God's Grace--what it is exactly and how it fits into Catholicism

[Tresp]

I have a Baptist/Nazarene boyfriend who is challenging me with this question (he is trying to make me reflect… and I don’t even have an answer):

“Where does God’s grace come into your faith and the Catholic teachings?”

I want to give him a solid answer and not “shake” in the middle of the conversation. So here I am to get your encouragement and ideas and explanations. Thanks in advance.

 

[I_trust]

Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
PART THREE
LIFE IN CHRIST

SECTION ONE
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

CHAPTER THREE
GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE

Here is a link…
http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s1c3a2.htm

Often times protestants will have a skewed ideas about Catholic’s view of grace…especially in regards to justification.
Don’t feel overwhelmed by the protestant arguments, the truth lies in the Catholic understanding of grace.
Pray before discussing it.
Ask yourself if he open to the fullness of truth, or is he trying to set up an argument to refute the Catholic teaching…
Is he willing to “reflect” as well, or is it a way to get you to convert to his church’s teaching?

Any argument he can make against the Catholic view of grace has been effectively dealt with by saints and apologists many times before. Don’t feel that you need to be an expert and have an immediate answer. Each time he questions the Catholic understanding it is an opportunity for both of you to grow in knowledge of the faith.

See also this explination from Catholic Answers…

Grace: What It Is and What It Does | Catholic Answers Tract

 

[I_trust]

Also you should become familiar with the Baptist/Nazarene teaching on grace and how it differs from Catholic understanding.

Baptist/Nazarene teaching on grace is different than most Protestant churches and also different than the Catholic teaching.

Again, if you feel that your understanding of Catholic teaching is week you should speak to a priest about this, pray, and perhaps not engage in arguments/discussions with a boyfriend before your understanding is stronger.

There is the danger of rejecting the true Catholic faith if you are influenced by an emotional attraction to someone who is perhaps looking to convert you.