Practical Apologetics - class notes

Class date: 3/4/18

We began with the amazing conversion story of our guest speaker, Ms. Corban. Contact me for the recording if you missed class! How to engage with Protestant questioners

• Prayer: Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit

1. Introduction
   1. So far, we've looked at a lot of Scriptural evidence because that is key to any discussion with Protestants.
   2. We've also looked at the history (Fathers) and the CCC in order to better understand what the Church teaches, so that we can better explain it to others.
   3. You may think that Protestants know the Bible far better than yourself. This may not be true.
      
      1. They may have memorized more passages, BUT many times are missing the context of (1) the whole of Scripture, and (2) even specific passages.
      2. Their presuppositions color their reading of the Bible, e.g. Not all prayer is worship.
      3. We have 2 big advantages:
         1. we have heard much of Scripture proclaimed at Mass
         2. AND we have the Magisterium as our guide
   4. Still, many of us feel … Scripturally-challenged … so forthwith, some strategies.

2. Strategies (please see top of resources post for source articles, marked with **)
   1. Strategy #1: the ignorant Catholic -- don't be afraid to say "I don't know" but always follow it with "but I will find out and get back to you!"
      
      1. Example – purgatory
   2. Strategy #2: it's the principle -- establish principles from the Bible, and use them to show that Catholic beliefs are not in opposition to Scripture
      
      1. Example – Assumption
   3. Strategy #3: that's my interpretation -- according to Protestant belief, you have just as much right to your interpretation as your questioner has to his
      
      1. Example of use – Confession, Purgatory
   4. Strategy #4: take the offensive -- ask questions about how your questioner's views square up with Scripture
      
      1. How does this work? Ask questions!
      2. Great for people questioning or attacking your Catholic faith
      3. Also helpful to open conversation with those who have left for another church.

3. Remember:
   1. The Bible is a Catholic book!
   2. There is an answer to every real / meaningful question about the Catholic faith – you just have to hunt for it sometimes.

4. Review worksheet: See the handout post for the answer key.

5. Now – objections: Use the strategies!
   1. If you use #1, I will expect you to get back to me ☺
   2. Use these strategies to respond to challenges.

 

Close with prayer: Thank you, Lord, for giving us the gift and guarantee of the Truth. Please bless our efforts to share it with others, and please help us always to be mindful to do so out of love and never to simply win an argument.