Defending the Faith

Grab

Recall a moment you defended someone and share why you defended him or her.

Grace

We fight differently for the things and people that we love. When we find something important and valuable, we are ready to defend it at all costs. In the First Book of Peter, Saint Peter encourages his listeners to always be ready to “give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” (cf. 1 Peter 3:15). He is exhorting the people to defend their faith. 

The Scripture calls us to know how to defend what we believe in. The Greek word “apologia” is the root word for apologetics which means “to defend.” An apologist is one who defends something or someone. Moreso, the study of Catholic apologetics is the study of how one can defend the Catholic faith. In our own ways, we can learn the art of apologetics:

A – sk thought-provoking questions. Apologetics addresses the intellectual obstacles of the person seeking for truth. Asking questions to understand their own reasoning is better than immediately objecting to their belief. 

B – uild a common ground. We want to provide an avenue to communicate with the other person. Finding commonalities does not mean compromising. It simply means that we find a way on how to bridge the gap towards another person.

C – orrect misunderstandings. We need to clarify the false information about the Catholic faith based on the doctrines of the Church. We are to speak the truth in a firm but loving manner.

D - ialogue with one another. Showing that you are open to dialogue allows the other party to be more open and comfortable. Thus, a conversation based on truth leads to conversion. 

E - vangelize with your life. When words are not enough, we teach through the Gospel of our life. There is no better way to win souls than to evangelize. A Catholic apologetic witnesses to the One he believes in. 

The verse ends with St. Peter saying that, “yet we do it with gentleness.” The goal of apologetics is not just to answer objections, but to open the door or clear the path for conversion. Our goal is not to argue, but rather lead people to the truth. As God’s holy warriors, let us allow Him to work through us. May we be Catholic apologetics, always ready to guard and defend our Catholic faith. Ho-Wa!

Gather

1. If you’re accused of being Catholic, will you be found guilty? Why?

2. How can you defend your faith to someone who opposes your belief?

Go Forth

Study more about the Catholic faith; like and follow the page “Live the Faith” on Facebook.  

Give

God is Generous and in response, let us be good stewards by consistent Spiritual Giving, our tithing. 

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