Ugh!

[cdonohoue]

So is this honestly what Apologetics is? To debate over nuances in a number of different languages (i.e. Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic)? It seems like the argument of a lot of non-catholic denominations against the catholic churches beliefs comes down to a difference in understanding of these ancient languages. How am I a, 21 year old cradle catholic with little charismatic ability, supposed to know truth and refute the claims of a 50 or so year old preacher? Just looking for words of wisdom.

 

[wmscott]

So is this honestly what Apologetics is? To debate over nuances in a number of different languages (i.e. Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic)? It seems like the argument of a lot of non-catholic denominations against the catholic churches beliefs comes down to a difference in understanding of these ancient languages. How am I a, 21 year old cradle catholic with little charismatic ability, supposed to know truth and refute the claims of a 50 or so year old preacher? Just looking for words of wisdom.

Hi and welcome to the CAF. I am a 50 something member here. I am an armature when it comes to apologetics. as far as the languages is concerned, I have learned several things that have put a lot of truths into perspective. for the most part, just observing and asking questions got me digging into Catholic references and it really has been an education. particularly on issues regarding Faith alone, Scripture Alone, Baptism, salvation, Canon of the Bible, and on and on. It is a good way to spark a question to yourself and then find the information answering that question. there are non-Catholics here that are here for true learning and understanding and there are others that are here to attack the Catholic faith. you will be able to figure who is whop out easily enough.

I hope this helps. Peace

 

[Aaron_I]

One nice thing with being a part of the Church is that 2,000 years of scholars have been learning that language stuff for us. We can “stand on the shoulders of giants” as it were. Many Protestants throw that stuff out, which is unfortunate for them. They are unable to gleam hardly anything below the surface of the Scriptures because they either don’t know how, or are afraid of what they will find. That’s not to say that we can’t contribute on our own. It simply means that we have good resources to guide our studies.

Also, your comment “how am I…supposed to know truth and refute the claims of a 50 or so year old preacher” reminded me of Moses. Please read Exodus 4:10-12. Moses was worried about his speaking ability (he had a speech impediment), and told God he was not suited for the position of prophet. God responded by saying (paraphrase) “who do you think makes people able to speak well?” Point being that trusting in God to use you as He wishes and prayerfully requesting that He might use you to further his kingdom is the very best way to get those words of wisdom that you seek.

One last note. Theology is awesome. I love it. But make sure that your pursuit of theology corresponds with an increase in devotion to God. Don’t spend ALL of your time with God trying to “prove” Catholicism. Rather, find a balance between learning about God and coming to know Him through prayer/sacrament.

 

[Church_Militant]

So is this honestly what Apologetics is? To debate over nuances in a number of different languages (i.e. Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic)? It seems like the argument of a lot of non-catholic denominations against the catholic churches beliefs comes down to a difference in understanding of these ancient languages. How am I a, 21 year old cradle catholic with little charismatic ability, supposed to know truth and refute the claims of a 50 or so year old preacher? Just looking for words of wisdom.

Want it simple?

There are a great many good resources.

One of the handiest is the Library here at CA. Enter your topic in the search engine and you’ll get lots of good info.

Also there is great booklets from San Juan Catholic Seminars that will help you answer most the junk people might hand you.

Then of course there is my friend John Martignoni’s Bible Christian Society where you will find excellent free downloads of MP3 Bible studies and debates on a variety of topics.

Don’t let that old man get you down. It’s easy to fall into the trap of their teachings just because they carry a Bible and can crank out scripture that supposedly supports their teachings. The bad news (for them) is that they were wrong 500 years ago…and they are still wrong today.

You can see where I am coming from by reading My Testimony .
Pax Dominin sit semper vobiscum.

 

[steve_b]

So is this honestly what Apologetics is? To debate over nuances in a number of different languages (i.e. Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic)?

Sometimes it’s nuances. Most of the time I would say it is not.

Either way, as Peter says

1 Pet 3: 15
Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence;
c:

It seems like the argument of a lot of non-catholic denominations against the catholic churches beliefs comes down to a difference in understanding of these ancient languages.

It really isn’t. It might only seem that way to you.
c:

How am I a, 21 year old cradle catholic with little charismatic ability, supposed to know truth and refute the claims of a 50 or so year old preacher? Just looking for words of wisdom.

Who is this 50 year old preacher you’re speaking of? What specifically are the claims you’re having trouble with?

 

[Mintaka]

Apologetics is just providing explanations. Sometimes that means getting into some crazy stuff.

I mean, think about it. If a little kid asks why the sky is blue, there are all different levels of explanation. You can say, “Because God wanted it to be” or “Because it’s a sunny cloudless day”; or “Because of the angle of refraction of the sunlight through Earth’s atmosphere” or “Because of the workings of the current weather system” or “Because your eyes evolved to receive certain wavelengths of electro-magnetic energy and transmit them to the brain, which has learned to call this a ‘color’ named ‘blue’, and we call it that because of the history of the English language and the Indo-European language family, which goes back maybe 10,000 years, and… um, what were you asking again?”

Of course, from the Christian point of view, that does all boil down to “Because God wanted it to be.”

Of course, the trick is to figure out what level of explanation will actually explain what the person is really wondering about. And arguing is a sign that your explanation isn’t perfect.

What’s often more important is to figure out why someone’s asking or arguing. Answering the questions people are really asking is often how you win souls, even without winning arguments. I stink at this, so I understand the importance very clearly.

 

[Major_Tom]

So is this honestly what Apologetics is? To debate over nuances in a number of different languages (i.e. Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic)? It seems like the argument of a lot of non-catholic denominations against the catholic churches beliefs comes down to a difference in understanding of these ancient languages. How am I a, 21 year old cradle catholic with little charismatic ability, supposed to know truth and refute the claims of a 50 or so year old preacher? Just looking for words of wisdom.

Sometimes I feel the same way, and I’m 41…! My advice: take it slow, don’t feel like you can learn everything overnight (you can’t). I try and keep a list of books that I want to read, and ideas that I want to learn more about.

A grad school teacher gave me a nice bit of advice once. When someone asks you a question, it sounds poor to say “I don’t know”. Instead, try “I haven’t done the research on it yet”. Anyone who tries to brow-beat you with something should respect that.

 

[Church_Militant]

Sometimes I feel the same way, and I’m 41…! My advice: take it slow, don’t feel like you can learn everything overnight (you can’t). I try and keep a list of books that I want to read, and ideas that I want to learn more about.

A grad school teacher gave me a nice bit of advice once. When someone asks you a question, it sounds poor to say “I don’t know”. Instead, try “I haven’t done the research on it yet”. Anyone who tries to brow-beat you with something should respect that.