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What Catholics Do Not Know--Was given 2 anti-Catholic books to read . . .
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 Was given 2 anti-Catholic books to read . . . 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 Romeby 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? __________________ Thou hast formed us for thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in thee. --St. Augustine  |
working4christ2 Was given 2 anti-Catholic books to read . . .
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#1
Today, 10:22 am
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Was given 2 anti-Catholic books to read . . .
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?
__________________
Thou hast formed us for thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in thee. --St. Augustine
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#2
Today, 10:56 am
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Re: Was given 2 anti-Catholic books to read . . .
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.
__________________
I catechize 6th graders straight from the Bible: https://www.createspace.com/3835986
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#3
Today, 11:17 am
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Re: Was given 2 anti-Catholic books to read . . .
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. 
__________________
The external deserts in the world are growing, because the internal deserts have become so vast. -- Pope Benedict XVI Tiber Swim Team, Class of '87. Inklings!  "Sanctum erit, facere bonum" Della's blog: http://dellakmg.blogspot.com/
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#4
Today, 11:35 am
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Re: Was given 2 anti-Catholic books to read . . .
Quote:
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.
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#5
Today, 11:38 am
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Re: Was given 2 anti-Catholic books to read . . .
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."
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#6
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Re: Was given 2 anti-Catholic books to read . . .
Quote:
), 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.
__________________
God bless, Bonnie, OFS Opportunity Farm Northeast Washington "While we have the opportunity, let us do good to all." Galatians 6:10 Good used books at BonniesBooks.net  Catholic since '76! 
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#7
Today, 12:06 pm
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Re: Was given 2 anti-Catholic books to read . . .
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God bless.
__________________
You might be interested in: Why Ignorance Won't Save Your Soul 3 Reasons St. Pope John XXIII Loved Latin (and you should too)
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#8
Today, 12:07 pm
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Re: Was given 2 anti-Catholic books to read . . .
If you agree to read one of her books, she ought to agree to read one of your books.
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#9
Today, 12:08 pm
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Re: Was given 2 anti-Catholic books to read . . .
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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.
__________________
Joe (Average Joe Catholic)  The Catechesis of the Popes __________________ The more I follow the online discussions ... the more I follow the debates and disagreements in the Church about administrative unity, or the concerns expressed about the moral or personal or administrative or leadership failings of the bishops or the clergy, the more I become convinced that whatever might be the truth of these concerns, ALL of this is simply a distraction. No, it’s more than that. It’s a justification, an excuse, for not helping each other and those outside the Church fall in love with Jesus Christ. How easy it is to talk about everything, but about Jesus hardly at all.
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#10
Today, 12:14 pm
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Re: Was given 2 anti-Catholic books to read . . .
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