Fourth Deadly Sin Of Catholic Apologetics

[Cure of Ars]

The following is from the book, How Not To Share Your Faith by mark Brumley.

The Fourth Deadly Sin of Catholic Apologetics is plain old argumentativeness, or if you like, contentiousness. Some apologists are always looking for a fight. They go out of their way to reduce the faith to areas of disagreement with others or at least to put undue emphasis on disagreement with other or at least to put undue emphasis on disagreement. Thanks be to God that contentiousness between Catholics and non-Catholics today does not usually entail violence and bloodshed (Northern Ireland excepted). Nevertheless, contentious Catholics (and their non-Catholic counterparts), who “prowl around like lions seeking whom they may devour,” can still do damage. Unfortunately, the damage is usually to the cause of Christ and his Church, although many contentious apologists do not or will not see it.

And later;

The point here is that the contentious apologist goes out of his way to state things in the most polemical manner, thus pushing non-Catholics further from the Catholic faith. Rather than starting with what we have in common and seeing how far we can walk down the theological road together, a contentious apologist immediately zeroes in on what separates Catholics and non-Catholics. He formulates the Catholic position in the most anti-non-Catholic way he can think of. He may do this in an openly aggressive way or with a smile upon his face, but in either case he creates a problem.

[willguy]

excellent post cure. I know that I've fallen prey to this before. that's one reason I try and avoid arguing about my faith. I'll discuss it, but when it turns into arguing, I just back out. Because I know that if I don't, I'll just end up getting mad and saying things that I shouldn't and doing more harm than good.

Peace and God Bless,

Willguy

[Azriel]

This is amesome. Keep these coming Cure, we all can benefit from this!

[Cure of Ars]

Could this be moved to the apologetics section?

[Quietfire]

Since defending Catholicism is still new to me, thanks for reminding me what's important. :jesus:

Nothing like a good fish slap to wake ya up.

Peace.