How do you deal with anti Catholics like Rev. Stair
from Overcomer ministries and why do they say such nasty things, what leads them to believe that Catholocism is evil?
Hi, there.
I recently heard a quote from St. John Neumann (paraphrasing): “When you embrace history, you cease being Protestant.”
The central problem with certain denominations in Protestantism is that they outright ignore well-documented history. While high-church denominations such as Anglicans and Lutherans are better understanding and accepting of the Catholic Church’s history, longevity and role in their own faith, others fail to pick up so much as a history book or dictionary to know that the word “Catholic” should have far greater significance to them other than “some other wacko group of Christians/people who think they’re Christians.”
My two cents: People must be open to history, for it is part of truth. Some people are so
sola scriptura that they believe that dinosaurs and humans co-existed, taking the tale of Genesis completely over the science of today that tells us otherwise (not to be confused with the introduction of the first original parents of humanity, Adam and Eve, somewhere in Earth’s timeline–that “sixth day”).
To be able to discuss theology, you must be able to agree on facts. The Catholic Church has much history on its side for its existence.
Sola scriptura uber-Protestants who ignore history fail to accept that Catholics compiled the Bible canon that the Protestant holds in their hand and reads (well, the majority of it, anyway). I do not recommend striking up conversations with such people until they acknowledge a few critical bits of history and fact. Here are some basic facts that I defend as needed in conversation.
- Understand the word “Catholic” means “universal.” We are Christians through and through.
- The Bible did not drop from the sky. A group of people over several thousands of years, guided by the Holy Spirit, wrote and compiled Scripture.
- For the first 1066 or so years of Christianity, there were NO such things as “denominations.” To be Christian WAS to be Catholic. Unless you are Orthodox, (who broke off around 1066) your Christian tradition cannot be older than 500 years or so.
- Protestants share many truths with Catholics, but often differ in application and interpretation.
Do encourage them to engage in polite, joyful talk about our Lord by friendliness, even if they are initially rude. Perhaps you can win respect by being an example. If they are name-calling, it’s best to move on and pray for them.
Take care and God bless, Marcia