Posted on 11/11/2015 2:09:40 PM PST by NYer
Some Catholics get apoplectic about apologetics. They argue with atheists and pick fights with Protestants. They not only need to win, they want to bash the enemy. Valiant warriors for Catholic truth, they shout down the unbelievers and shoot Bible verses back and forth like gunslingers in a shootout. As veteran apologist Patrick Madrid has observed, “They end up winning an argument but losing a soul.â€
“Apologetics†is the attempt as St. Peter advised, “to be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have within you†(1 Peter 3:15). To give that answer, one must first gather the information and study hard to understand and master the content. Secondly, one has to identify the person asking the questions.
For apologetics to be an effective part of the New Evangelization the right tone must be established between the Catholic and the inquirer. I often get e-mails from Protestants or atheists who are trying to pick a fight. I have learned to never take the bait. Instead I thank them for the e-mail and explain that I don’t argue with people, but if they have questions about the Catholic faith I’ll take all the time in the world to answer them to the best of my ability.
The approach is never to prove another person wrong, but always to connect with what is good about their belief. Everyone longs for truth, beauty and goodness. That’s the way we’re wired. Therefore, no matter what a person’s religion or belief system, there is some good within it. If there weren’t, they would not be so committed to it. The effective apologist therefore looks for what is beautiful, good and true in his sparring partner’s belief system and connects with that, affirms it and builds on it.
This principle is established in a document, Nostra Aetate, the Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, which was published 50 years ago this month.
“The Catholic Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in these religions. She regards with sincere reverence those ways of conduct and of life, those precepts and teachings which, though differing in many aspects from the ones she holds and sets forth, nonetheless often reflect a ray of that Truth that enlightens all men.â€
Catholics are called to recognize the goodness, truth and beauty that is present among those who are followers of Jesus Christ despite their separation from the Catholic faith. The Catechism teaches, “One cannot charge with the sin of the separation those who at present are born into these communities [that resulted from such separation] and in them are brought up in the faith of Christ, and the Catholic Church accepts them with respect and affection as brothers. … All who have been justified by faith in baptism are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers in the Lord by the children of the Catholic Church†[para. 818].
The effective Catholic apologist therefore builds on the positive aspects of other religions, other Christian groups and even on the humanitarian values espoused by atheists. Does this mean evangelization is unnecessary? No. As soon as church documents affirm the presence of goodness, truth and beauty in other religions, they also call for Catholics to be tireless in their efforts to share the fullness of God’s love and life, which is available only within the Catholic faith.
This is done most effectively by combining intellectual arguments and positive answers with real human examples of living faith. Why I’m Catholic is a great website that publishes genuine conversion stories, while the Eternal Word Television Network provides a huge online compilation of biographies of saints. The best “answer to the hope that lies within us†is therefore a combination of reasonable arguments, compassionate answers and the dynamic evidence of lives transformed by the power of God alive in the world today.
Resources:
Training for apologists is available in recognized college courses and informally through personal study. Excellent books, audio and visual materials are available from Catholic publishers, but some of the best resources are available online. Famous Christian and theist apologist William Lane Craig runs the Reasonable Faith website for example, while new-media expert Brandon Vogt provides an internet forum for conversations with atheists and agnostics at Strange Notions. Anglican Wycliffe Hall runs a smart website called Oxford Center for Christian Apologetics, while Catholic writer and blogger Dave Armstrong maintains a huge site called Biblical Evidence for Catholicism, which is full of resources specifically for dialogue between Protestants and Catholics.
I like how Mark Levin deals with antagonists who call him.
What is the Assumption of Mary?The Assumption is the “taking up†of Mary, body and soul, into heaven at the end of her earthly life.
Why was Mary assumed into heaven?
On November 1, 1950 Pope Pius XII wrote in the apostolic constitution Munificentissimus Deus, which defined the dogma of the Assumption:
Hence the revered Mother of God, from all eternity joined in a hidden way with Jesus Christ in one and the same decree of predestination, immaculate in her conception, a most perfect virgin in her divine motherhood, the noble associate of the divine Redeemer who has won a complete triumph over sin and its consequences, finally obtained, as the supreme culmination of her privileges, that she should be preserved free from the corruption of the tomb and that, like her own Son, having overcome death, she might be taken up body and soul to the glory of heaven where, as Queen, she sits in splendor at the right hand of her Son, the immortal King of the Ages.
Is there a scriptural basis for the Assumption?
Mary’s assumption is not explicitly recorded in Scripture, though there are several scriptural passages that align with the teaching of the Assumption. Pope Pius XII mentions some of these passages in Munificentissimus Deus:
Moreover, the scholastic Doctors have recognized the Assumption of the Virgin Mother of God as something signified, not only in various figures of the Old Testament, but also in that woman clothed with the sun whom John the Apostle contemplated on the Island of Patmos (Rev. 12:1ff).
Similarly they have given special attention to these words of the New Testament: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among womenâ€(Luke 1:28), since they saw, in the mystery of the Assumption, the fulfillment of that most perfect grace granted to the Blessed Virgin and the special blessing that countered the curse of Eve.
Do Catholics have to believe in the Assumption of Mary?
Yes. The Assumption of Mary is a defined dogma, and thus Catholics are required to assent to this teaching.
Why is the Assumption important to me in my life?
Monsignor Charles Pope has a great explanation of why the Assumption should matter to us:
The Feast of the Assumption may be of theological interest to some and may provide for interesting biblical reflection but eventually the question is bound to come: “So What?†How does what happened to Mary have impact on my life and what does it mean for me? The answer to this question is bound up in nearly every Marian Doctrine. Simply put, what happened to Mary in an profound and preliminary way will also happen for us in the end. As Mary bore Christ into he world, we too bear him there in the Holy Communion we receive and in the witness of his indwelling presence in our life. As Mary is (and always was) sinless, so too will we one day be sinless (immaculate) with God in heaven. As Mary cared for Christ in his need, so do we care for him in the poor, the suffering, needy and afflicted. And as Mary was assumed, body and soul into heaven so too will we be there one day, body and soul.
The Feast of the Assumption is also a Holy Day of Obligation in many dioceses, which means Catholics must attend Mass. So be sure to get to Mass in honor of our Blessed Mother’s Feast Day!
If you read posts on this thread, you would know that I’m not the elitist here. I readily accept that some Catholics are indeed genuine, born again Christians. I do, however, think they are the exception not the rule. The Holy Spirit reveals the truth of the gospel of the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ to anyone who diligently seeks it.
The patronizing and condescending tone the author takes in his attempt to teach Catholic apologists contradicts the message he imagines he is delivering. No doubt some FRoman Catholics learned this from him.
The Roman Catholic religion could never hold back the gospel and the gates of hell were long ago broken down by the power of the truth. The TRUE church is the whole body of Christ from all time, from every nation, tongue and people. The sheep of the Good Shepherd who heard, and hear, His voice and follow Him ignoring the hired hands and false teachers. The “fullness” of the faith comes from a personal relationship with Christ. It’s not found in religion.
+1
Here you go again, referencing a 19th century pope. It would be helpful for all to read his comment within context. Was this part of an encyclical? Please post a link.
And now you reach back to Guadalupe which we have already hashed out as being a false apparition.
Really? I must have missed that discussion. That's interesting since some of the top scientists that have studied the tilma, cannot explain its supernatural qualities. It maintains a constant temperature of 98.6, the same as a human person. Though made of cactus fibers that deteriorate over a short period of time, it has survived intact, despite the accidental spill of nitric acid solution on its surface. In 1921, an activist hid a bomb containing 29 sticks of dynamite in a pot of roses and placed it below the image. When the bomb exploded, the marble altar rail and windows 150 Ft away, shattered. A brass crucifix was twisted and bent out of shape yet the tilma and its glass case remained intact.
Your popes have already declared "Mary" as co-redemtrix, mediatrix and advocate.
As posted earlier, this is not dogma.
John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Consider how missionaries set out to bring the "good news" to non-believers. This is an example of "assistance". Without the "assistance" of the missionaries, these individuals might never come to know Jesus Christ.
“If you read posts on this thread, you would know that I’m not the elitist here.”
But I read posts on this thread. Yours seems very elitist.
“The patronizing and condescending tone the author takes in his attempt to teach Catholic apologists contradicts the message he imagines he is delivering.”
And you think your tone is “better”?
“No doubt some FRoman Catholics learned this from him.”
No doubt some FRotestants learn this from you.
“The Roman Catholic religion could never hold back the gospel and the gates of hell were long ago broken down by the power of the truth.”
The Catholic Church never held back the Gospel. You’re back at “imagine”.
Well said, but I fear it will roll off, like water off a ducks back.
You're saying that this:
but by her (Mary's) manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation...
Quoted at post 21
...simply means that Mary is an evangelist - a missionary - "set out to bring the 'good news' to non-believers."?
To be honest, that position will get you wrapped around the axle pretty quickly.
Here you go again, referencing a 19th century pope. It would be helpful for all to read his comment within context. Was this part of an encyclical? Please post a link.
Link posted already in post #16 in response to your question," Huh? Do you have a source for that erroneous statement?"
You will note it is a catholic website.
Whether it comes from a 7th century or 20th century pope is irrelevant. What is relevent is that this is the catholic mindset regarding "mary".
Are you denying the words of your pope?
Thus as no man goeth to the Father but by the Son, so no man goeth to Christ but by His Mother.
OCTOBRI MENSE Encyclical of Pope Leo XIII promulgated on September 22, 1891. http://www.papalencyclicals.net/Leo13/l13ro1.htm
Next question please.
As posted earlier, this is not dogma.
Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked by the Church under the titles of Advocate, Auxiliatrix, Adjutrix, and Mediatrix.
DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH LUMEN GENTIUM SOLEMNLY PROMULGATED BY HIS HOLINESS POPE PAUL VI ON NOVEMBER 21, 1964
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html
We can keep playing.
Next question please.
Yet we do not call missionaries Advocate or Co-Redeemer.
From ETWN:
Mary: Co-Redemptrix, Mediatrix and Advocate
EWTN
Cardinals Hoping for a 5th Marian Dogma - ZENIT
ZENIT reports on a letter sent by five cardinals, inviting prelates worldwide to join in petitioning Pope Benedict XVI to declare a fifth Marian dogma, proclaiming Mary as Mother of humanity, Co-redemptrix, Mediatrix, and Advocate for the human race.
Cardinals’ Letter Promoting Marian Dogma - Five Cardinal Co-sponsors
This is an English translation of the letter written by the five cardinal co-sponsors of the Fatima Symposium on Marian Co-redemption and sent to the world’s bishops and cardinals asking them to sign a petition that asks Benedict XVI to proclaim Mary as the Spiritual Mother of Humanity. The letter was sent 1 January 2008.
Mary Cooperates in God’s Saving Plan - Pope John Paul II
At the General Audience of 12 January 2000, the Holy Father reflected on Mary’s place in our journey to the Father, who “desired Mary’s presence in salvation history”. The Virgin Mother has a mediating role, but one subordinate to the Saviour’s. Her cooperation is founded on Christ’s mediation and her sharing in his work takes nothing from him as the unique Mediator.
Mary United Herself to Jesus’ Offering - Pope John Paul II
“With our gaze illumined by the radiance of the Resurrection, we pause to reflect on the Mother’s involvement in her Son’s redeeming Passion, which was completed by her sharing in his suffering”, the Holy Father said at the General Audience of 2 April 1997, as he reflected on Mary’s participation in the mystery of Redemption and her presence at the foot of the Cross.
Mary’s Cooperation Is Totally Unique - Pope John Paul II
At the General Audience of 9 April 1997, the Holy Father continued his catechesis on the role of the Blessed Mother, calling attention to her unique “role of co-operator in the Redemption, which she exercised throughout her life and in a special way at the foot of the Cross.”
To the Disciple He Said, Behold Your Mother - Pope John Paul II
“The universal motherhood of Mary, the ‘Woman’ of the wedding at Cana and of Calvary, recalls Eve, ‘mother of all living’ (Gn 3:20). However, while the latter helped to bring sin into the world, the new Eve, Mary, co-operates in the saving event of Redemption.” So said the Holy Father at the General Audience of 23 April 1997.
Mary’s Cooperation in Work of Redemption: Present State of the Question - Salvatore M. Perrella, O.S.M.
In the context of many requests for the Holy Father to define “ex cathedra” the Marian dogmas of Mediatrix, Coredemptrix and Advocate, Fr. Perrella explains the declaration of August 1996 from the Pontifical Marian Academy meeting at Czestochowa. The Academy is an organ of advice to the Holy See and does not speak authoritatively.
A New Marian Dogma? - L’Osservatore Romano
An editorial of L’Osservatore Romano, following upon the declaration of the Pontifical Marian Academy of August 1996, against the definition of new Marian dogmas, that is, Mediatrix, Coredemptrix and Advocate.
5th Dogma a Marian Antidote - ZENIT
An antidote to the challenges facing the Church and society today is the glorification of Mary through the proclamation of a fifth Marian dogma, says Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. In this interview with ZENIT, Cardinal Vithayathil comments on the effect the proclamation of the dogma could have on interreligious and ecumenical dialogue, and the possible fruits he foresees could result.
Gibson’s Passion and Mary Co-redemptrix - Dr. Mark Miravalle
Dr. Miravalle, Professor of Theology and Mariology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, shows how Mel Gibson, in his film, The Passion of the Christ, portrays Our Lady as Co-Redemptrix in a uniquely effective manner.
Provided Courtesy of:
Eternal Word Television Network
5817 Old Leeds Road
Irondale, AL 35210
www.ewtn.com
Agree. Reading the same tiresome and sad attacks on Mary reminds me of the "Windmills of your Mind" song from The Thomas Crown Affair - "round, like a circle in a spiral, like a wheel within a wheel; never ending or beginning on an ever spinning reel".
No one is attacking blessed Mary. We are just pointing out that some attributes assigned to Mary in Catholic theology have no foundation or mention in the NT.
That’s not an “attack.” It only is perceived an attack by some who have difficulty defending the indefensible.
For example, steelfish stated “without Mary’s intercession there is no salvation.”
I asked several times if his statement is true then the NT is incomplete in transmitting God’s Plan of Salvation. Which means the apostles withheld important information...hidden information not expressed in the Gospels and epistles.
I then concluded, given the statement of no salvation without Mary’s intercession to mean the Scriptures are incomplete to make us wise leading to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
So are the OT and NT Scriptures sufficient to make us wise unto salvation?
If you already know that posting OPEN religion forum threads that provoke and bash “Protestants” will be met with counter arguments defending the faith, then I wonder what the motivation is behind posting them in the first place?
How many times will Jim’s recent command to stop “bashing” Catholics be thrown in the face of anyone who dares express their disagreement with Catholic doctrines while a few Catholic Freepers continue to gleefully post threads bashing Protestants and Evangelicals as if the spirit of JR’s plea was not meant for all?
One day that wheel WILL stop spinning and we will know even as we are known. I think a great many people will be surprised at who will be in heaven and who will be groaning and gnashing their teeth on the outside. My confidence is in Christ not my church.
Everything you said: I agree!
Let them post these things in their private rooms. There’s their “defense”. They’re safe “talking amongst themselves.”
I see some of their caucus posts but I never post there.
Public threads that criticize my faith, either implicitly or explicitly? I’ll respond.
I hope Management sees you post.
In YOUR opinion you are "defending the faith". In reality you are give voice to Satan.
then I wonder what the motivation is behind posting them in the first place?
To get the truth out to people that have been fed lies by anti-Catholic bigots over the years.
How many times will Jim’s recent command to stop “bashing†Catholics be thrown in the face of anyone who dares express their disagreement with Catholic doctrines
apparently not often enough since you all continue to spew lies and hatred for the true Church.
My confidence is in Christ not my church.
Come back to the Catholic Church to have confidence in both.
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