Apologist need to use the bible more....agree?

[Salena]

The Apologist are suppose to help us understand our beliefs in a way that will enable us to go out into the world and defend our faith, but when the Catechism is used as reference it’s not very helpful.
Someone had a question about eating pork and the Catechism was used. My brother and sister quote things from the bible like Acts 10: 28 to prove the vision Peter had was not about food at all, but about how to treat other people. From what I read they are right. The question of pork is not a big deal to me, but uderstanding the scriptures are. If at all possible they should use the bible because that is what is always used to attack us.
Sincerely,
Gina

 

[deb1024]

I definatly agree!!

When talking to a protestant brother in Christ or JW’s or any other religion that base their beliefs on Scripture you must use the Bible.
They have built their traditions on their interpretation of Scripture.

Deb

 

[Alberich]

Findnmway:

The Apologist are suppose to help us understand our beliefs in a way that will enable us to go out into the world and defend our faith, but when the Catechism is used as reference it’s not very helpful.
…]
If at all possible they should use the bible because that is what is always used to attack us.
Sincerely,

Gina

Although I understand where you’re coming from, Gina, and certainly commend anyone who wishes to know their Scriptures better, it is best to remember that Catholic apologists should not simply give in to the sola scriptura approach of many Protestants. Remember, this is an integral part of their argument, and yet it is still an unproven assumption on their part. If a Bible-thumper is giving anyone a hard time because we use the Catechism to show what we believe, but not the Bible, we should make that person show us where in the Bible it declares itself to be the only true and profitable Word of God. (Indeed, we know that it isn’t, as the final verse of the Gospel of John insinuates…)

Pax,
Fred

 

[deb1024]

I think that it is necessary to use the Catholic Catechism when Catholic beliefs are in question. When someone states that Catholics believe something we clearly do not.

To debate protestant error, the only thing that they will accept is scripture.

I agree that the first thing to discuss is sola scriptura. But it seems that sola scriptura most often doesn’t apply when it comes to sola scriptura. They feel that it is implied in scripture as is the Trinity.

God Bless,
Deb

 

[Salena]

I agree Alberich, but there are many times when fundamentalist use scripture to make a point. If we don’t know how that verse is interpreted they think we don’t know our faith. You are right because most fundamentalist think if it’s not in the bible then it’s not inspired (which we know is not true), but at the same time we need to know what to say to them when they speak about a particular verse in the bible.
Why don’t priest take the time to teach a bible course? I am a cradle Catholic, attended Catholic School, and have read many books, but I still don’t know the bible like I need to. I live in the bible belt, so I am a minority here. My brother and sister have left the Church, so that should tell you how influencial they are here. I need help in protecting my faith and in protecting my family from falling away. My son (24) and my daughter (27) have left the Church. I don’t want to see that happen to my youngest son (6).
I read the scriptures, but I can’t interpret them in a way that will give a protestant a “good run for their money.”
This forum has been a God send for me and for many others. The Catholic faith is so much more complicated than most, but we are the least prepared.

 

[Alberich]

Findnmway:

I agree Alberich, but there are many times when fundamentalist use scripture to make a point. If we don’t know how that verse is interpreted they think we don’t know our faith. You are right because most fundamentalist think if it’s not in the bible then it’s not inspired (which we know is not true), but at the same time we need to know what to say to them when they speak about a particular verse in the bible.
Why don’t priest take the time to teach a bible course? I am a cradle Catholic, attended Catholic School, and have read many books, but I still don’t know the bible like I need to. I live in the bible belt, so I am a minority here. My brother and sister have left the Church, so that should tell you how influencial they are here. I need help in protecting my faith and in protecting my family from falling away. My son (24) and my daughter (27) have left the Church. I don’t want to see that happen to my youngest son (6).
I read the scriptures, but I can’t interpret them in a way that will give a protestant a “good run for their money.”
This forum has been a God send for me and for many others. The Catholic faith is so much more complicated than most, but we are the least prepared.

I haven’t figured out how to quote only bits at a time, so I hope nobody minds if I quote the whole thing, and reply point-by-point. (And any pointers on how to break up the quotes would be welcome!)

First, I agree with you that many Catholics could–and should–know their Scripture better. Not necessarily to make a point, as many sola scripturists do, but to understand more fully all of God’s revealed Truth.

Secondly, I would have to guess that the reason that many priests do not teach Bible study classes is simply that they only have so many hours in a day. It would be wonderful to see deacons (for their seems to be a relative explosion of those, compared to priests) lend a hand in this matter–in my parish, there is something of the sort going on already.

Finally (I think), I think I know where you are coming from. My own father turned 62 this year, and is Catholic in name only. To a large extent, he blames his lax attitude on the Church itself, for having failed to teach him. He tends to get a bit upset, though, when I note that there are plenty of things out there to read–the Vatican II docs, St. John of the Cross, Aquinas, Augustine, etc… In our case, I do what I can to share what little I know with him. Perhaps that’s the best thing to do with your daughter? I certainly don’t know, having none of my own! But that’s all I can suggest–share your love of the Lord with her, and she will see the Truth.

Pax,
Fred

 

[Aris]

Findnmway:

My son (24) and my daughter (27) have left the Church. I don’t want to see that happen to my youngest son (6)…

All you could do is prepare the way for them and pray earnestly that they make the right decision.

Sometimes just living your life as a good Catholic would convince them that that is the right path. Continually hold on to the Traditions like going to mass with your kids. Explain to them even at the age of six what is happening.

 

[Scott_Waddell]

deb1024:

I think that it is necessary to use the Catholic Catechism when Catholic beliefs are in question. When someone states that Catholics believe something we clearly do not.

To debate protestant error, the only thing that they will accept is scripture.

I agree that the first thing to discuss is sola scriptura. But it seems that sola scriptura most often doesn’t apply when it comes to sola scriptura. They feel that it is implied in scripture as is the Trinity.

God Bless,
Deb

Yep, and if they admit it is implied, they have shot down their whole argument–because an implication is only meaningful when someone makes an inferrence. That is, something outside of Scripture has to declare Sola Scriptura is implied. Hence, an position that collapses upon itself. Using the rule of Sola Scriptura, no Christian can be authoritatively bound to accept it.

Scott

 

[Salena]

I agree Alberich…all the information we need is out there if we just take to time to look for it…

 

[Hananiah]

Findnmway:

I still don’t know the bible like I need to… I read the scriptures, but I can’t interpret them in a way that will give a protestant a “good run for their money.”

You might find the Catholic Apologetics Study Bible helpful. Only one volume is out so far, St. Matthew, but in about 9 months the second volume should come out which will contain Romans, Galatians, and James. That one should give you a good enough understanding of Scripture’s teaching on justification to debate 'till the cows come home.

catholicintl.com/epologetics/casb.asp

 

[Salena]

Hananiah:

You might find the Catholic Apologetics Study Bible helpful. Only one volume is out so far, St. Matthew, but in about 9 months the second volume should come out which will contain Romans, Galatians, and James. That one should give you a good enough understanding of Scripture’s teaching on justification to debate 'till the cows come home.

catholicintl.com/epologetics/casb.asp

Thanks Hananiah! It looks like it would be a very good study bible.

 

[T.A.Stobie_SFO]

And remember that the Catechism lists bible verses that support particular articles in the Catechism.

 

[Tom]

Fred
o.k. you hit the “quote” button and the entire quote comes up along with the commands, the commands are in the ] boxes for example yours begins with

Alberich:

I’m trying to figure out how to type this and not use the command, because if I use the ending command you’ll just see a quote… lol it ends with a (a / ) (and the word) QUOTE (and another) ] to break the quote uo insert the

Alberich:

and the ending ] You then delete the parts you don’t want, cut and paste the command to begin and end the quote.

 

[Didi]

T.A.Stobie:

And remember that the Catechism lists bible verses that support particular articles in the Catechism.

One only needs to pick up a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to see that it is steeped in Sacred Scripture! Nothing in the Catechism contradicts Scripture; nothing in the Scripture contradicts the Cathechism.

Father Corapi teaches that Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition and Magisterial teaching all must co-exist. Where one is, the others are also; just as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit co-exist – where One is the Others are also.

 

[George_M]

If one doesn’t contradict the other why can’t we just use the bible which is the word of God. Rather than the Catechism which is the word of man. George

 

[Scott_Waddell]

George M:

If one doesn’t contradict the other why can’t we just use the bible which is the word of God. Rather than the Catechism which is the word of man. George

One reason is that us Catholics believe that in that Word of God, we find that Christ established a visible Church and endowed it with the power and authority to teach in His name and that teaching is passed on by the apostles to their successors. So for us there is no dilemma between Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition and the teaching authority of the Church. In short, the Catechism is the document that embodies the teachings of the divinely instituted Church.

Scott

 

[TCE]

This is a wonderful threat. I agree that we should know scripture. But MOST important is to put it in practice. What good is to repete word by word if you are not making the word come alive in your heart and spirit. That is my argument to anny parrot that can come and recite verses of the bible. People like that do not impress me:nope: . And when they attack, because they always do ( protestants, baptist, etc) I do not feel defenseless at all. I tell them that since they know any verse so well from the Bible the day they put it in practice is the day you’ve finally understand that the bible is a guide to enriched our lifes.

 

[Salena]

TCE:

This is a wonderful threat. I agree that we should know scripture. But MOST important is to put it in practice. What good is to repete word by word if you are not making the word come alive in your heart and spirit. That is my argument to anny parrot that can come and recite verses of the bible. People like that do not impress me:nope: . And when they attack, because they always do ( protestants, baptist, etc) I do not feel defenseless at all. I tell them that since they know any verse so well from the Bible the day they put it in practice is the day you’ve finally understand that the bible is a guide to enriched our lifes.

Good point! My sister sent email to me because she was upset that I had sent her a link explaining what Catholics believe about eating pork. I made no comment…just sent the link. We never discuss religion, so I had no idea she felt the way she did and we had dinner at my Mom’s on Father’s Day and she ate pork. Anyway, between her putting me down for “not being able to make a move without the pope” and criticizing the Catholic Church in general, she quoted many bible verses.
That’s just an example of how many of the fundamentalist are. They put you down and criticize in one breath and quote scripture in the next. I refuse to be a part of that.
Thanks for all your comments on the subject. I agree that I do need to worry just as much about knowing my Catechism as I do the Bible.