'A Catholic Replies to Protestant Questions'

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

'A Catholic Replies to Protestant Questions' ‘A Catholic replies to Protestant questions’ Catholic Intellectual Self-Defense By Jesse Romero M.A. © 2020 (Catholic Evangelist & Apologist) 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Why Study Catholic Apologetics? – p.3-4 The Saints & Holy Men on Apologetics – p.5-6 Goal of Apologetics – p.6 Apologetics is the art of speaking the TRUTH – p.7 Chapter 01 - The Holy Trinity – p.8-16 Chapter 02 - Four Marks of the Church – p.17-18 Chapter 03 - Peter, Papacy & Authority – p.19-33 Chapter 04 - Church Authority is from Heaven – p.34-42 Chapter 05 - Tradition & the Bible – p.43-53 Chapter 06 - Word of God - Logos, Rhema, Graphe – p.54-56 Chapter 07 - Mary & the Saints – p.57-79 Chapter 08 - Statues Images & Relics – p.80-83 Chapter 09 – Purgatory – p.84-86 Chapter 10 - Faith Works & Salvation – p.87- 94 Chapter 11 – Baptism – p.95-101 Chapter 12 – Confession – p.102-105 Chapter 13 – Holy Eucharist – p.106-112 Chapter 14 – Confirmation – p.113-114 Chapter 15 - Marriage & Divorce – p.115-117 Chapter 16 - Priesthood & Celibacy – p.118-124 Chapter 17 - Anointing of the Sick – p.125 Chapter 18 - Sign of the Cross – p.126-128 Endnotes - 129-132 2 WHY STUDY CATHOLIC APOLOGETICS? Here is what the Holy Bible says… 1. Proverbs 18:17 (RSV) "He who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him." Don’t allow the person from another religion to control the conversation. It should be a dialogue, not a monologue. 2. Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) “Where there is no vision, people perish.” When the gospel is NOT clearly proclaimed, the people live lives of despair, despondency & hopelessness. The meaning and purpose of life can only be discovered in a relationship with God & believing in His promises. God is a Father who keeps his promises (that’s clearly demonstrated throughout salvation history). 3. Ezekiel 3:18-19 (RSV) “If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand . .But if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, or from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life.” Sharing your Christ centered faith with a lost soul is a matter of life and death. Don’t make the mistake of murderous lying Cain, when the Lord asked him “where is Abel your brother?” He responded to the Lord, "I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?" Wrong answer Cain, wrong answer. YES! You are your brother’s keeper. That’s what Ezekiel the prophet is teaching us. 4. Hosea 4:6 (RSV) “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” What happened to the Israelites is happening to Catholics in the west. Lack of Catechesis has led to a society of low information Catholics that vote for politicians who promote a ‘culture of death.’ 5. Matthew 22:29 (RSV) ‘But Jesus answered them, "You are wrong, because you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God.’ This verse reminds me of those who deny the ‘real presence’ of Jesus in the Eucharist. These naysayers declare: “How can God change bread and wine into the body, blood, soul & divinity of Jesus Christ. 6. John 8:32 (RSV) “And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” This is what Our Lord Jesus Christ wants for everyone, the fullness of truth which comes from Him, through His Bride, the One Holy Catholic & Apostolic Church. 7. Acts 17:1-3 (RSV) “…there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul went in, as was his custom, and for three weeks he argued with them from the scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ." St. Paul engaged in apologetics as part of his preaching ministry. He is arguing against the Jews from typology and O.T. messianic prophecies to prove Jesus’ credentials as the ‘Messiah.’ 8. Acts 18:27-28 (RSV) “When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully confuted the Jews in public, showing by the scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.” A disciple of Jesus who was a Jew by the name of Apollos engaged in apologetics against the Jews as part of his preaching ministry. 9. 1 Corinthians 13:6 (NAB) “it (Love) does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.” Truth and love go together. Their opposite sides of the same coin. 10. Ephesians 4:12-15 (RSV) “for the equipment of the saints, for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the 3 knowledge of the son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, by their craftiness in deceitful wiles. Rather, speaking the truth in love…” People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Our apologetic conversations should shed more light than heat, but always grounded in truth. 11. Colossians 4:6 (RSV) “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.” Be gracious in your dialogue, you want to attract people to the truth rather than repel them. St Francis de Sales said: “A spoonful of honey attracts more flies than a barrelful of vinegar.”i 12. 1 Timothy 4:16 (RSV) “Take heed to yourself and to your teaching: hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” It is important to be properly catechized, because if you lead someone astray through incorrect doctrine, your salvation is now in jeopardy 13. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 (RSV) “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree with the sound words of Jesus Christ and the teaching which accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit, he knows nothing; he has a morbid craving for controversy and for disputes about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, base suspicions and wrangling among men who are depraved in mind and bereft of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.” There are some people who simply don’t want to be confused with the facts, move on, you can’t tug on green fruit. Speak the truth, say a prayer for them, move on and leave the rest to the Lord. 14. 2 Timothy 2:15 (Douay Rheims) “Carefully study to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” Make time to study your faith. How? Watch less T.V. that’s pretty simple. T.V. for the most part is the devils tabernacle. We are called to ‘rightly handle the word of truth’ which means the opposite can be true if we don’t study, we will ‘wrongly handle the word of truth.’ 15. 2 Timothy 4:2-5 (RSV) “Preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, and exhort, be unfailing in patience and in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own liking to the truth and wander into myths. As for you, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” St Mother Teresa was fond of saying, ‘were called to be faithful not successful’ii 16. Titus 1:13 (RSV) “…rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the Faith.” Apologetics may require that you go on the offense. ‘Charity’ must be our motive when we rebuke someone. 17. Hebrews 4:14 (RSV) “…let us hold fast to our confession.” Our confession is JESUS & the Catholic faith. Hold on to it like someone who is shipwrecked hangs on to his lifejacket. 18. James 5:19 (RSV) “My brethren, if any one among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” If you want one verse that motivates you to share your faith, here it is! Evangelizing someone can lead to your eternal salvation as well as the person you evangelized. 19. 1 Peter 3:15 (RSV) “…but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a ‘defense’ (Greek ‘apologia’) to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is 4 in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence. .” This verse describes the rhetoric of a lawyer in court. We are called to give the same well-reasoned logical arguments when we explain our faith to others. 20. Jude 3 (RSV) “Beloved, being very eager to write to you of our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” The apostle wrote this letter around 70AD.
Recommended publications
  • Ref No Title Author 1001 Living with Death and Dying Kubler-Ross
    Ref No Title Author 1001 Living With Death And Dying Kubler-Ross, Elisabeth 1002 Spiritual Guide for the Separated Laz, Medard 1003 Living Waters None 1004 Catholics and Broken Marriage Catoir, John 1005 Help For the Separated and Divorced Laz, Medard 1006 On the Theology of Death Rahner, Karl 1007 The Road Less Traveled Peck, M Scott 1008 Catholic Almanac None 1009 Visual Talks for Children's Groups Hutchcroft, Vera 1010 Why am I Afraid to Love? Powell, John 1011 On Death and Dying Kubler-Ross, Elisabeth 1012 Islam Williams, John 1013 What is Process Theology? Mellert, Robert 1014 Jesus Christ Liberator Boff, Leonardo 1015 We Were Never Their Age DiGiacomo, James 1016 Who Do You Say that I Am? Ciuba, Edward 1017 Handbook for Today's Catholic None 1018 Portrait of Youth Ministry Harris, Maria 1019 The Pedagogy of Ressurection Bissonnier, Henri 1020 Handbook for Today's Catholic Family None 1021 The Faith that Does Justice Haughey, John 1022 Religion Teacher's Pet Mclntyre, Marie 1023 Constitution on the Church None 1024 Jesus God and Man Brown, Raymond 1025 The Wounded Healer Nouwen, Henri 1026 Should You Ever Feel Guilty? McNulty, Frank J 1027 Who is a Catholic? McBrien, Richard 1028 Candidate's Reflection and Mission Journal Zanzig, Thomas 1029 Human Sexuality Kosnik, Anthony 1030 Successful Single Parenting Bosco, Antoinette 1031 Telling Yourself the Truth Backus, William 1032 The Art of Counseling May, Rollo 1033 Psychological Seduction Kilpatrick, William 1034 Alone with the Alone Maloney, George 1035 Learning to Live Again Sue Carpenter
    [Show full text]
  • The Catholic Bishops and the Rise of Evangelical Catholics
    religions Article The Catholic Bishops and the Rise of Evangelical Catholics Patricia Miller Received: 27 October 2015; Accepted: 22 December 2015; Published: 6 January 2016 Academic Editor: Timothy A. Byrnes Senior Correspondent, Religion Dispatches; [email protected]; Tel.: +1-703-519-8379 Abstract: White Catholics are increasingly trending toward the Republican Party, both as voters and candidates. Many of these Republican-leaning Catholics are displaying a more outspoken, culture-war oriented form of Catholicism that has been dubbed Evangelical Catholicism. Through their forceful disciplining of pro-choice Catholics and treatment of abortion in their quadrennial voting guides, as well as their emphasis on “religious liberty”, the U.S. bishops have played a major role in the rise of these Evangelical Catholics. Keywords: U.S. Catholic bishops; abortion; Republican; Democratic; voting 1. Introduction While the Catholic Church is associated with opposition to legalized abortion, a review of the historical record shows that the anti-abortion movement was largely fomented by the Catholic hierarchy and fueled by grassroots Evangelical opposition to abortion [1]. Lay Catholics have largely tracked general public opinion on abortion, with just over half of white Catholics saying it should be legal; polls have consistently found that only about 13% of Catholics support the position of the Catholic Church that abortion should be illegal in all circumstances [2,3]. As a result, Catholic voters have been comfortable supporting candidates who favor abortion rights, adding to their reputation as swing voters who have backed both successful Republican and Democratic presidential candidates. However, a substantial subset of white Catholic voters now appears more firmly committed to the Republican Party.
    [Show full text]
  • Revitalizing the Catholic Identity of Schools
    Loyola University Chicago Loyola eCommons Dissertations Theses and Dissertations 2014 Revitalizing the Catholic Identity of Schools: Ecclesial Leaders of the Catholic Church on Methods of Providing an Outstanding Catholic Formation and Education for Students Linda Ann Andrejek Loyola University Chicago Follow this and additional works at: https://ecommons.luc.edu/luc_diss Part of the Educational Administration and Supervision Commons Recommended Citation Andrejek, Linda Ann, "Revitalizing the Catholic Identity of Schools: Ecclesial Leaders of the Catholic Church on Methods of Providing an Outstanding Catholic Formation and Education for Students" (2014). Dissertations. 884. https://ecommons.luc.edu/luc_diss/884 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Theses and Dissertations at Loyola eCommons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Loyola eCommons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License. Copyright © 2014 Linda Ann Andrejek LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO REVITALIZING THE CATHOLIC IDENTITY OF SCHOOLS: ECCLESIAL LEADERS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ON METHODS OF PROVIDING AN OUTSTANDING CATHOLIC FORMATION AND EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION IN CANDIDACY FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF EDUCATION PROGRAM IN ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION BY LINDA ANN ANDREJEK CHICAGO, ILLINOIS MAY 2014 Copyright by Linda Ann Andrejek, 2014 All rights reserved. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS There are indeed many wonderful people whom I would like to publicly acknowledge and thank at the beginning of this important study on the revitalizing of the Catholic identity of schools across the country.
    [Show full text]
  • Apostolate Logo Here
    Apostolate Logo Here Address City State Zip Phone Website STARTING CATHOLIC RADIO __________ (Bishop / Archbishop / Cardinal) Approval of Project We seek the blessing and support of __________ (Bishop / Archbishop / Cardinal Name) for our local Catholic radio station. Prayer is the Foundation of Any Successful Effort "The fruit of the apostolate is directly dependent upon the depth of the spiritual life." (John Paul II - Address on the Jubilee of the Lay-Apostolate) License _______ (Apostolate Name) will be licensee for Radio Station _______ (Call Letters / Frequency / Band) Papal Plea for Catholic Radio Every Pope since the invention of the radio has asked for the medium to be used for the purpose of spreading the Faith. Vatican II repeated this plea and added emphasis on the role of the laity. In its document on Social Communications, the Council said that it is a responsibility of the laity to start Catholic radio stations, and that it would be "shameful" if these efforts were not supported by the faithful. LISTENER SUPPORTED __________ (Apostolate Name) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. As such, we do not have commercials on the radio or other commercial income. The station is supported through listener tax- deductible donations. Without broad listener support, and the commitment and generosity of EWTN, Catholic radio would not be viable on local AM or FM in the community. Parish Pledge Talks One of the most successful methods used in building audience awareness and paying for the operation of local Catholic radio stations is parish pledge talks. A short six-minute scripted talk is given at a weekend slate of Masses.
    [Show full text]
  • The Armor of Faith Topic Summary: Saints of Inspiration Part IV: Saint of Mothers
    The Armor of Faith Topic Summary: Saints of Inspiration Part IV: Saint of Mothers Saint Gerard Majella Public Domain Introduction [Greeting:] → Welcome to “The Armor of Faith,” a show where we hope to bring our listeners closer to the Word of God and the blessings we receive through living in the fullness of the Catholic faith. My name is Doug and I will be your host as we discuss the blessings of the Church Christ built upon Peter. I am joined today by my panel: [names] Helen is a lay-Dominican with a love for music ministry. The Dominicans, I always mention, are also known as the Order of Preachers. Sharon, in addition to being my lovely wife as well as a wonderful blessing, is a youth and adult formation catechist. We are also blessed to have on our panel, Donna Mae, who is the artist who sculpted the statue of Our Lady of America which was carried by our youth and blessed by Saint John Paul II at the 1993 Word Youth Day. Of course, as everyone knows by now, I am simply here to ask questions because that is one way of learning from the people who have answers? The hard part we leave to our panelists, which is to answer my questions, correct my pronunciation, and make sure I know which century I am talking about, so welcome to our panelists as well as to our listeners. Let us open with a prayer: In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Heavenly Father, we lift up our hearts in thanks and praise for this opportunity to open and share your Holy Word this day.
    [Show full text]
  • Catholic Answers, Et
    Nos. 12-144, 12-307 ================================================================ In The Supreme Court of the United States --------------------------------- --------------------------------- DENNIS HOLLINGSWORTH, ET AL., Petitioners, v. KRISTIN M. PERRY, ET AL., Respondents. --------------------------------- --------------------------------- UNITED STATES, Petitioner, v. EDITH SCHLAIN WINDSOR, in her Capacity as Executor of the Estate of Thea Clara Spyer, and BIPARTISAN LEGAL ADVISORY GROUP OF THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Respondents. --------------------------------- --------------------------------- On Writs Of Certiorari To The United States Courts Of Appeals For The Ninth And Second Circuits --------------------------------- --------------------------------- BRIEF AMICUS CURIAE OF CATHOLIC ANSWERS, CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY, AND CATHOLIC VOTE EDUCATION FUND IN SUPPORT OF PETITIONER HOLLINGSWORTH AND RESPONDENT BIPARTISAN LEGAL ADVISORY GROUP ADDRESSING THE MERITS AND SUPPORTING REVERSAL --------------------------------- --------------------------------- KIMBERLEE WOOD COLBY CHARLES S. LIMANDRI CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY Counsel of Record 8001 Braddock Rd., Ste. 302 FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE Springfield, VA 22151 DEFENSE FUND (703) 894-1087 P.O. Box 9520 Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 PATRICK T. GILLEN (858) 759-9948 CATHOLIC VOTE EDUCATION FUND [email protected] AVE MARIA SCHOOL OF LAW 1025 Commons Circle Naples, FL 34119 (734) 355-4728 Counsel for Amici Curiae ================================================================
    [Show full text]
  • Discounts Good Through April 30, 2020 Catholic Answers Product Catalog
    Discounts good through April 30, 2020 Catholic Answers Product Catalog Table of Contents New Releases .......................... 3 Best Sellers .............................. 5 Books ....................................... 7 Why Buy from Catholic Answers? Graphic Novels ....................... 9 By purchasing directly from us, you support the ministry as a whole, including Special Offers ......................... 11 our ability to produce new products and pursuePantone apostolic color is 647 projects. C. CMYK color is C:90 M:63 Y:20 K:4 20 Answers .............................. 12 You are also buying from a name you can trust.RGB color All the is R:38 products G:95 B:146 we carry are Web: #265F92 Audio/Video ...........................13 reviewed by our apologists to ensure they are faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church. Other Products ......................15 Your purchases help make all this possible. Thank you for your patronage! Our Mission Catholic Answers is a media ministry that serves Christ by explaining and defending the Catholic faith. We help Catholics grow in their faith, we bring former Catholics home, and we lead non-Catholics into the fullness of the truth. Beginning Apologetics covers: • Methods of defending the Faith Catholic Answers Press delivers high-quality, solidly Catholic books, • The history of apologetics pamphlets, DVDs, and audio content • The existence of God to customers, offering exceptional • The case for the Christian faith service and a high level of confidence in products that explain • Evidence for the Catholic Church and defend the teachings of the • The reliability of the New Testament Catholic Church. Your purchase helps • Objections to the Church support our efforts to reach more The practical techniques you need to know souls for Christ and share the fullness • of the truth found in the Catholic faith.
    [Show full text]
  • Catholic Answers in Support of Respondents ------ ------Charles S
    Nos. 14-556, 14-562, 14-571, 14-574 ================================================================ In The Supreme Court of the United States --------------------------------- --------------------------------- JAMES OBERGEFELL, et al., Petitioners, v. RICHARD HODGES, DIRECTOR, OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, et al., Respondents. --------------------------------- --------------------------------- VALERIA TANCO, et al., Petitioners, v. BILL HASLAM, GOVERNOR OF TN, et al., Respondents. --------------------------------- --------------------------------- APRIL DEBOER, et al., Petitioners, v. RICK SNYDER, GOVERNOR OF MI, et al., Respondents. --------------------------------- --------------------------------- GREGORY BOURKE, et al., Petitioners, v. STEVE BESHEAR, GOVERNOR OF KY, et al., Respondents. --------------------------------- --------------------------------- On Writs Of Certiorari To The United States Court of Appeals For The Sixth Circuit --------------------------------- --------------------------------- BRIEF AMICUS CURIAE OF CATHOLIC ANSWERS IN SUPPORT OF RESPONDENTS --------------------------------- --------------------------------- CHARLES S. LIMANDRI Counsel of Record PAUL M. JONNA JEFFREY M. TRISSELL FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE DEFENSE FUND P.O. Box 9520 Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 (858) 759-9948 [email protected] Counsel for Amicus Curiae Catholic Answers April 2, 2015 ================================================================ COCKLE LEGAL BRIEFS (800) 225-6964 WWW.COCKLELEGALBRIEFS.COM i QUESTIONS PRESENTED This case
    [Show full text]
  • Holy Family Catholic School
    THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING HOLY FAMILY Holy Family Catholic Church May 2, 2021 The Fifth Sunday of Easter Jesus is the source of life. Remain with him and keep his commandments. My Parish is composed of people like me. I help make it what it is. It will be friendly, if I am. It will be holy, if I am. Its pews will be filled, if I help fill them. It will do great work, if I work. It will be prayerful, if I pray. It will make generous gifts to many causes, if I am a generous giver. It will bring others into worship, if I invite and bring them in. It will be a place of loyalty and love, of fearlessness and faith, of compassion, charity, and mercy, if I, who make it what it is, am filled with these same things. Therefore, with the help of God, I now dedicate myself to the task of being all the things that I want my parish to be. Weekly Mass Intentions Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 5/1/21 5/2/2021 5/3/2021 5/4/2021 5/5/2021 5/6/2021 5/7/2021 5/8/2021 5/9/2021 4:00pm 9:00am 8:00am 8:00am 8:30am 8:00am 8:00am 4:00pm 9:00am People of Gary Dobbs Art No Mass Rich & Deceased Bill Busch † People of Lenora Holy Family † Heitstuman Shannon Members of Holy Family Cooney † † Eggleston & Mt. Carmel Family Parish Office Office Hours Confessions 1102 Chestnut St.
    [Show full text]
  • Dear Parishioners, +JMJ I Wonder If There Are Some
    Dear Parishioners, +JMJ I wonder if there are some parishioners who could benefit from some suggestions, if they have time to read in the area of theology, spirituality, morality, or doctrine. Here are some quick suggestions. For daily devotionals that have a combination of the day's liturgy, various traditional church hymns, writings from Saints and Fathers of the Church and prayers, I would recommend The Magnificat (www.magnificat.com), One Bread-One Body (www.presentationministries.com), or The Word Among Us (www.wau.org). For doctrine, morality and spirituality you have, of course, The Catechism of the Catholic Church , or the USCCB's Adult Catholic Catechism . There is the late Fr. John Hardon's Catholic Catechism , or Fr. Ludwig Ott's Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma . Catholic Answers' website (www.catholicanswers.com) is a great resource for handling all kinds of doctrinal and moral questions as well. For an overview of spirituality, one could read Fr. Jordan Aumann's Spiritual Theology , or Fr. Thomas Dubay's Fire Within , or Dr. Ralph Martin's Fulfillment of All Desire . Or there are great classics, such as St. Francis de Sales' Introduction to the Devout Life , or Thomas a Kempis' Imitation of Christ , or Dom Chautard's Soul of the Apostolate ; or there are books which are collections of pithy wisdom sayings, such as Sayings of the Desert Fathers, or the Philokalia , or Unseen Warefare . (These last three titles come from the Eastern Church, but Unseen Warfare was first entitled Spiritual Combat , by Fr. Domenico Scupoli, a Roman Catholic priest, and then it was augmented/edited by both Russian and Orthodox monks).
    [Show full text]
  • The Synod of Bishops on the Family Web Listening Analysis
    The Synod of Bishops on the family Web Listening Analysis September 2014 Index Introduc)on & Methodology – Introduc>on – Methodology Quan)ta)ve Analysis: – How much has “The Synod” been menoned online? – Where has “The Synod” been menoned online? – When has “The Synod” been menoned online? – Who has menoned “The Synod” online? Qualita)ve Analysis: – What are the topics associated to “The Synod”? – Summary – The Synod VS The Family Introduc>on & Methodology Introduc>on Pope Francis has called for an extraordinary meeting of the Synod of Bishops in October 2014 The topic Pope Francis feels urgently needs to be addressed is the family Introduc>on The Family crisis is linked to the transmission of the faith. Often, the decline of faith has been blamed for the crisis in the family, but some evidence suggests that it’s the other way around: that the crisis in the family is contributing to the decline of faith If this is correct, then finding a way to strengthen the family could be key to the project of evangelization Introduc>on In late October, the Vatican sent to national bishops' conferences a preparatory document and questionnaire for the 2014 Synod of Bishops on the family with the directive to circulate them as widely as possible. The questions ask about topics like knowledge and acceptance of church teachings, family transference of the faith, marital issues (including natural law, divorce/annulments, and same-sex unions), and contraception Introduc>on ….and what about the Web? Introduc>on The purpose of this report is to analyze the
    [Show full text]
  • ABSTRACT Roman Catholic Church Teaching and Abortion: a Historical
    ABSTRACT Roman Catholic Church Teaching and Abortion: A Historical View from the Early Church to Modern Day Maren Brady Director: Dr. Jason Whitt, Ph.D. The Catholic Church is known today to be staunchly opposed to any practice that violates the dignity of human life, including abortion. While the Catechism refers to this teaching as constant and unchanging since the first century of the church, many have questioned whether the Church has always fully opposed abortion, especially in the early stages of pregnancy due to conversations surrounding theories of ensoulment and animation. In this thesis, I will argue that the Catholic Church has always embraced a respect for unborn human life from conception by opposing direct abortion. To do so, I trace the development of the Church’s current canon law and magisterial teaching pertaining to direct abortion from the early Church to the 21st century by examining the writings of prominent theologians, papal documents, and previous collections of canon law. APPROVED BY DIRECTOR OF HONORS THESIS: ______________________________________________ Dr. Jason Whitt, Honors Program APPROVED BY THE HONORS PROGRAM: __________________________________________ Dr. Elizabeth Corey, Director DATE: _________________ ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING AND ABORTION: A HISTORICAL VIEW FROM THE EARLY CHURCH TO MODERN DAY A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Baylor University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Honors Program By Maren Brady Waco, Texas May 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS…………………………………………………………….. iv DEDICATION…………………………………………………………………………… v INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………….. 1 CHAPTER ONE…………………………………………………………………………. 7 Ancient World Context and Early Church Thought CHAPTER TWO………………………………………………………………………...39 Discussion of the Formation Distinction CHAPTER THREE……………………………………………………………………...65 Solidification of the Present Teaching and Penalties BIBLIOGRAPHY………………………………………………………………………..95 ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank my thesis advisor, Dr.
    [Show full text]