engaged in a pitched battle, representing their divergent constituencies. But as roommates beyond the show, they seem to have a genuine appreciation of each others gifts and talents. Powers points out how a painted fingernail has become an unlikely sign of solidarity, a bridge between Christians and the gay community.