Responding to co-workers?

[Kathryn_0404]

I’m at a job where I have a lot of free time…I’ve started bringing my Bible and some Catholic study books (apologetics, Church history, etc…).

Co-workers have started to (kindly) offer to bring me different ‘Christian’ study material to add to my stuff to read…they know I’m Catholic and say that ‘it’s all the same Bible’, but I’m a bit weary to read Protestant material (from Seventh Day Adventists). I don’t want to seem unkind…how do I respond? They’ve asked me questions about Catholicism so I’d like to keep the ‘lines’ open…

Thanks for the advice!

 

[DavidFilmer]

If you are well grounded in your Faith and are interested in an apologetical ministry, then by all means accept and read the material. This will give you an opportunity to discuss it with your associates, and prehaps guide them into a more complete understanding of God’s Church.

However, if you are not well grounded in your Faith, then I would avoid reading this stuff. SDA materials often play on misrepresentations of Catholicism, and if you don’t feel confident in your ability to see through these tricks then I wouldn’t recommend exposing yourself to it.

 

[hurst]

Kathryn_0404:

… but I’m a bit weary to read Protestant material (from Seventh Day Adventists). I don’t want to seem unkind…how do I respond? They’ve asked me questions about Catholicism so I’d like to keep the ‘lines’ open…

“Thank you for offering, but I am limiting myself to just learning my own Faith more deeply right now.”

hurst

 

[Kathryn_0404]

Well, my point in studying is to learn more about The Faith. I’d have to say I’m in the category of “if the Church says it’s so, it’s so…end of story”. So, not worried about being dissuaded. I’ve just heard that Seventh Day Adventist material can be very anti-Catholic.

I know that since a lot of defending Catholicism is in knowing history I’m not really in a position to do it very effectively (I"m pretty weak in the history department). Can you recommend any books or resources that would help me build up in that area?

I know I need to become more ‘well-versed’ before trying to have a discussion with an SDA. I would very much like to get into Apologetics, but know I have a ways to go! (Willing to put in the effort, just at the starting out point). I’m don’t know that I should try to learn about Protestant faiths before spending more time learning our Faith…and knowing how to defend against their misconceptions. Yet, hate to pass up the opportunity to reach out to someone…

Thanks for the help!
Kathryn

P.S. Love the binary signature!

 

[Kathryn_0404]

“Thank you for offering, but I am limiting myself to just learning my own Faith more deeply right now.”

hurst

Thanks…was feeling really put on the spot and couldn’t come up with something kind, but still a ‘no’. Good way to say it! :yup:

 

[Daniel_Marsh]

I hear that this is a good book, but I have not been able to get a copy by interlibrary loan as of yet to read.

An Adventist and a Catholic, by Paul Eirene, C.Ss.R. This book, written by a Catholic priest, is a personal encounter with Seventh-day Adventism. It consists of letters exchanged between the author, and an Adventist friend. It captures the deep spirituality of Catholicism and compares it quite objectively with Adventism. I read this book and was stunned at the contrast between the incredibly spiritual depth of Catholic teaching and the message of the Bible on the one hand, and the Adventist attempt to read things into the Bible and bring back the Old Covenant Sabbath on the other hand. Truly one of the best books I have read on the Catholic view of the Sabbath and other Adventist teachings. This is really a MUST for any Catholic interested in Adventism, or any Adventist interested in Catholicism. The book was translated from the original Slovak.

The book can be purchased from
Ave Maria Press, P.O.Box 489, Station U, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M8Z 5Y8
or by phoning
(416) 251-4245
(800) 663-MARY
or faxing (416) 253-0480.