Apologetics has always been part of the Catholic Church. It has spanned the 2,000 year history and has played a very important role in keeping the Church alive for that long. Century after century, heresy after heresy, the Church survives in large part due to the courage of many men and women who have defended Her. Many think this is a new phenomenon. It is not. Apologetics has always been employed by the faithful to combat heresies and false religions.