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Tips For Apologists

Seek conversion or it might not happen

If every Catholic sought the conversion of those they love, many more would be converted. We have to do our part. Don't be afraid to bring up the matter. Nothing is more important in the long run.| |

Reported Source: Personal Experience

Submitter's Reported Catholic Affiliation: Roman Catholic

E-Mail: N/A

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Not verified. Inclusion does not imply endorsement. ID:121455CH

Tips For Apologists

Save the term Christian for Catholics

Catholicism is the only true Christianity, whereas Protestantism is a distortion of Christianity -- a counterfeit Christianity. Don't call Protestants Christians... call them Protest-ants since they Protest the true faith revealed by Christ| |

Reported Source: N/A

Submitter's Reported Catholic Affiliation: Roman Catholic

E-Mail: N/A

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Not verified. Inclusion does not imply endorsement. ID:121452CH

Tips For Apologists

Point out inconsistencies in Protestantism

There are many inconsistencies in the Protestantism that you can question a Protestant about, like how they can work out their salvation in fear and trembling - like the bible says to do - if they already (supposedly) saved. |We Catholics are used to being questioned, but Protestants may not be. And the true Catholic faith has the answers, whereas the false Protestant religion does not have the answers. |If they are forced to find answers to these questions, they may realize their religion makes no sense. Like how does a "bible only" religion work when they needed the Catholic Church to get the bible?

Reported Source: My Own Idea

Submitter's Reported Catholic Affiliation: Roman Catholic

E-Mail: N/A

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Not verified. Inclusion does not imply endorsement. ID:121449CH

Conversion Tips

Patience is the key

Patience is the key in bringng friends or loved ones to (or back) to the Catholic Church. First impressions are important, but overall we need to put forth a good and patient attutide without compromising the tenents of the Faith. |Let them see Christ's love in you. It will probably take many encounters. You will likely face some strong resistance. Many will try to divert your attention to their false beliefs. Don't be fooled.|Perservere, however, and stay focused on the main points. And do so with patience. Once you win their trust and confidence, they will listen to Christ's true message through you.

Reported Source: My Own Idea

Submitter's Reported Catholic Affiliation: Roman Catholic (Traditional)

E-Mail: N/A

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Not verified. Inclusion does not imply endorsement. ID:121448CH

Do's & Don'ts

Scripture references

Protestants will usually bring up Scripture in their arguments. A good Catholic apologist will know some of their basic arguments and be able to point to Scripture which proves the Catholic teaching. |Carry a sheet with Scripture references if you can't memorize them. [Note from MCS: There is a free flier on this site you can print - see red link on top of this page|http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/nc/non_catholics__biblical_references.htm ]

Reported Source: Personal Experience

Submitter's Reported Catholic Affiliation: Roman Catholic

E-Mail: N/A

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Not verified. Inclusion does not imply endorsement. ID:121445CH

Tips For Apologists

Be ready with pithy comments

If you've ever thought of the perfect thing to say minutes after a Protestant has left the vicinity, you'll know the importance of having some pithy comments at the tip of your tongue. And write them down for later |(trust me, you'll eventually forget them no matter how great they are). Sometimes re-quoting the other person will do, like if they accuse Catholics of worshipping statues you could say that if Catholics worshiped statues they would be idolaters. |This leaves them little place to go since you are already agreeing with them that statue worship would be idolatry. You then have the opportunity to explain how Catholic veneration of statues differs from idolatrous worship.

Reported Source: My Own Idea

Submitter's Reported Catholic Affiliation: Roman Catholic

E-Mail: N/A

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Not verified. Inclusion does not imply endorsement. ID:121444CH

Tips For Apologists

Preparation is the key to making headway

Keep an index card or two with some important scripture or apologetics that you can use to help remember key points you want to make when talking to a non-Catholic. |I keep a business card size "cheat sheet" with important quotes so that I'm always prepared if I get the opportunity to talk to any non-Catholic. |As you get better you can keep a pocket-sized notepad that you can add to and keep reminders for the next time.

Reported Source: My Own Idea

Submitter's Reported Catholic Affiliation: Roman Catholic (Traditional)

E-Mail: N/A

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Not verified. Inclusion does not imply endorsement. ID:121441CH

Reaching Protestants

Try to have them explain the Church's possession of ancient relics

News reports of historical significance present good apologetic opportunities for Catholics. It's hard for Protestants to argue that they're the "real Christians" when it's the Catholics who posses the historically significant relics. |Some examples would be the Shroud of Turin, ancient mosaics, Apostles' remains, and so forth. |While possession of them doesn't "prove" anything all by itself, this can still be a useful tool in your "apologetics arsenal."

Reported Source: N/A

Submitter's Reported Catholic Affiliation: Roman Catholic

E-Mail: N/A

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Not verified. Inclusion does not imply endorsement. ID:121440CH

Food For Thought

Be prepared to discuss scandal

No matter how good your defense of the faith might be, some people will not hear you to recent scandals. So I recommend being prepared to discuss this. Although there is no excuse for the abuse, |this issue is rather easy to address from a theological perspective. For example, consider Judas or a bad president. It's not all the apostles or all the country that you blame, just the guilty individuals. |Furthermore, the sinfulness of a person has no bearing on truth, just like a sinful math teacher can still teach good math, yet be sinful at the same time. If you're able to get past the scandals maybe they will hear the rest of what you have to say.

Reported Source: My Own Idea

Submitter's Reported Catholic Affiliation: Roman Catholic

E-Mail: N/A

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Not verified. Inclusion does not imply endorsement. ID:121439CH

When A Loved One Goes Astray

Timing is everything

Don't underestimate timing. As they say "timing is everything." Some who aren't reachable now might be reachable in a month or a year from now. |Especially opportune when certain major events happen or when some thing in the news provides an opportunity for bringing certain matters to their attention. |Be patient and don't give up. Also don't forget to pray.

Reported Source: Personal Experience

Submitter's Reported Catholic Affiliation: Roman Catholic

E-Mail: N/A

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Not verified. Inclusion does not imply endorsement. ID:121438CH