APOLOGETICS 101

“IF WE WON’T TEACH OUR YOUNG HOW TO DEFEND THE CATHOLIC FAITH, THE WORLD WILL TEACH THEM OTHERWISE!”

The problems that this blog aims to address are:

1. Practical Atheism – more and more Catholics are not living their faith.
2. Religious Fundamentalism – constant increase in Catholic departures.
3. Secularism – western culture is slowly destroying core Filipino values.

(Matthew 9:37) Jesus said…The harvest is abundant but the labourers are few…

Teach the fullness of Truth through Apologetics so that:

1. A deeper understanding of the faith shall lead to a more authentic practice.
2. Departures shall be replaced by the Defenders who know deeply our faith.
3. Strengthen the Catholic faith to be able to strengthen Filipino culture.

(1 Timothy 2:4) God…wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.

Apologetics is a reasoned defence (not an attack) of something.  

1. It answers not only the WHAT about the Faith, but more importantly, the WHY.
2. It does not only help us to LEARN the Faith, but also to be able to DEFEND it.
3. It gives the reasonableness of Catholic MORALS through the logic of our FAITH.

(1 Peter 3:15) Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you…

The traits needed in the study of Catholic Apologetics are:

1. HUMILITY – one must admit that he cannot know everything.
2. COURAGE – one must not be intimidated when he is questioned.
3. PERSEVERANCE – one must do everything to find out the answers.
4. LOVE – one must pray always for the love of God and neighbour.

(Luke 5:10) Jesus said…Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.

What are the things that should be kept in mind during the study?

       1.    The Bible was written, collected and approved by the Catholic Church!

       2.    The One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church gave the Bible to the world!

       3.    There is nothing in the Bible that contradicts anything in the Catholic Faith.

       4.    There is nothing in the Catholic Faith that contradicts anything in the Bible.

(1 Timothy 3:15) The church of the living God [is] the pillar and foundation of truth.

Why are there wrong interpretations of the Sacred Scriptures?

1.       The Bible verses have been taken out of context.

2.       Others force their own personal interpretations.

3.       There are some verses that have been neglected.

4.       Their purpose is to attack the Catholic Church.

(2Peter 1:20) There is no prophecy of scripture that is a matter of personal interpretation

Apologists: Matthew Pinto @ http://www.friendlydefenders.com/authors.htm

EVERYONE IS CALLED TO BE A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST

The Call: “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you...” (John 15:16)

                (Matthew 19:21) Jesus said, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to [the] poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Lk 12:33)

                (Matthew 6:20-21) “…store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys…For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. (Mk 10:21, Lk 18:22)

The Purpose: “This I command you: love one another.” (John 15:17)

                (Mark 1:17-18) “Jesus said...‘Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ Then they abandoned their nets and followed him.” (Mt 4:19, Mk 10:28, Lk 5:11)

(Matthew 28:19-20) “Go…make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you….I am with you always...”

The Sacrifice: “We have given up everything and followed you.” (Mark 10:28)

(Luke 18:29-30) “…there is no one who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God who will not receive [back] an overabundant return in this present age and eternal life in the age to come.” (Mt19:29)

The Trials: “…if we persevere we shall also reign with him.” (2 Timothy 2:12)

(Luke 9:23-24) “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever…loses his life for my sake will save it.”

(Luke 21:17-19) “You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” (Mk 13:13)

The Rewards: “What will there be for us?” (Matthew 19:27)

(John 12:26) “The Father will honour whoever serves me.” (Mt 6:33, 1 Cor 9:25)

(John 14:2-3) “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places…I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.” (1Ptr 3:22)

(Revelation 3:5) “The victor will be dressed in white and I will never erase his name from the book of life but will acknowledge his name in the presence of my Father...”