intellectually disappointed

[theculturewarrior]

I have never ultimately been disappointed intellectually by the Church. I have struggled with doubt before...but when God answered, I have come out a stronger and more convicted Catholic.

I have however been disappointed by Catholic apologists, especially on forums and among friends.

It is the same problem that confronts any two groups with differing worldviews. Dialogue begins when you understand the cons' point of view. It begins when you say, "I see how that argument is persuasive, but this is what I believe, and this is why it is more persuasive." I find more apologists, even the ones on TV, using straw man arguments, preaching to the choir, and not tapping into the depth that the Church has to offer.

This is the Achilles' Heel of modern Catholic apologetics.

[Donna]

Examples, CW?

Yet I think I know what you mean.

Maybe one reason for the straw-men is because it's humbling to be brought to realization of one's "con" viewpoint, especially if this happens via direct experience, not just intellectually.

...maybe there aren't many takers wiling to understand.

[theculturewarrior]

honestly, I've stayed away from the debate table for a while. I really feel drained when I come here. But it seems like every forum I go to posts news articles of the most absurd examples of the cons pov. It's kind of like the media honing in on the clerical abuse scandals, and ignoring other comparable scandals. The only difference is, we're the media in this case.

[theculturewarrior]

I have also been disappointed by Catholic Answers tracts. I love their ministry, and I'm grateful for all they do, but their arguments at times are not thorough...they have left me hanging a couple times.

[cmotherofpirl]

Catholic Answers tracts are the kindergarten version of the faith.
Milk before meat.

Ask the Church Scholars to recommend some books for you.

[Cam42]

The best thing that you can do is take the Marian Catechist program. It is a home-study program and it is the best.

It was established by John Hardon, S.J. I took it in 1998, while in grad school, to support my theological studies, so I can attest to the importance and solidity.

Here is the link:

[url="http://www.mariancatechist.com/"]Marian Catechists[/url]

Good Luck....

Cam42

Edited February 19, 2005 by Cam42

[Donna]

D. Table'll be here when you're not weary, CW.

:pipe:

[theculturewarrior]

Thanks. I've noticed it has attracted some true culture warriors. Anybody wanna buy my screename?

[journeyman]

does the post count and the pretty flag go with that screen name?

[littleflower+JMJ]

cmom is right--Catholic Answers give out what is just tracts who's main focus on audience and readers are not people who have theology degrees but just the basics......and some not even that..

I would go to those who have a degree in theology, etc. (Like the Church scholars) who can definitely help you

[theculturewarrior]

[quote name='journeyman' date='Mar 5 2005, 09:28 PM'] does the post count and the pretty flag go with that screen name? [/quote]
:thinking: