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Home , Born again, Christians, Holy Spirit

"A Objectives You will.... Response to 1: Learn how to respectfully respond to "attacks" on your Catholic . 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 ...... or says... or Catholics..." * Are saved? * Have you been ? What questions * Why do Catholics pray to ? * Why do Catholics graven images? have you been * Where in the Bible are "?" * Why do you call your ministers "Father?" * How can you say that you are really eating asked? ' 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 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 "" 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 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. 45­ Mark John Bible of Jesus & 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 Sacred Scriptures / Magisterium generation.

1 AD Sacred Traditions of the * 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 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 , the exodus, the covenant between God testament writings. and the , 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 & ) down by word of mouth. Because most people couldn’t read, they were Guided by the Holy in 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 until about 30 years after the . 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 “” 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 , it only stands to was NO BIBLE as yet! It had not even decided which of the 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: 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. . * 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 , 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 corrects the that God sends retribution on us for our sinfulness. * These Christians do NOT believe in ! (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 : 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 .... 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 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 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.. "The command directly from Jesus was "take this and eat of it this is my body..." This memorial of his death and resurrection: A of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a paschal banquet in NOT "Take and which Christ is consumed... understand..."

Mar 16 ­ 8:34 AM Mar 16 ­ 8:42 AM

At every Mass Christ is present... for real! Forgiveness of sins..... 1: In the person of the * Why do Catholics "have" to confess their sins to a priest? Priest Again, why don't they just confess them directly to God! Isn't 2: In the assembly of the he the one who forgives? community 3: In the Word They believe "It's a waste of time! 4: In the Catholics believe that this Sacrament is very valuable on a number of levels... First: Salvation, being an ongoing process, has it's goal of growing ever closer to God....

Mar 16 ­ 8:39 AM Mar 16 ­ 11:35 AM

Second: The need to have our senses involved to more full appreciate the experience when The roots of this practice go back to early these aspects reconciliation are completed. beginings of the Church and are firmly A: (sorrow for the sin) rooted in Scripture. B: Forgiveness C: It's present form has developed over the D: Conversion (resolve to avoid the sin in the centuries. future) * So Catholics believe that a mere human (Priest) has the power to forgive sins? NO!!!! Catholics know only God has that Third: The encounter is between a sinful power! However, God works through the self and a forgiving Christ. priest as described (Mt.: 18­20)

Mar 16 ­ 11:42 AM Mar 16 ­ 11:51 AM 5 #4: Teaching Authority and the 5: The Question of Unity and Diversity Papacy Vs. "Freedom" On The Authority of the Pope Catholics look to a teaching authority for accetable beliefs Myths and Facts and practices Q: What's the basis of recognizing the Pope? The teaching authority of the church has been entrusted to the A: The scriptures themselves point out the Pope and Bishops. significance of Peter's leadership... The Pope is the successor of Peter. Peter speaks for the apostles on several occasions­ see The Bishops are the successors of the Apostles. Matthew 8:27­29 and John 6:67­69 and :14 ­ 36... Peter is comissioned by Jesus to be the leader of the Church...Matthew 16:18­19 and Luke 22:31­32

Mar 16 ­ 11:48 AM Mar 20 ­ 8:48 AM

Q: So, the Pope decides what the Catholics have to Q: Is the pope ALWAYS infallible? believe! A: No. It is only when the pope officially speaks "ex A: NO! That way of speaking paints a false picture because it cathedra" affirming a doctrine concerning faith and morals leaves out the importance of the Holy Spirit, the Church, and placed in question for example by a competing the individual... Infallibility is a gift of God to his church... teaching. The pope does not create new doctrine... just Along with the pope, the bishops as a group also posess this affirms.. gift.

Mar 21 ­ 8:02 AM Mar 21 ­ 8:06 AM

Q: What are some examples of the pope's Infallible Q: So... do you mean that all the papal writings on statements? birth control, social justice, war, and other matters are NOT infallible statements? A: These are VERY rare in modern times.... Since 1870, the only doctrine that has been proclaimed infallible is the Assumption of Mary. The A: These writings are authoritative teachings but they are not pronouncement was made by Pope Pius XII on statements of infallibility. Faithful Catholics are to give November 1, 1950, after consultation with the these writings full consideration when forming their Bishops of the . on the topics in question.

Mar 21 ­ 8:13 AM Mar 21 ­ 8:17 AM 6 Sometimes people make sarcastic comments Q:Why do Catholics believe Mary and Jesus are hoping to trick you like... on the same level?... Q: Why do Catholics Pray Q: "So... what about those times when there were three at to Mary and the saints?... Q:Why do Catholics one time? Which one had the gift of Infallibility?" worship "Idols" statues? .... A: These questions are all statements that are A: An answer might be "whom ever was the true just NOT TRUE! They are designed to make pope at the time!" No Infallible statements were you question your faith! made in those historical times of controversy! Don't get sucked in with ANY statement that starts with " Catholics believe"... All too often it is not true.

Mar 21 ­ 8:22 AM Mar 21 ­ 8:48 AM

6: Personal salvation and concern for social justice Catholics believe that our personal relationship with Jesus Christ is crucial. We also believe that we must This focus is on how Catholics are to live out their faith. look out for others... We must act as the good Samaritan ... we must take a stand against evil actions "They" may say... in society! We must live our faith in all we do. "It is all about my personal relationship whith Jesus Christ that is important. NOT getting involved on someone elses We must stand up for justice especially for those who are business... not able to do so on their own. That's between them and God!"

Mar 21 ­ 8:26 AM Mar 21 ­ 8:39 AM

Personal Responses to “Inquiries” about Catholic Beliefs IV: Avoid arguments with them about the Bible, what some call “biblical shoot outs”! you will not win! & nobody does in these situations. I: Whatever you do… continue to show respect When these arguments happen, each party is thinking about the For them and continue to love them. If they are family, do not disown appropriate response and not listening. them… V: Ask them questions, give them quotes to read and ask them to just think about it. For example: II: Affirm what good you see happening in their lives. Why do you think that YOUR interpretation of that scripture III: Do, on the other hand challenge politely, what you see as passage is the only correct one. Who is your authority? objectionable or inconsistent with true Christian principles. Why do you reject the Eucharist when Jesus says so plainly “that Sometimes, in there desire to “save” you, they can be cruel “unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood you or come across as self­righteous and intolerant of others. have no life in you”. (John 6:53)

Simply point out these behaviors as unloving and not what And on the Eucharist &. Again what about his words at the last follower of Jesus should be doing. supper…. This is my body…Blood… do this in memory of me.

Feb 12 ­ 7:14 AM Feb 12 ­ 7:16 AM 7 * Why do you insist that good works are "useless" VII: Take steps to affirm your faith. Ask when the bible says "what good is it, my brothers and questions about areas of faith that are a sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have struggle for you from those who are more works? Can faith save you?" (James 2:14) knowlwdgeable. If you have issues with the "feel" of your church, get involved to make VI: Know your faith!!!! NEVER except what they say Catholics changes. believe as fact! Be quick to correct and educate! VIII: Be patient with your struggles .... don't be too quick to reject your faith tradition because of areas of disagreement... No faith tradition is perfect in this regard!

Feb 12 ­ 7:16 AM Mar 21 ­ 8:59 AM

Conclusion: Being Catholic is simply trying to hold together what should not be separated: all is said and done Catholics know that they have to leave room Scripture and Tradition · for mystery. God and ways are so vast that we can only · Faith and Works stand in awe and wonder realizing that we will never fully · Bible and Sacraments understand everything. · Authority and Freedom · Unity and Diversity · Personal Salvation and Concern for Social Justice Bonded in Community In any case, it is not enough to be a Catholic simply because one was brought up that way. Each of us needs to carefully think it through and make a personal decision.

Remember this, While knowledge of the Bible is a wonderful help in understanding our place in the universe, our purpose in life, and God’s plan for helping us deal with life’s problems, Catholics believe that we still need to use our intelligence and our human reason to grow and live spiritually.

Reason and faith work together to help us find answers to the great questions of life. And, when

Feb 12 ­ 7:18 AM Feb 12 ­ 7:18 AM

Evangelizing:Sharing with others our beliefs about Jesus Christ and inviting them to take a closer look for Nobody ever said that living the themselves.NOT trying to make converts! Or recruit Catholic Faith was simple or people for the church.Simply following what Jesus asks… easy! spread the “good news’ There is very little of value Proselytizing:Heavy handed tactics to persuade a person that their beliefs are wrong and “ours” are right and, in life that is! therefore, you had better join us!

Feb 12 ­ 7:19 AM Feb 12 ­ 7:23 AM 8 For a more complete understanding Additional Readings:

This presentation is a compilation of many other source works. Listed below are those primary source works.

* Where is That in the Bible?: By: Patrick Madrid Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division, Huntington, Indiana2001

* Catholics & Fundamentalists Understanding the Difference: By: Rev. Martin Pable: ACTA Publications, Chicago, Il. 1997

* Prove It! Church: By: Amy Welborn Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division, Huntington, Indiana, 2001

* Answer Me This!: By: Patrick Madrid Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division, Huntington, Indiana, 2003

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