New at apologetics

[dianeeh]

I’m a new convert, by the way, before I ask this…just got confirmed through RCIA at Easter vigil.

What do I do when people start badmouthing my faith, saying things like, “I think the Catholic church should get with the times and birth control should be okay.” This actually happened at work, as I was chatting with my neighbor, and I tried to be charitable, and merely acknowledged her like, okay, sure, that’s what you think. All I think I said was, “Okay.” Especially because it was at work and I don’t want to get into a religious argument at work, too, but am I missing a chance to evangelize, here? Is there something concise that I could have said to refute that?

 

[Catholicdeacon]

I’m a new convert, by the way, before I ask this…just got confirmed through RCIA at Easter vigil.

What do I do when people start badmouthing my faith,

Hi Diane,
Welcome to fullness of truth!! Well I thing Jesus said it best:

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Mathew 5:11-12

In his love…

A Catholic Deacon

 

[JudieK]

I was once where you are. My family had no faith at all growing up. I was the first to become Christian, and then Catholic. My sister later became a born-again Christian and would tell me that all of my Catholic beliefs were “not in the Bible.” I decided that I needed to educate myself fast on why we Catholics believe as we do. Now I’m a regular apologist! I began with the “Beginner Apologetics” series, and have read most of Scott Hahn’s books (and am reading “Reasons to Believe” now— I HIGHLY recommend it!!!) I have also read the “Surprised by Truth” trilogy, Karl Keatings books, ect. All wonderful!

ANYWAY!!! In response to your question… I would tell people who say that the Church needs to get with the times that perhaps the times should get back to God. God’s truths never change. What was wrong a thousand years ago is still wrong today. Up until the 1930’s, virtually ALL Christian denominations condemned artificial birth control. What changed? Did God’s truths change? Or were these other denominations moving with the culture, farther and farther away from God’s plan? And how telling is that, since the Catholic Church has stood alone as the pillar and foundation of truth, even against popular opinion. A more sinful age will more clearly and vehemently oppose God’s truth. We see that now. So I will stick with the church that is unflagging in its beliefs, unconcerned about what the sinful culture thinks. And that, my friend, is our Holy Roman Catholic Church. Welcome, thanks be to God!!!

 

[Malcolm_McLean]

I’m a new convert, by the way, before I ask this…just got confirmed through RCIA at Easter vigil.

What do I do when people start badmouthing my faith, saying things like, “I think the Catholic church should get with the times and birth control should be okay.” This actually happened at work, as I was chatting with my neighbor, and I tried to be charitable, and merely acknowledged her like, okay, sure, that’s what you think. All I think I said was, “Okay.” Especially because it was at work and I don’t want to get into a religious argument at work, too, but am I missing a chance to evangelize, here? Is there something concise that I could have said to refute that?

You may easily have responsibilities to your family or employer which you’ve got to balance against the need to spread the Word. There are no “right” answers. I always say that that is almost the defintion of evil - no ideal response to it.

Birth control is very sensitive for most people, because they use it but they know instinctively that it debases their relationships. You have to be very charitable. The idea that moral positions can be set out in a chronological order of merit with the bad ones in the past and the good ones in the future is rather a curious one, but I doubt your neighbour would have the intellectual equipment to realise that.

 

[Spirithound]

You may easily have responsibilities to your family or employer which you’ve got to balance against the need to spread the Word.

St. Francis: “Preach the Gospel constantly, and if necessary, use words.” (more or less a quote). Your actions, your conduct, if they match your status as a Christian will eventually get someone’s attention. Keep on preachin’! with or without words.

The idea that moral positions can be set out in a chronological order of merit with the bad ones in the past and the good ones in the future is rather a curious one, but…

I agree that this is the best route to go. Otherwise, you’ll basically have to prove the immorality of masturbation, pornography, homosexuality, adultery, divorce, pre-marital sex, and countless other sexual deviations all at once. So, stick at first to a purely logical discussion on whether or not the majority rules when it comes to morality, find out what source they appeal to when determining the morality of various actions. If it turns out you’ve encountered a true relativist, just pray!!!

Oh!, and welcome home!!!