catholic answers forum u can't fix stupid

EnglishTeacher · #1 Today, 10:22 am

I couldn't decide if this belonged here or in the Apologetics forum; but
anyway, a close family member recently gave me two anti-Catholic books
that she wants me to read. One is called Preparing for Eternity: Should We Trust God's Word or Religious Traditions?
by Mike Gendron, which includes topics such as why Eucharistic
Adoration is idolatry and which helpfully includes a chapter explaining
the difference between Catholics and Christians.

The other is The Gospel According to Rome
by James McCarthy, which basically compares the Catholic Church with
the author's interpretation of Scripture and concludes that the Catholic
Church is "unscriptural."

So I guess what I want to ask is this: Does anyone have any good ideas
for turning this into a positive discussion with my family member about
the Catholic Church? I don't know if I have the stomach for reading all
of both books, as they are so full of lies and straw-man arguments that
it is hard to know where to begin with them. I am extremely familiar
with anti-Catholic arguments, as I am a convert from a
Baptist/Evangelical background and have heard all of it before--there is
nothing new in the books, from what I have skimmed through. I would be
willing to read them if it would help the discussion with the family
member, but from past experience, she doesn't really want to hear the
Catholic point of view. I should also mention that in the past when the
Catholic subject has come up, she has become extremely emotional about
it, so I have avoided bringing it up for a long time.

Any ideas, conversation openers that are not from an overly defensive point of view?

kkollwitz · #2 Today, 10:56 am

Skimming them is enough just to be sure neither has something you
haven't seen before. If you need a single go-to book for responding, I
can recommend Catholicism & Fundamentalism by Karl Keating.

**Della** · #3 Today, 11:17 am

Your family member clearly thinks you need to read these books to "set
you straight" about the Church. Funny that she thinks they will sway you
when you've heard it all before. Anyway, ignore the books and her
efforts. Simply say, "Thank you but I'm not interested in re-reading all
the things I've already heard against the Church. I appreciate your
concern for me, but I have found Christ in the Church and I have no
interest in reverting."

If she can't take that answer, then tell her you no longer wish to
discuss the matter unless and until she can be open to what you have to
say. In other words, you should be honest with her about it and let her
know you understand what she is trying to do. If she wishes to discuss
the Faith after that, it's up to her.

It's pointless to argue with another person's feelings--and that's what
you'd be doing by trying to engage her in her present state of mind.
Just be as much of a friend as you can be, pray for her, and demonstrate
Christ's love to her, but don't feel you have to answer every odd
objection to the Faith that anyone can cook up.

jeannetherese · #4 Today, 11:35 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by EnglishTeacher

I couldn't decide if this belonged here
or in the Apologetics forum; but anyway, a close family member recently
gave me two anti-Catholic books that she wants me to read. One is called
Preparing for Eternity: Should We Trust God's Word or Religious Traditions?
by Mike Gendron, which includes topics such as why Eucharistic
Adoration is idolatry and which helpfully includes a chapter explaining
the difference between Catholics and Christians.

The other is The Gospel According to Rome
by James McCarthy, which basically compares the Catholic Church with
the author's interpretation of Scripture and concludes that the Catholic
Church is "unscriptural."

So I guess what I want to ask is this: Does anyone have any good ideas
for turning this into a positive discussion with my family member about
the Catholic Church? I don't know if I have the stomach for reading all
of both books, as they are so full of lies and straw-man arguments that
it is hard to know where to begin with them. I am extremely familiar
with anti-Catholic arguments, as I am a convert from a
Baptist/Evangelical background and have heard all of it before--there is
nothing new in the books, from what I have skimmed through. I would be
willing to read them if it would help the discussion with the family
member, but from past experience, she doesn't really want to hear the
Catholic point of view. I should also mention that in the past when the
Catholic subject has come up, she has become extremely emotional about
it, so I have avoided bringing it up for a long time.

Any ideas, conversation openers that are not from an overly defensive point of view?

A person trying to convert you has, in his or her perception, your
best interests at heart-they want you to grow closer to God. Keeping
this in mind may help you formulate kind responses and perhaps you two
can pray simply the our Lord will help you to grow in love for Him and
for each other.

I have not read the books she is suggesting.

It might be helpful to really limit discussion to a single concern of
hers so that you two do not become overwhelmed by regular switching of
debate points and issues.

It's also o.k. for either one of you to say: "let me do a bit more
thinking, research, praying, and let's come back to the issue we are
working on together another time."

You can tell her that you are working on the reading she has shared and
then share your struggles with one small issue. By doing so, you are
respecting her care for you in sharing, but also setting parameters for
discussion by acknowledging that you are not done with the reading and
need to focus on only a very small part.

By working through a small part kindly, you can open the door to further
small discussions which may be more helpful to your relationship and
communication.

I hope that you are able to help her and that the two of you grow in faith and hope and love. May God bless you.

Amen.

getysbg · #5 Today, 11:38 am

There was a post on CA within the last few days refuting Mike Gendron
who is a former Catholic. When I am approached with so many topics, I
tell the person that I am more than happy to discuss them TWO AT A TIME.
This way the attacks have really nowhere

to go. I let the other person pick the two topics, we meet and discuss
and then I let them pick the next two topics. And don't forget the
twelve most important words in apologetics - "I don't know but I'll find
out and get back to you."

Bonnie · #6 Today, 11:58 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkollwitz

If you need a single go-to book for responding, I can recommend Catholicism & Fundamentalism by Karl Keating.

I give this suggestion a rousing second! Catholicism &
Fundamentalism covers the reasoning behind the false accusations, as
well as the accusations. I don't remember if Gendron is mentioned in the
book (and I thought I had it memorized by now!

), but I'm pretty sure McCarthy is.

Both men & their deplorable beliefs have been discussed here at CA multiple times.

You might want to buy 2 copies of C & F - one for yourself and one for the relative.

PietroPaolo · #7 Today, 12:06 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by EnglishTeacher

I couldn't decide if this belonged here
or in the Apologetics forum; but anyway, a close family member recently
gave me two anti-Catholic books that she wants me to read. One is called
Preparing for Eternity: Should We Trust God's Word or Religious Traditions?
by Mike Gendron, which includes topics such as why Eucharistic
Adoration is idolatry and which helpfully includes a chapter explaining
the difference between Catholics and Christians.

The other is The Gospel According to Rome
by James McCarthy, which basically compares the Catholic Church with
the author's interpretation of Scripture and concludes that the Catholic
Church is "unscriptural."

So I guess what I want to ask is this: Does anyone have any good ideas
for turning this into a positive discussion with my family member about
the Catholic Church? I don't know if I have the stomach for reading all
of both books, as they are so full of lies and straw-man arguments that
it is hard to know where to begin with them. I am extremely familiar
with anti-Catholic arguments, as I am a convert from a
Baptist/Evangelical background and have heard all of it before--there is
nothing new in the books, from what I have skimmed through. I would be
willing to read them if it would help the discussion with the family
member, but from past experience, she doesn't really want to hear the
Catholic point of view. I should also mention that in the past when the
Catholic subject has come up, she has become extremely emotional about
it, so I have avoided bringing it up for a long time.

Any ideas, conversation openers that are not from an overly defensive point of view?

Why don't you offer to read the two books she gave you if (and only if) she is also willing to read two books you give her?
Once all four books have been read you can sit down together and
discuss. If she isn't willing to read a couple books from you, I'd pass
on the opportunity to discuss her choices as it won't lead anywhere.

God bless.

JamalChristophr · #8 Today, 12:07 pm

If you agree to read one of her books, she ought to agree to read one of your books.

**Joe 5859** · #9 Today, 12:08 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonnie

I give this suggestion a rousing second!
Catholicism & Fundamentalism covers the reasoning behind the false
accusations, as well as the accusations. I don't remember if Gendron is
mentioned in the book (and I thought I had it memorized by now!

), but I'm pretty sure McCarthy is.

Both men & their deplorable beliefs have been discussed here at CA multiple times.

You might want to buy 2 copies of C & F - one for yourself and one for the relative.

I'll give it a rousing third.

Honestly, I would tell my relative that I would be happy to read those
books if she would first read "Catholicism & Fundamentalism" by
Keating (and then I would re-read it myself). Until I knew she was open
to discussing these matters in good faith, I wouldn't be too keen on
accommodating such a request. I've got enough books on my reading list
of things that I actually want to read.

Memaw · #10 Today, 12:14 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe 5859

I'll give it a rousing third.

Honestly, I would tell my relative that I would be happy to read those
books if she would first read "Catholicism & Fundamentalism" by
Keating (and then I would re-read it myself). Until I knew she was open
to discussing these matters in good faith, I wouldn't be too keen on
accommodating such a request. I've got enough books on my reading list
of things that I actually want to read.

I would too and then see what she thinks. God Bless, Memaw

catholic answers forum u can't fix stupid

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

catholic answers forum-- working4christ2-- What Catholics Do Not Know-Was given 2 anti-Catholic books to read . . .

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