1stPeter 3:13-17 wrote:Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.
Bold emphasis is mine, the underlined portion being: πρός ἀπολογία
Socrates made a defense, but did he honor Christ the Lord as holy in his heart before hand? No. Was that defense made done with gentleness and respect? No. The qualifications listed for this defense are linked to one's faith in Christ, suffering for the faith if needs be, and giving a reason for your hope to those who ask you.
So calling John’s defense of his organization an apologetic in the religious sense that FARMS engaged in is simply an equivocation in my book.