PURPOSE: To provide the audience with a basic understanding of Catholicism, with emphasis on defending Catholicism and showing why it is entirely reasonable to be Catholic. In the spirit of Christian ecumenism (unity in the Love of God), it is not meant to pressure anybody into believing what I believe. Rather, these apologetics are meant to expose the audience with an idea of the many issues involved in explaining beliefs that are often attributed to Roman Catholicism. It is not a scholarly or academic course or course supplement in theology (see below).
Target Audience: Catholics who, after having encountered challenges by Protestants regarding the Catholic Faith, wish to better understanding their God-given Faith.

In discussing with Protestants, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First off is the attitude. We are all believers of the same God; therefore, we are all children of God. Quite often, evangelicals just talk about the differences and not so much of the similarities. This approach only creates tension between the parties and is not much of God's Love. We need to have a love and understanding before any kind of dialogue could commence. All too often, evangelicals approach you not to really try to understand the Catholic position of things; rather, they just want to plant seeds of doubt in you.

Second is understanding the differences in the spirit of protestantism and Catholicism. It seems to me that Catholicism is about Faith, Hope, & Love. The Catholic Church has its faith and hope on the Guidance of the Holy Spirit to come up with deeper level understanding of things. It takes its time and is cautious, yet authoritative for the sake of the Church. It also practices God's Love and stands out boldly in the crowd to speak up for justice and peace. Protestants practice love also (ie: World Vision, Salvation Army). However, the majority of them like to challenge people of other religious and even denominational faiths. Some don't leave you alone until you have converted. Some claim that their denomination is the true Christian Church and they may list a few other denominations in their favor. Historically speaking, protestantism is a rebellion against the Holy Mother Church. In other words, protestantism assumes authority on itself. Hence, there is no real unity between its many denominations in the sense that protestantism doesn't have a central authority for interpreting Scripture and coming up with doctrines that all denominations agree on.

You must first identify and understand that there are certain internal "characteristics" (for lack of a better word) that need to be examined. I have found, in my experience, that it might be better just to do more Catholic devotions and live out a better Christian life. You want to set a good example first. Sure those evangelicals are also quite caring and enthusiastic about their religion (Mormons are even better at that) and many may have formerly been nasty people, but that doesn't matter. You do your part first; live out a Christian life and show that you too have a profound faith and love in God. Most of the time, protestants are likely to talk to you with the purpose of implying to you that the Catholic Church is wrong. Just ignore them. I have made the mistake in the past that I need to do lots of research in order to get more facts to "counter" them. No need for that. Just keep praying for them and act your part.

As members of the laity who don't have much if any foundation in theology, perhaps it is best that we leave the theology to the more learned and competent. The apologetics material I have provided may not be considered by some to be a systematic approach to apologetics. They are intended just to give you an idea that there is a lot of stuff behind studying the Christian faith; it is not as simple as just pointing out a few Bible verses or historical events to put down the Catholic Church. Some people think that if they couldn't answer something that there must be something wrong with their beliefs. Quite often, opponents are silent about other related and critical issues and they might not even know it. So you could do some reading from the links and pages that I have around in my domain and get a better picture for yourself.

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1. pray to God everyday and open up your mind and heart entirely to Him, and have Faith in Him.
2. read the Bible regularly at home, and pay attention to everything that goes on during Mass on Sunday. Many Catholics don't know Catholicism as much as they should partly because they don't pay enough attention during Mass. Get a good bible too. My bible page might help with some suggestions.
3. Consult a priest. If he's not good enough, consult Catholic apologetics works, biblical commentaries, and theological literature. Consult a Catholic convert if you know one. Better yet, do all three.
4. Read Church History. Evangelicals often present biased history which is meant to put down the Catholic Church. Be broad in scope and perspectives when you search for sources so that you can find out that there is a lot more than what is claimed. Check out the References section of my Church History Page for some sources. It could be a lot of reading, but it is important. You not only get a better understanding of Church teaching, but you also appreciate the whole of the Christian Church as it is throughout time.
5. As Catholic Answers suggested, "familiarize yourself with anti-Catholic literature". That way, you will know ahead of time what might come at you and you will be prepared. Also (and this is my personal emphasis), you should always read widely and broadly on especially issues which are subjects of controversy. This will minimize bias and will give you a better picture of things, so that you can make better decisions for yourself.

Continue to my Apologetics Page...