For the word of God is living and active' Sharper than any doubleedged sword, it penetrates even to

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APOLOGETICS
For the word of God is living and active.
Sharper than any double-edged sword, it
penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit,
joints and marrow it judges the thoughts and
attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 412
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What Apologetics is Not

• Apologetics is often viewed as a branch of
  dogmatic sciencebut dogmatic theology is proper
  to itself.
• Dogmatic theology is addressed to people already
  Catholic. Presupposes faith. Apologetics does
  not. Apologetics LEADS UP TO FAITH. You can or
  dont have to choose it.
• Apologetics begins with Philosophy.

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What is Apologetics?

• Apologetics theological science
• Also called fundamental theology.
• Purpose explain and defend the Christian faith.
• Latin Apologeticus origin in Greek Apologetikos.
  
• Apology verbal defense against a verbal attack.
  Unlike today (apology admission of blame the
  opposite). Disapproving of a false accusation.

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FAMOUS APOLOGISTS

• Apology of Socrates

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EARLY CHURCH FATHERS

• Between the second and fourth century, a number
  of Christian teachers wrote defenses of
  Christianity against pagan critics.

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Apology of John Henry Newman
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GREATESTAPOLOGIST OF OUR CENTURY
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SOME MODERN APOLOGISTS
PETER KREEFT
Dr. Janet Smith
Scott Hahn
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Apologist asks questions

• Why should I believe in God and/or have religious
  beliefs?
• Why should I believe in the Christian faith?
• Why should I believe in the Catholic Church?

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ATTACK!

• There is scarcely any doctrine or aspect of the
  Church that has not come under criticism.
• Occasions of attack called the Church to
  establish apologetics as a branch of science.

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DEFENSE!

• It is important to defend your faith in a calm,
  open and orthodox presentation.
• Emotionalism turns people off.
• This leads the inquire to recognize the truth,
  reasonableness and trustworthiness of Christs
  message.
• Once realized there is an obligation to follow
  the truth.

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FAITH

• However one cant compel faith
• Faith is a moral rather than an absolute
  certitude.
• Faith is a gift.

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• Faith also is a rational act.
• If it isnt rationalit demeans the dignity of
  the believer.
• Science, logic, reason and faith should never
  have to compete.

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Why apologize?

• It is important to be able to give a reasoned
  explanation for your faith!
• 1Pet 315 Always be prepared to make a defense
  to any one who calls you to account for the hope
  that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and
  reverence
• apologetics is a means of furthering your own
  understanding of the faith too.

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The History of Catholic Apologetics

• Involves the survey of the varied attacks that
  have been made against the grounds of Christian,
  Catholic belief.
• It may be marked off into four great divisions.

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First Division

• The first division is the period from the
  beginning of Christianity to the downfall of the
  Roman Empire (A.D. 476). It is chiefly
  characterized by the twofold struggle of
  Christianity with Judaism and with paganism.

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Second Division

• The second division is coextensive with the
  Middle Ages, from A.D. 476 to the Reformation. In
  this period we find Christianity in conflict with
  the Mohammedan religion and philosophy.

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Third Division

• The third division takes place in the period from
  the beginning of the Reformation to the rise of
  rationalism in England in the middle of the
  seventeenth century. It is the period of struggle
  between Catholicism and Protestantism.

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Fourth Division

• The fourth division embraces the period of
  rationalism, from the middle of the seventeenth
  century down to the present day. Here we find
  Christianity in conflict with Deism, Pantheism,
  Materialism, Agnosticism, and Naturalism.

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APOLOGETICS TODAY

• FOCUS SEEMS TO BE ON DEFENDING THE FAITH AGAINST
  SECULARISM.
• Main Entry secularism Pronunciation
  'se-ky-l-"ri-zmFunction noun indifference
  to or rejection or exclusion of religion and
  religious considerations

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THE END OF THE BEGINNING