[Dr. Eckleburg]

I've been told it's tedious to debate catholics because they simply cite other catholics as proof.

Discussion about doctrine turns into catechism chapters.

I've read enough "Dave Armstrong" for one night.

[Polycarp]

it's tedious to debate catholics because they simply cite other catholics as proof

Its an authority/humility thing.

We believe Christ granted authority. We don't need to keep reinventing the wheel.

And we're not so prideful to think that every generations reinvented wheel is actually as round as that of the First Wheelmaker. He did it right and entrusted it to the care of the Church He built and to which He granted authority to teach in His name.