Authority to Write Catholic Essays

[scameter18]

In my blog, which I have mentioned on another topic on these forums, I have posted two essays about philosophical and theological topics from the Catholic standpoint. But, I am somewhat uneasy about proceeding with this. I am in RCIA, and I feel that me not being highly educated, baptized, or confirmed, makes me vulnerable to giving out bad information. I don’t want to write something that could be in error, and could lead someone astray, and I feel as if me being somewhat lacking in qualification makes me more vulnerable to this. I’m curious of everyone’s opinions on this.

 

[baltobetsy]

I think you’re very right to have these concerns. That said, you could write your essays and submit them for review to a priest you trust to be well educated and orthodox. He would be able to find any errors you may have made and set you on the right path.

Betsy

 

[scameter18]

Thank you for your reply my friend. I may very well do that, or I might just wait and go to college and study apologetics, if that’s what I want to do as my career. I think that as a Catholic, especially a convert to it in adulthood, it’s good to correct the Protestant error that evanglization and apologetics are the same thing. Evangelization is telling people the Gospel who have no previous knowledge of it, but apologetics is putting out answers to errors and questions, and letting people come to it themselves. Not going out to people who already know the Gospel but don’t follow it and trying to force it on them. I think personal holiness and charity are the biggest parts of the Catholic life.

 

[NHInsider]

In my blog, which I have mentioned on another topic on these forums, I have posted two essays about philosophical and theological topics from the Catholic standpoint. But, I am somewhat uneasy about proceeding with this. I am in RCIA, and I feel that me not being highly educated, baptized, or confirmed, makes me vulnerable to giving out bad information. I don’t want to write something that could be in error, and could lead someone astray, and I feel as if me being somewhat lacking in qualification makes me more vulnerable to this. I’m curious of everyone’s opinions on this.

Unfortunately there are plenty of full Catholics who are putting out bad information - some with mal intent, most are themselves poorly catechized!

Getting (name removed by moderator)ut/feedback from a trusted priest friend, theologian or more-experienced apologist is a good idea. You could also create a sort-of disclaimer stating that your essays represent your educated opinion but are not official statements of the Church and do not carry nihil obstat (which I don’t think is being given for blog content, anyway . . .)

 

[GeorgeSword]

And of course, if there is a specific part you are worried about, you could always ask on this forum.

 

[RavenousWolf]

I can understand your concerns, as I have oftentimes written an essay or begun to do so only to be uncertain that I am wording everything properly or explaining a concept in the correct way. After all, I am only as good as my teachers (and my memory!) are. This is why I am reluctant to publish such writings on the internet (or in print) without first having a trusted friend look it over. Hopefully as I continue on with my Catholic education I will be able to write such works without having to doubt myself.

Also, another good point of reference is the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Just about any answer you could ever need about what the Church teaches should be in there, right?

 

[scameter18]

The Catechism does provide the fullness of truth, but often times specific details or ways of looking at that truth are not in the Catechism, which usually provides the content of essays. This interpretative act, without being infallible like papal encyclicals, is what makes writing religious essays risky.

 

[RavenousWolf]

The Catechism does provide the fullness of truth, but often times specific details or ways of looking at that truth are not in the Catechism, which usually provides the content of essays. This interpretative act, without being infallible like papal encyclicals, is what makes writing religious essays risky.

That’s why I haven’t really published anything I’ve written, but when I do, I’ll pass it by my priest friend first!

 

[scameter18]

Indeed.

 

[Joe_5859]

Thank you for your reply my friend. I may very well do that, or I might just wait and go to college and study apologetics, if that’s what I want to do as my career. I think that as a Catholic, especially a convert to it in adulthood, it’s good to correct the Protestant error that evanglization and apologetics are the same thing. Evangelization is telling people the Gospel who have no previous knowledge of it, but apologetics is putting out answers to errors and questions, and letting people come to it themselves. Not going out to people who already know the Gospel but don’t follow it and trying to force it on them. I think personal holiness and charity are the biggest parts of the Catholic life.

Just to clarify (), evangelization isn’t only about telling people the Gospel who have no previous knowledge of it. John Paul II spoke of the need for a “new evangelization” that includes the need to evangelize Catholics about their own faith. Evangelization is all about conversion, and that’s something we all need. Apologetics, as well as catechesis, fall under evangelization’s umbrella.

Just to get technical.

 

[Jengl]

In my blog, which I have mentioned on another topic on these forums, I have posted two essays about philosophical and theological topics from the Catholic standpoint. But, I am somewhat uneasy about proceeding with this. I am in RCIA, and I feel that me not being highly educated, baptized, or confirmed, makes me vulnerable to giving out bad information. I don’t want to write something that could be in error, and could lead someone astray, and I feel as if me being somewhat lacking in qualification makes me more vulnerable to this. I’m curious of everyone’s opinions on this.

From a Catholic and writer’s standpoint, I’d say make sure you do your research. Make sure your resources are trust worthy as well. If you have about 5 book as a reference and they are all making the same point, you can feel pretty confident in your research. Also, as others have said, have someone look it over. Maybe your RCIA teacher?

Jen