In the Christian world, there are two different uses of the word apology, one, I believe, is underused, and the other overused. Here are those two definitions as provided by our friends at M-W:
1 a: an admission of error or discourtesy accompanied by an expression of regret. b: an expression of regret for not being able to do something.
2 a: something that is said or written to defend something that other people criticize: a defense. b: an excuse.
So, the most used definition in a Christian context is “2 a,” where claims are made against the faith, and someone defends them through explanation in writing or verbally so that people can understand them.
The classic example of this originated from Justin Martyr in the 1st century. There were accusations from the Greco-Roman society that the gathering of Christians on their holy day, called an “agape” or “love feast,” was an orgy. Worse yet, these outsiders believed rumors that the bread that Christians consumed at this feast contained the flesh of a sacrificed baby, a distortion of the meaning behind the celebration of the eucharist/communion. Justin clarified the significance of what occurred at these gatherings in his first letter, known as the Apologia (ἀπολογία). Justin was defending the faith.
As for the least used (in my opinion), that would be definition “1 a.” Through the years, I have heard many Christians justify rather than admit error or express regret for a wrong done to others in the Church’s name. The classic examples toted by the secular society are the Inquisition and the Crusades. Just to be clear, there may have been some legitimate reasons for certain parts of these historical events such as the imminent treat to Constantinople, yet there were also many horrible atrocities committed in the name of the Church. I have heard and read plenty of justifications over the years, but seldom ever hear or read regrets over past wrongs.
There are exceptions, like in 2000 when Pope John Paul II chose the definition “1 a” and apologized for the persecution, torture, and murder committed in the name of the Body of Christ (aka the Church) during the 350 years of the Inquisition. This apology was prompted by the Vatican’s release of the records of the Inquisitions to scholars for public study (boy, did the inquisitors keep some meticulous records). To our shame, these documents revealed that the primary targets were Jews who had converted to Christianity before the Inquisition but were suspected of being subversives within the religion. Note to Protestants: Cool your jets about your objections that this was the Catholics, because we have similar history with suspected witches, Anabaptists, slavery, Jews, etc.
For more on these subjects, I recommend Bullies and Saints by John Dickson.
My point is this: We are the Body of Christ bound together in all time and space by the Holy Spirit, so if our ancestors (and some fellow Christians today) were bad players and caused great hurt to others, it is okay for us to admit and regret that these things have happened.
Here is an example from several years ago: I would like to apologize to those who, while grieving over the loss of a fallen loved one who died while serving their country, had certain Christians standing outside that funeral protesting in the name of Jesus Christ about a political issue that had nothing to do with the deceased. Those same people stood outside of the funeral of Mister Rogers (Rev. Fred Rogers) for the same reason! I wholeheartedly believe Jesus would never engage in such behavior and regrets this offense. This behavior is not defendable!
Maybe, if we identify and apologize for the wrongs “WE” commit, maybe our kids will learn from “OUR” mistakes and seek the One who said from His cross: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34
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