Effectiveness of a Sola Fidei debate

  • Thread starter Thread starter YehoiakhinEx232
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
Y

YehoiakhinEx232

Guest
I’m considering doing a Sola Fidei debate. October marks the 500th Anniversary of Protestantism, and as such, I wanted to engage in, and am currently engaging in, a debate with Protestants. I originally planned-on, an am, again, currently engaged in, a Sola Scriptura debate. The debate is quite easy, well, actually, that’s the main difficulty I’m having with it, it’s too easy, the vast majority of Protestants are totally ignoring the questions and trying to attack the Church instead.

During that debate, Sola Fidei was brought up, several times, and that got me thinking, about Sola Fidei. While Protestantism is dependent on Sola Scriptura for its survival, it was Sola Fidei that started it all. On top of that, I am currently helping-out, and trying to evangelize a Protestant girl, who struggles with scrupulosity, due to her belief in Sola Fidei. Additionally, I found this very inspiring article from FishEaters that touches on Sola Scriptura, though it doesn’t deal with it directly. (See here: Conversion of Heart) Finally, as I thought more about this, I’ve realized that my own personal testimony could be very effective here, as I have had my own personal experience with the power of grace.

So here’s my question, how effective is a Sola Fidei debate? (I do actually, know someone who converted upon discovering that Sola Fidei is false) Would you recommend it? If so, what advice would you give?
 
=“YehoiakhinEx232, post:1, topic:452660, full:true”]
I’m considering doing a Sola Fidei debate. October marks the 500th Anniversary of Protestantism, and as such, I wanted to engage in, and am currently engaging in, a debate with Protestants. I originally planned-on, an am, again, currently engaged in, a Sola Scriptura debate. The debate is quite easy, well, actually, that’s the main difficulty I’m having with it, it’s too easy, the vast majority of Protestants are totally ignoring the questions and trying to attack the Church instead.
Click to expand...
So, which type of "Protestant " are you debating?
During that debate, Sola Fidei was brought up, several times, and that got me thinking, about Sola Fidei. While Protestantism is dependent on Sola Scriptura for its survival, it was Sola Fidei that started it all.
Click to expand...
Umm, no. Protestantism doesn’t exist or not exist. What exists is various traditions within the western Church that are not in communion with Rome. That said, all Christians survives because of grace. Sola scriptura is a hermeneutical principle used for determining doctrine.
On top of that, I am currently helping-out, and trying to evangelize a Protestant girl, who struggles with scrupulosity, due to her belief in Sola Fidei.
Click to expand...
How so?
So here’s my question, how effective is a Sola Fidei debate? (I do actually, know someone who converted upon discovering that Sola Fidei is false) Would you recommend it? If so, what advice would you give?
Click to expand...
I’d strongly encourage you not to believe going in that you can do what Catholic and nonCatholic theologians have not been able to do for 500 years: bridge the sotoriological gap. Make sure you know what sola fidei means to your debate partner. It is different depending on the tradition he or she is a member of.
Don’t assume that your debate partner thinks works mean nothing.
And finally, debate what they say they believe, not what you think they believe
 
It would not be a formal debate, it would be forum debate with various Protestants, although I would be aiming more towards, Lordship Salvation type Protestants.

I’m still not sure, if I should do this or not. I contacted the Protestant girl, and she said that she thinks she should avoid the site we’re on, because she has already seen plenty of debates on there, and they make her more nervous. Also I still have my Sola Scriptura debate to work on, and while it’s easy, it’s also frustrating because everyone dodges the questions and attack Catholicism.
 
YehoiakhinEx232 said:
So here’s my question, how effective is a Sola Fidei debate? (I do actually, know someone who converted upon discovering that Sola Fidei is false) Would you recommend it? If so, what advice would you give?
Click to expand...
Different people are convinced by different arguments. So I think challenging all beliefs contrary to the Faith is worthwhile. Also, it is always good to make a cumulative case and this is a big issue.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top