How do I defend Catholicism against Baptists?

[ahimsaman72]

mercygate:

You are SO right, Siamese. It ISN’T about topping the Baptists. But Scripture compels us to defend what we believe (I Pet 3:15). Unfortunately, many Baptists hold views of the Church that are outright mistaken, and they persist in “evangelizing” Catholics away from the true Church. The best apologetics is, indeed, simply explaining what we believe. But we sometimes need a little back-and-forth in order to clarify the question. This need not be in anger. Keep in mind, though, that truth, even when stated clearly and gently as you have proposed: “This is what I believe . . .” is occasionally so threatening to people that they become furious.

By the way, I’m crazy about good Baptists: there are top-drawer scholars among them, and people, like Mark Dever of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., are outstanding pastors and teachers. Nevertheless, Truth is not merely a matter of “what I believe.” What we believe is based on sound principles, and it is an act of charity to share our faith, especially with those who can be outright hostile to it.

As a cradle Southern Baptist I acknowledge some of my “brethren” have shamed the Lord and their faith and have caused great harm to their separated brethren. I admit that fact and hope that all who come here - baptists and catholics will remember to love one another as Christ commanded us to do.

I’m still a baptist and was going to start RCIA this fall, but admittedly was not ready to do so. I admit that in my dealings with other protestant denominations have acted unkindly and scandalously. I’ve not done so with catholics.

We must remember that though we disagree with main points in doctrine that we are not inherently enemies of each other. Both sides have acted unkindly and ruthlessly at times both in the past and in modern times.

I applaud Chuck Colson and others on their endeavors to bring together some semblance of respect for each others faith. I hope that all who have posted here will determine to do the same. Our enemy Satan has caused us to fight one another while he picks off whomever he wants. Let’s pray for humility and understanding on both sides so that we may together banish Satan to the furthermost corner of the earth.

 

[ahimsaman72]

Exporter:

CAT, How do you defend your Catholic Faith against Baptists?

First, realise that this is not a new question. The Baptists from Dallas, Texas railed against John F. Kennedy’s run for the presidency because he was R. Catholic. They were viscious! You cannot convince a rabbid Baptist by attacking his religion. Don’t even try.

Such hostility, “rabbid Baptist”, will only strengthen a “rabbid Baptist” to more hatred. Dispel hatred with love.

 

[edwinG]

Hi,

Dont try to defend your postion with words. As Jesus said, “let it be as you believe.” Dont attack someone else’s faith, and create anger. There is no need for more anger. Unless the Holy Spirit is speaking through you, you can not change anyone. Jesus could not change the Jews. Let your actions over the years be your witness. Let the Holy Spirit work through you.

Regarding works. If you could work your way to heaven, Jesus’s ministry is without cause. If you say you have faith and sit on your butt, you may be mistaken. We dont have the wisdom to decide for another person, we don’t know how much faith they have, as faith is a gift, we are all not going to end up as Kings in God’s kingdom, so why do you want to assign the same degree of faith and works to everyone, where your degree sets the standard. The bible is a book of belief, not a book of mathematics which can be nailed to the wall.
Jesus will judge a person on criteria of which we have no knowledge, that is, how much they were given by Him in his life. The person given $10 dollars by Christ doesn’t have to return the same as a person given $50 . Do you know how much every person has been given by Christ. Do you even know how much He has given you. What we should truly fear is judging some one.
Walk in love, submitting daily to the leading of the most beautiful Holy Spirit.
Beware of the words you speak. You will have to give account for every idle word. The word activates the spirit. Christ, The Eternal Word activates the Holy Spirit.We are made in God’s image. Think of the impact your words have, do you send your spirit out in love or some other way. Be very careful how you speak.
Love edwinG

 

[blewskies]

May I recomend a few good books that have given me hope at defending my faith. “Nuts and bolts” by Tim Staples and “Where is that in the Bible” by Patrick Madrid. These books will give you the answers you need and where it is in the bible. Hope this helps