Good lessons for budding Catholic apologists

[Rbt_Southwell]

We have the list (ongoing) of what anti-Catholics throw at us on these threads, but shouldn’t we have a list of answers (5 sentences or less) that will direct them somewhere else to do their homework first?

I see a pattern here: new poster (churchless678 or jesusthechurch) claiming a) Catholics did NOT put together the Bible or b) Catholics treat Mary as equal to God.

What about a two week READING period when someone signs up. In other words, the new wannabe Rome Basher has to log on for at least X number of days or time periods (10 minutes or more) for X number of days BEFORE being permitted posting privileges.

Of course, we know what management thinks, still, it’s a thought worth considering…

Rbt

 

[Jeanette_L]

We have the list (ongoing) of what anti-Catholics throw at us on these threads, but shouldn’t we have a list of answers (5 sentences or less) that will direct them somewhere else to do their homework first?

I see a pattern here: new poster (churchless678 or jesusthechurch) claiming a) Catholics did NOT put together the Bible or b) Catholics treat Mary as equal to God.

What about a two week READING period when someone signs up. In other words, the new wannabe Rome Basher has to log on for at least X number of days or time periods (10 minutes or more) for X number of days BEFORE being permitted posting privileges.

Of course, we know what management thinks, still, it’s a thought worth considering…

Rbt

You can lead a horse to water…

 

[prhoffer]

As a budding Catholic apologist myself who has tangled folks like James White and others, I would suggest that everyone of us, as Catholics and Christian, have an obligation to all be prepared to give a defense of our faith (1 Pt. 3:15). I did the following things to help prepare myself.

1. I explored what is out there by way of internet resources on Catholic teaching. There are many websites devoted to Catholic apologetics as well as to the general teachings of the Catholic faith. Two of my personal favorites belong to Dave Armstrong and Steve Ray.
2. Invest in some books. While owning the Catholic Catechism and a number of different bible translations is essential, I have amassed several hundred books visiting Goodwill, Salvation Army, junk dealers, St. Vincent de Paul, etc stores and buying them second hand. You would be amazed as to what you can find out there.
3. Once you get familiar with some of the websites out there, do not be afraid to comment. It is sort of neat having people like Messrs. Akin, Armstrong and Ray as well as Dr. Blosser interact with your comments. Occasionally, you will be called to task or a Protestant will make inquiry as to your comments. Respond, if you can, even if a proper response may take a couple of months.
4. Don’t be afraid to be wrong. The nice thing about being Catholic is that we have an infallible teacher in the Church, not to mention 2000 years of Catholic saints, doctors and apologists discussing many of the same things that still come up. If one of our answers is faulty, it isn’t because the Church is wrong, it is our understanding that is lacking. It just means we have to be humble and dig deeper. It is nice to know that unlike so many endeavors, one thing we Catholics have is a lot of bench strength when it comes to back up.
5. Attend conferences and talks. There is an excellent conference in Steubenville, Ohio every summer called Defending the Faith where you get to meet people like Gary Michuta, Scott Hahn, Fr. Groeschel, Fr. Pacwa, etc. who defend the faith on a daily basis. Aside from learning alot, you find out that not only is there a way to do apologetics, but an attitude and discernment that goes along with it. There are many talks, debates, etc… that the established apologists do which are also a good ide to attend if one can. Also listen to Catholic radio where available.
6. Pray. Apologetics is about doing the Lord’s work. Prayer is an essential part of that to keep us mindful that we are in it for His glory, not our own. Something like praying the rosary or doing a divine mercy chaplet daily or doing a holy hour at least once a week helps one keep one’s eye on the prize so-to-speak.

 

[NPS]

Bump. This is a good, funny piece from the past. And I’m also trying to flush out an old cyberfriend.

(L)LOL.

Funny stuff from many.

To reiterate, the purpose of this thread was to let other amateur Catholic apologists know what they’ll be facing and to a) relax and be confident in the knowledge that the answers are all available b) don’t take the hate personally, c) understand that obfuscation, misdirection, revisionist history, willful ignorance, and just plain kookiness will now be some of your constant companions as you make your way down Apologetics Road and d) try to give you something to read if you were unable to pass the Quadrennial Bible Allotment Qualification Test (QBAQT) given by your regional inquisitor.

Hang in there and learn as much as you can while you trod along that rocky way.

(MM-I’ll come over to the House and say hi and ask when the baby is due)

 

[Parysa]

LOL, that was TOO funny. Partly because last year, those (the Protestant) responses were the very ones I was giving. Partly because now, those (the Protestant) responses are the ones I’m hearing! Oh, and the German Shepherd comment…too cute!