one thing about Catholic vs. Protestant debates

[avemaria40]

I notice that when you debate a Protestant, it's easier than debating someone who doesn't believe in Christianity or doesn't care. it's because Catholics and Protestants have a common authority to appeal to (the Bible) and if you really know your Faith well, your debate can be very fruitful. And I'll admit, it's fun ,especially when it's your friends you're debating with.


This is the first time I've met anti-Catholicism from other Christians. Usually I have to deal with, "The Church hates women, gays, etc." and the whole "you're against birth control?! That's stupid" and "You can't be for women's/human rights if you're against abortion". Those are very emotionally draining for me, especially when they are from friends of mine (which they are) but this was fun because now I am debating with someone w/whom I share common beliefs and they are listening to me and actually want to know more! I've never been so excited about defending my Faith before!

[thessalonian]

It has been said it is better that men be taught nothing than to be taught error. I think by JP II. Error hardens men to the truth.

[jswranch]

[quote name='thessalonian' post='1022645' date='Jul 12 2006, 05:20 AM']
It has been said it is better that men be taught nothing than to be taught error. I think by JP II. Error hardens men to the truth.
[/quote]
Amen. Well said.

[phatcatholic]

apologetics can definitely be a blessing. good luck to you, avemaria!

[Era Might]

[quote name='thessalonian' post='1022645' date='Jul 12 2006, 07:20 AM']It has been said it is better that men be taught nothing than to be taught error. I think by JP II. Error hardens men to the truth.
[/quote]

I couldn't agree with that fully. Even in error, a man who is genuinely searching for the truth is, by that very fact, open to the truth. There is something worse than error; indifference.

[avemaria40]

Thanks everyone! This friend of mine is very openminded and even backed up my arguments when i was debating with his brother. They are very dear to me and I'm excited about evangelization. I've never had this opportunity as many I am close to really don't want to know about the Church but they love to attack it. It really is wonderful to have a debate with someone who really wants to learn and who actually will listen to my arguments.

My prayers are with you all as I know we all have to use apologetics at some point.

[Justified Saint]

[quote name='avemaria40' post='1022632' date='Jul 12 2006, 03:20 AM']
Usually I have to deal with, "The Church hates women, gays, etc." and the whole "you're against birth control?! That's stupid" and "You can't be for women's/human rights if you're against abortion".
[/quote]

Sometimes you hear that more from Protestants or even Catholics than anyone else.

Apologetics can be fun when you are interacting with someone who is open-minded, but I have found that those kind of people are mostly an exception to the rule, so don't get your hopes up too high.

Personally, I'd rather be talking to someone who makes those kinds of statements or charges than arguing with a Protestant over the English usages of a conjunction from a verse in Acts (or something like that). Now that can be "emotionally draining". Yes, you can't necessarily appeal to the Bible with an unbeliever, but sometimes with a Protestant all you can appeal to is the Bible (solo scriptura anyone? and that can become just as pointless.

[thessalonian]

[quote name='Era Might' post='1023036' date='Jul 12 2006, 02:12 PM']
I couldn't agree with that fully. Even in error, a man who is genuinely searching for the truth is, by that very fact, open to the truth. There is something worse than error; indifference.
[/quote]

It is a general statement but I think it is proven out in that Mormons generally stay mormons, Jw's JW's, Moslem's....etc. I agree with the rest of what you said. Indifference is definitely worse. "Would that you were hot or cold but that you are lukewarm I VOMIT you out of my mouth". Not good.