The frustrations of a beginning apologist

  • Thread starter Thread starter junostarlighter
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
J

junostarlighter

Guest
so i engaged in my first online debate as an apologist in a forum. it was on sola scriptura and the classic argument that 2 tim 3:16-17 supports the protestant doctrine of sola scriptura. i went through it all, bit by bit, and showed the errors and the contradiction. i used what was in karl keating’s “C&F,” the Scripture and Tradition thread of the Catholic Answers library, other websites addressing the passage and everything, but nothing!!! its ridiculous. and then someone said how peter is the rock and i asked what their objections were. they stated them, all full of errors and eisegesis. before i could even respond, i was told that they wouldnt bother to read it.

how can people be so ignorant? its so sad to see people refuse to listen.
 
after over 5 years on different web sites debating apologetics, i have found that most people are not interested in good faith discussion and are not open minded.
Most people just want to get their digs in.

Also, once the “proof texts” have been posted, there is little discussion of ideas and theology because most internet posters don’t know very much, but assume a lot.

I learned long ago that i don’t have to prove another person wrong to know that I am right.

Besides, i don’t think that apologetics is really evangelism anyway. I think it’s more of a thing that is more prevalent today because of the expansion of communication and the ability to get information. I know i’ve learned a lot from having the internet at my finger tips.
 
I want to encourage you to continue studying apologetics not for the purpose of convincing others they are wrong, but just to have a complete understanding of your own faith. Occassionally, you will run into people who are truly seeking answers and they will be open to the knowledge that you can share with them. You will meet these people on message boards and also in real life. The more you understand God’s truths, and the more open you are to letting the Spirit work through you, the more people God will send your way. I think our job is only to share the truth, it’s God’s job to do the convincing. Good luck with everything! And just pray to be open to God’s spirit.
 
I have to agree with the other posters here. Even if you do manage to pound the truth home, you may end up doing more harm than good. Love is the first law. Our job is seed planting, and ‘shepherding’ so to speak, those whom God sends to us. Occasionally the hard line approaches learned in apologetics are useful, but for the majority of people - the softsell, by example (Preach the Gospel always, use words when necessary. St. Francis of Assissi ) is the way that ‘wins hearts and minds’…which is Gods domain anyway. The seeds we plant, the Holy Spirit waters - I know from experience, that Truths I came across 20 years ago stayed with me, and finally led me into the Church Christ established. Those Truths became a benchmark in my spiritual journey, and when the fullness of truth came I was amazed and blessed beyond words. I will be officially a member of Our Catholic Church in…about 5 days 👍 .

God Bless

Peace and Love

John
 
Thanks for the encouragement. I guess there’s a lot more to being an apologist than meets the eye at first. Lifelong learning…
 
40.png
PraRFLEsEkHm:
I have to agree with the other posters here. Even if you do manage to pound the truth home, you may end up doing more harm than good. Love is the first law. Our job is seed planting, and ‘shepherding’ so to speak, those whom God sends to us. Occasionally the hard line approaches learned in apologetics are useful, but for the majority of people - the softsell, by example (Preach the Gospel always, use words when necessary. St. Francis of Assissi ) is the way that ‘wins hearts and minds’…which is Gods domain anyway. The seeds we plant, the Holy Spirit waters - I know from experience, that Truths I came across 20 years ago stayed with me, and finally led me into the Church Christ established. Those Truths became a benchmark in my spiritual journey, and when the fullness of truth came I was amazed and blessed beyond words. I will be officially a member of Our Catholic Church in…about 5 days 👍 .

God Bless

Peace and Love

John
Click to expand...
John,

WELCOME HOME 👍

~Mario
 
Our greatest apologetic tool is our authentic personal committment in loving and serving Christ in his church…we have to learn to lead by example.

It’s harder than the lipservice but more effective. Plus, if we’re living the beauty, nobility and truth of Christ in our everyday life, our apostolate will blossom in ways that we cannot even forsee.

God did not call us to be trial lawyers cross examining everyone not catholic. He called us live his life and the overflow will be our gifts to others.

in XT.
 
Pray, Pray, Pray, that God may grant you the grace of explaining the hope that is within you (1 Ptr 3:15), before any discussion!

Even when it feels like people are ignoring you it is because you are planting seeds they don’t want. But believe me, if their is any truths to your arguements (to which their is), the listener will have to stop and think about it for atleast a second. You have just planted a seed.

Always end your discussion by praying silently, “Lord, inspite of feeling rejected, I pray that I was an instrument of the Holy Spirit, and that the seeds planted, may grow in (name here)”, Amen.

God bless
 
40.png
junostarlighter:
John,

WELCOME HOME 👍

~Mario
Click to expand...
Thank You 🙂 , there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home, there is NO place like Home!.. 😃

Peace and Love

John
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top