One-Minute Apologist

Dave Armstrong is a convert from Protestantism who has also written other books such as  A Biblical Defense of Catholicism , More Biblical Evidence For Catholicism , Bible Proofs for Catholic Truths: A Source Book for Apologists and Inquirers , The Catholic Verses: 95 Bible Passages That Confound Protestants , and  501 Biblical Arguments Against Sola Scriptura: Is the Bible the Only Infallible Authority? ?]].He states in the Introduction to this 2007 book, "This book continues what might be called a 'Bible and Catholicism' trilogy ... In this work, I have sought to show how Catholics can easily, decisively answer non-Catholic 'garden-variety' objections to Catholicism."Here are some quotations from the book:"Both baptism (according to 1 Peter 3:21) and the Eucharist (John 6:53) are certainly 'essential'--indeed, necessary---for salvation." (Pg. 7)"It is a historical fact that many biblical books were accepted only very slowly... None of this is consistent with the notion that it is easy to determine a biblical book (that is, an inspired book) simply by reading it." (Pg. 10-11)"Paul had more far-reaching influence, it's true---especiallly theologically and in the long-term impact of his missions. His supreme greatness as an evangelist is indisputable. And yet in 2 Peter 3:14-16, Peter is presented in Scripture as a man who has so much authority that he can correct those who distort the true meaning of the letters of Paul." (Pg. 35)"Opinions differ as to whether Liberius caved in and signed an Arian statment... But if so, it was as a result of being imprisoned by the Arian emperor Constantine, under threats of possible execution or torture. That hardly qualifies as the free, wilfull promulgation of a doctrine. It's true that Vigilius flip-flopped and wavered on some Christological questions, too, appearing to agree with certain heresies ... the weak Vigilius made questionable statements under coercion and duress, much as Liberius had." (Pg. 45)"The priesthood as we know it today is not a strong motif in the New Testament. But this can be explained in terms of development of doctrine... But one can indeed find evidence of a Christian priesthood in the Bible. At the Last Supper Jesus entrusts to his disciples a remembrance of the central aspect of the liturgy or Mass..." (Pg. 48)"Nor are we to think Jesus was prohibiting use of the term 'father' in a spiritual sense, for the New Testament authors use it this way in numerous places, e.g.: (Acts 7:2, 1 Cor 4:15)" (Pg. 49)"The Bible contains no explicit command to baptize infants. But then, neither does it expressly prohibit it; nor does it tell us only to baptize adult believers, or those old enough to have made a free decision to believe in Jesus." (Pg. 68)"The Bible has a lot of indications of purgatory, either directly, or in descriptions of virtually the same process. The clearest, most indisputable passage along these lines is 1 Corinthians 3:13-15..." (Pg. 93)"Jude identifies himself in the beginning of his letter as 'a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James,' which would be exceedingly strange if he were, in fact, the blood brother of Jesus our Lord." (Pg. 110)

If you are looking for solid Catholic answers to common Protestant challenges, but don't have lots of time, then reach for this book. Here the author has assembled over 60 of the claims and arguments that protestants most frequently level against the Church. He delivers the essential Catholic replies to each claim packaged for you in a compact and uniquely usable format. This book is concise but never superficial. It cites or quotes more than a thousand scripture verses, along with the words of scores of saints and scholars, including many respected Protestant sources. The book decisively refutes common Protestant claims such as: (1). The Bible is the only infallible source of theological truth; (2). Peter is not the "Rock" to which Jesus referrred; (3). Celibacy for priests is unnatural and unbiblical; (4). The Catholic mass is an abomination; and (5). True Christian cannot fall away from salvation, inter alia. More accessible than thick theological tomes, this book is the one source you'll find yourself turning to whenever you have the need to defend the Catholic Faith quickly, credibly and well.

Great book to use for teenage instruction. Use this book as a conversation starter on nearly every subject in the Church.

Hard to imagine that anyone reading this would not become Catholic, or that Catholics reading this would not become strong in our Faith."God here speaks to souls through words uttered by pious people, by sermons or good books, and in many other such ways."

Excellent and handy guide for the amateur apologist!

Many Catholics get tongue-tied when a non-Catholic approaches them with a challenging question. This little book provides two-page answers to 61 "garden-variety" objections to Catholicism, For example, the non-Catholic says, "Holy Communion was meant to be a symbolic rite only." or "How can a mere man (Pope) be infallible" or "Mary had other children besides Jesus". I love this little book and return to it constantly. It is an enjoyable, informative read with tons of Biblical references to make any Catholic feel up to the challenge to defend the teachings of the Catholic Church. It would also be a good book for non-Catholics to read so they can get a true picture of what the Catholic Church actually teaches and why. God bless.

Concise and comprehensive simultaneously.

This book is awesome and accurate. I've been a Catholic most of my life, but for the first time I've found myself having to defend it to my inlaws. This book has answers to most protestant misunderstands of the Catholic Church. Plus, if you are having to type most of it (like I did) to reply to someone...there is a short explanation of each instead of having to go through book like reasonings. He also has a blog which is great if you just want to copy and paste something more in depth, but I like the book better.

The text looks as if it is interesting, going by the headings, but not read it yet. However, be warned that the print is miniscule so I may not read it as soon as I had planned.

I FOUND THIS BOOK TO BE A GOOD QUICK GUIDE TO SOME OF THE MORE CONFUSING QUESTIONS ASKED BY PEOPLE...ESPECIALLY "CATHOLIC BASHER'S" THAT TRY AND TRIP YOU UP ON YOUR FAITH BELIEF SYSTEM.THIS BOOK SO FAR SEEMS TO BE FILLED WITH THE QUESTION'S USUALLY ASKED THAT SOMETIMES,EVEN A CATHOLIC WHO KNOWS THE DOCTRINE OF THE FAITH,MAY NOT KNOW WHERE TO FIND THE EXACT QUOTES OR BE SURE OF EXACTLY WHY WE BELIEVE WHAT WE BELIEVE.FOR CRADLE CATHOLIC'S LIKE MYSELF,A BOOK LIKE THIS IS HANDY TO KEEP CLOSE BY AND SHOULD BE READ BY ALL AS IT WILL INFORM YOU ON YOUR FAITH AND FILL IN THE "WHY" ANSWERS YOU NEED TO DEFEND YOUR FAITH....YOU SHOULD ALSO JOIN A CATHOLIC APOLOGETICS GROUP IN YOUR PARISH AS I HAVE,IT'S QUITE HELPFUL ON UNDERSTANDING YOUR FAITH AND HOW TO DEFEND IT IN PEACE,ALWAYS WITH RESPECT AND PEACEFULLY...AND IF YOU DON'T HAVE ONE,START ONE.

I know it does happen. It happened to Dave Armstrong. But most people who change their religion do not do it because ofintellectual argument