Christian apologetics comes in other forms. Some may take the form of standing up in protest for a particular issue, or it may be in writing or teachings. Apologetics are presented in two ways: defensive and offensive. Like a football game, the object in the defensive tactic is to prevent the opposition from scoring. In other words, to answer criticisms and refute misunderstandings. Many non-Christians will not consider Christ because of many misunderstanding of Christianity. The offensive approach is that one is then able to present Christianity as a viable & credable alternative worldview, worthy of consideration. The late Francis Schaeffer believed that with some individuals it was necessary to first go through 'pre-evangelism' with them (apologetics) before that person would be ready for the gospel itself.
Sadly, I have seen Christian apologetics dangerously misused by some well-meaning believers. Whether they consider apologetics a unnecessary bother or are just in a bad mood, I have seen it used as a bat with which to beat unarmed non-Christians into submission. Such a misuse grieves the Holy Spirit. Somewhere along the line, they have changed their objectives from (loving) evangelism to winning a 'fight. A good apologetic may be persuasive, may be able to will arguments, may be able to 'beat' one's opponent into submission, BUT UNLESS a godly life and behavior doesn't back a godly belief, that 'Christian' is a detriment to the body of Christ and an enemy of God. When a so-called Christian' mis-uses the Woed of God to 'beat' the non-believer who has then become the 'enemy', God weeps.. My advise to non-Christians when this happens: "Beware of such religious people. Run for the nearest exit. What they present is NOT biblical Christianity. Please, please, please do not hold that abuse against the person of Christ. He weeps over your present state and the destiny to which you are heading. He is incensed against the 'child' of His who sees you no longer as a 'Thou', but rather as an 'It.' We Christians must remember that this is not simply a human enterprise conducted toward a merely human goal. It is very important that we bathe such interactions in prayer. Not only is it the Holy Spirit- not us- who can bring a person to a saving faith in Christ, but by doing so, we also deepen our compassion toward that person. We no longer see him/her as a mere witnessing 'target', but we begin to take a vested concern in that person, lifting them up to God on prayerful tears. Remember, not only are we to be able to give a reason for the hope in us (1 Peter 3:15a), but also do so with gentleness and reverence (1 Peter 3:15b). Not only are we followers in Christ, but we are also His ambassadors on earth. Let us not soil that witness.