. . . I feel a real calling to learn how to properly defend our faith. During "classes" , our extended catechesis, the Holy Spirit speaks words of wisdom through me and really touches the hearts of our candidate/catechumens. I know it's not me, since I don't have an extensive catechetical background! But the points always come across from my heart -- I use the Foundations in Faith leaders guide to get the history and doctrinal teachings for that week. Even when I feel so ill-prepared, the Spirit takes over and the lesson goes so well! I do not worry anymore, as He has his own agenda for each week.
This is great to hear about! You have been a faithful servant of the Lord, and He will continue to greatly use you, I'm sure.
However, for me to start delving into apologetics more, where would be a good start? I have received two years' journals from this network . . . and I am sharing them with the groups. (I also have a 2nd group of Inquirers on Thurs nights). These are very helpful and I enjoy them immensely. What advice would you give a lay person like myself to get started? (I am a stay-at-home mom w/ 3 boys 10,6,3 yrs. and a hubby who works 6 days a week). Thank you in advance!
[NOTE: My wife Judy is a stay-at-home mom also with 3 boys 9, 6, 3 yrs! And I probably work 7 days a week. LOL I'm trying to learn to rest on Sunday, and to not be such a perfectionist and workaholic - trying real hard lately to spend more time with my family . . . My wife home schools, so that takes up about all her "extra" time. She does share somewhat "apologetically" with friends of hers when occasion arises, and she is my #1 fan (which is a great morale-booster for me!). I'm her #1 fan, too! :-) ]
Well, my usual advice along these lines is to pray, read, and start sharing! It's really as simple as that. Just begin reading some basic apologetics, then intermediate, and then advanced, if you find yourself desiring to learn more and more. For starters, I recommend Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton (it's online), Catholic and Christian by Alan Schreck, The Spirit of Catholicism by Karl Adam (now back in print), and Crossing the Tiber by Steve Ray. The various testimony books are good for starters, too. Read magazines like Coming Home Journal, This Rock, The Catholic Answer, and Envoy. And soak up the Bible, of course. And read Catholic documents like the Catechism, Vatican II, and papal encyclicals.
Here is my recommended book list.
Once you feel confident that you can defend Christianity/Catholicism adequately, go ahead and try doing it. The Internet makes it pretty easy these days (no need to go door-to-door! :-) Some of my basic rules for apologetic and/or evangelistic (even philosophical) discourse which I've tried to follow (emphasis on "tried"!) are:1. Be gentle (1 Pet 3:15-16) - it is the better part of persuasion. No one likes to be put on the spot or made to feel "stupid."
2. Truly listen to and respect the other; otherwise they will feel less inclined to extend the same courtesy to you (Golden Rule). Show an interest in them as a person, not as a possible "apologetic conquest" and pitiable possessor of a faulty belief system.
3. Always be charitable; don't question the motives or sincerity of the other, or their good faith. Christian ethics require this. Be as ecumenical as you can; apologetics and ecumenism are not mutually-exclusive. The Church commands us to engage in both endeavors.
4. "Be all things to all people" (St. Paul). In other words, adjust your argument according to the hearer - what they can relate to. Look for common ground, and build upon it, just as St. Paul did in Athens. And find what most interests the person you are talking/writing to. You can never go wrong if you do that.
5. Don't be afraid to admit it if you don't know something. We are all limited in knowledge. Einstein probably couldn't have explained transubstantiation or the Two Natures of Christ; likewise, I can't explain the theory of relativity and black holes. LOL You can always get back to a person with further info. You will be respected and admired for that, not scorned. Again, with the Internet, this is all so much easier now. You can find a link for the person in a matter of minutes (if you know where to go to find good ones).
6. Let the Holy Spirit speak through you. Have faith and trust that He will guide you when you are on the spot (as Jesus promised us), defending the faith (either Christianity in general - with unbelievers - or Catholicism in particular).
So you step out if you believe God is calling you in that direction, and see what happens. God gives us the desire and the will to do what He is calling us to do. We should enjoy it and be fulfilled by it (that's not to say at all that there are no difficulties and frustrations). We are all called to "stand ready to give an account." But not all are called to the specific role and gift of apologetics. I think you'll be able to discern in not too long of a time if specializing in this is for you or not.
With this basic understanding and education, you can join some e-mail discussion lists, or a Bible study or group discussion of some sort. Or try to teach a class once you feel ready (as you already are doing in some fashion). E-mail lists allow you to comment only on a subject you feel very confident about, so in that sense they are probably the best opportunities to get your feet wet. I recommend finding a good blog where courteous discussion takes place (I don't care much for Internet discussion boards).
For further related information:
- Apologetics: Catholic & General Christian
- Atheism, Agnosticism, & Secularism
- Chesterton, G.K. (Links Page)
- Hardon, John A., S.J. (Links Page)
- Heresies & Comparative Religion
- Lewis, C.S. (Links Page)
- Muggeridge, Malcolm (Links Page)
- Newman, Chesterton, Lewis, & Romantic Theology
- Newman, Venerable John Henry (Links Page)
- Philosophy & Christianity
- Science & Christianity
- Theistic Arguments (God's Existence)
- Trinitarianism & Christology
Uploaded by Dave Armstrong on 26 June 2000.
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