It can be defended, by far more than rhetorical assertions and certainly by more credible responses than those who determine to follow a so-called religious way of knowing, whose main line of defense is that they have something better felt than told. We must be diligent in learning the facts necessary to do so. Third, we must appreciate the need to proceed in the order John declares. Too often, we get in such a hurry to share our faith that we neglect the important steps of learning it and preparing to proclaim it. Ironically, as the church has fallen into the trap of being more action oriented and less reflective, we have seen evangelism decline.
Good evangelists are good teachers.
And good teachers teach from the overflow. But there must first be a stream before it can overflow. We are not wise if we short-circuit this process. Sure, studying how to best articulate a Christian apologetic takes time. It is inexcusable for mature disciples to allow themselves to be intimidated.