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A Catholic Response to Fundamentalist Christian Questions

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"A Catholic Objectives You will.... Response to 1: Learn how to respectfully respond to "attacks" on your Catholic Faith. Fundamentalist 2: Develop intelligent answers to the most commonly asked questions. Christian Questions" 3: Explore how to get correct answers to questions that stump you. 4: Through greater knowledge, emerge with a stronger Catholic faith. Welcome Mar 5­9:59 AM Mar 5­10:02 AM "Where in the Bible....... or the Bible says... or Catholics..." * Are saved? * Have you been born again? What questions * Why do Catholics pray to Saints? * Why do Catholics worship graven images? have you been * Where in the Bible are "Sacraments?" * Why do you call your ministers "Father?" * How can you say that you are really eating asked? Jesus' flesh and blood? * Why did the Catholics add the extra books to the Bible? * Why do Catholics have to confess their sins to a priest? * Why do Catholics believe that the pope can't make a mistake? * How can a baby choose to be saved? * Where in the Bible is the Assumption of Mary? * Why do Catholics put Mary on the level of Jesus? Mar 5­10:52 AM Mar 5­11:03 AM A definition of "Fundamentalism" There are six major areas of Controversy That lie at the heart of Catholic / Non Catholic Most people would agree that Fundamentalists Christian Debate. are Christians who look to scripture alone for guidance as to how to live a Christian life, and #1: Scripture only NOT Tradition. who, for the most part, Interpret the bible literally. Catholic Teaching is based on Scripture AND Tradition. Mar 5­10:38 AM Mar 15 ­ 8:11 AM 1 Paul's Death & Resurrection Matt. Sacred Tradition 45­ Mark John Bible of Jesus & Pentecost Luke 60 AD 68 AD 80 AD 90 ­ 100 AD 419 AD * A set of beliefs held by the Christian community and Oral Teachings handed down by word of mouth from generation to of The Apostles Sacred Scriptures / Magisterium generation. 1 AD Sacred Traditions of the Church * We MUST remember that the community we call Teachings the "Church" was in existence long before the of The gathering book we know as the bible came to be! Jesus Kyrigma & Meal Mary's Assumption Sacraments Etc.. Feb 12 ­ 7:06 AM Mar 14 ­ 8:21 AM How Was The Bible Formed? * These events were passed on by assigned people who carefuly memorized them until * It is first of all crucial to remember that we eventually they were written down under divine learned who God is through the stories of God's inspiration, so there would be know substantial actions throughout history: ... creation, the call of errors. This basic pattern followed for the new Abraham, the exodus, the covenant between God testament writings. and the Jews, the exile and homecoming of God's people.... Mar 14 ­ 8:25 AM Mar 14 ­ 8:29 AM SO& WHO DECIDED? The stories about the life and teachings of Jesus were first handed The “Community” especially the elders (Presbyters & Bishops) down by word of mouth. Because most people couldn’t read, they were Guided by the Holy Spirit in Prayer and reflection gathered together more careful to recount things with great accuracy. In fact there was no in Councils to decide which writings were in harmony with oral TRADITION written Gospel until about 30 years after the resurrection of Jesus. that had been handed on from generation to generation. This went As the original Apostles began to die it was decided to record in writing on until near the end of the fourth century that the Church councils those accounts by eye­witnesses. gave final approval to the present books of the Bible. And what is known as the “Canon” was set. At the same time these were being written other letters and inspirational accounts were being circulated. SOOOOOO the problem had to be addressed about which writings were inspired by God THEREFORE, since the Bible, in fact, came grew out of the believing (and therefore Scripture) and which are not? REMEMBER… there community, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, it only stands to was NO BIBLE as yet! It had not even decided which of the Old Testament reason that it must be read with the help of the community! writings were regarded as inspired. Feb 12 ­ 7:07 AM Feb 12 ­ 7:07 AM 2 The Catholic attitude toward the Bible can be summed up in #2: Salvation three simple sentences: Through Faith Alone. * When I read the scriptures, I believe I am reading the word of God and I will find spiritual nourishment and guidance for my life. Catholic Teaching insists that Salvation is an ongoing process achieved through faith and * I will always try to understand the Bible in light of the whole message, and be careful not to take the words out of there context. good works. * When something in the Bible seems puzzling, or I don't understand Achieved only through the saving grace it, I believe I can be helped by the insights of church authorities and of God! scholars who have made special study of the Bible. Feb 12 ­ 7:07 AM Mar 15 ­ 8:11 AM Are You Saved? * Salvation Defined: In Jesus Christ, God has forgiven This is the Jackpot Question! our sins, reconciled with us in a bond of friendship Catholics usually find this question puzzling and love, and given us a firm hope of eternal life in so we tend to hesitate before answering! union with God. There is no need to hesitate! * This salvation is not gained through our own achievements, but won for us through the resurrection of Jesus. * Catholics and other Christians share a fairly common understanding of Salvation. Mar 14 ­ 8:33 AM Mar 14 ­ 10:56 AM What is our part in salvation since God wants all people to Evangelicals / Fundalentalists/ other conservative be saved? Christians would say... * God will not force salvation on us. God respects our "When we make a personal decision to accept Jesus Christ as free will. our Lord and savior." * So... we have an awesome ability to accept or reject salvation. The common formula: 1: Confess your sins and repent. SO.... The BIG QUESTION: How do we take hold of the salvation Christ won for us??? 2: Accept Jesus Christ into your heart as your personal Lord and Savior. You are now "born again.".... You have turned yourself over to God. Mar 14 ­ 11:00 AM Mar 14 ­ 11:03 AM 3 Catholics Believe Differently: * This is a one time saving act and once is all that is necessary. The book of Job corrects the belief that God sends retribution on us for our sinfulness. * These Christians do NOT believe in Baptism! (some do Salvation is not a once and for all event. only as a secondary ritual.) Salvation is an ongoing process. It is not only a private, internal experience but also a public , external * They Can't understand why Catholics hesitate when asked community,turning to the Lord through Baptism. this question! For them it is absolutly assured! What about Infant Baptism: Babies are not capable of accepting Jesus! * They believe salvation may be assured but God will send This is where Catholics rely on tradition AND scripture. retribution on you for any backsliding.... He will send hardship, In scripture entire families were Baptized including small children illness, setbacks,.failures... etc as punishment! Infant Baptism was common from the 1st century following Christ’s Resurrection Baptism joins us to Christ in a radical and profound way and fills them with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. WHY SHOULD THIS WONDERFUL GRACE BE DENIED CHILDREN? Infant Baptism is a powerful way to proclaim the truth that we do not earn our salvation; it is purely a gift! Mar 14 ­ 11:09 AM Feb 12 ­ 7:14 AM Catholics are aware however that this is only the beginning of the life journey with Christ. We believe that at some point in our life we must make a Bible and Sacraments conscious decision or commitment for Jesus Christ. The mere ritual of Baptism will not save us unless unless we internalize it’s meaning. #3: The Bible is all that is needed! Anything else is a waste of your I belong to Christ, I want to live for him, not for myself. time. No need for the Sacraments * Catholics believe that salvation is an ongoing process. We need to keep struggling to overcome the forces of sin in self and society and to keep Catholics Believe in the value of both! bringing more and more of their life choices into harmony with their commitment to Christ. Feb 12 ­ 7:14 AM Mar 16 ­ 7:14 AM * Why do Catholics go to Mass every * So Catholic Liturgy is only a Sunday? memorial service? Keeping Holy the Lords day has been a practice that goes back to the Jewish observance..... Moved to Sunday.. Jesus' Yes and No! Resurrection... Yes, but to Catholics memorial means a great * Why does Communal worship take deal more than simply "a memorial service." the form of a Mass? Why not just sing reflect on the bible and preaching? Mar 16 ­ 7:18 AM Mar 16 ­ 8:18 AM 4 At the last supper, our savior instituted the * Well, you can't be serious about "EATING" the Eucharistic sacrifice of His body and blood. He did real body and blood! this in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross thoughout the centuries until he comes again... CS Lewis put it this way.
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