How to Talk with Fundamentalists

Scripture and prayer

Know the Bible, especially the New Testament and above all the Gospels. You need not memorize like Fundamentalists, but you need a working knowledge. Frank Sheed said an apologist not soaked in the Gospels is doomed to aridity. Pray before, during and after a conversation, and write down names so you keep praying. As St. Louis de Montfort said, the greatest things are done interiorly in faithful hearts.

Technique

• Admit ignorance when you don't know, then do your homework and follow up within a week.
• Be absolutely honest. Don't avoid hard cases or water down doctrine; if you can only give a one-sentence account of the Real Presence, study more.
• Don't misrepresent awkward history: the Church cannot be overcome by evil (Matthew 16:18), but its members include sinners (Acts 20:29).
• Avoid sarcasm. The Lord's servant must be kind, forbearing and gentle in correcting opponents (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
• Read anti-Catholic literature to learn its topics and arguments.
• Keep expectations modest. Success is your opponent leaving with the sense that Catholics have a sensible answer.
• Avoid technical words without oversimplifying, and show how doctrines fit together.
• Raise authority, the most fundamental topic: with thousands of denominations each claiming the Spirit's guidance, why trust yours? Ask your own questions; don't let them ask all of them.

Aim to explain

Don't argue to win; explain the Catholic position from the inside. Fundamentalists think they take their beliefs straight from the Bible, but they use it to support beliefs already held, often their pastor's interpretation. They know little Church history or theology. Supply the larger picture, including the Fathers, who wrote when memories of Christ were vivid and took for granted a sacrificial priesthood and the Real Presence.

Define terms

For Catholics faith is accepting revealed truths on God's word; for Fundamentalists it is trust in Christ's promises. "Tradition," "inspiration" and "infallibility" also differ. Don't accept the premise that the Bible is the sole rule of faith; ask them to prove it. The Bible denies it (1 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Timothy 2:2; 2 Peter 1:20; 3:15-16). The Church formed the Bible, not the reverse, and the New Testament was written to people already Christian, not as a catechism.

Misunderstandings

Fulton Sheen said few hate the Church, but millions hate what they mistakenly think it is. Take one topic at a time and speak as to uninstructed Catholics; they are misinformed but in good faith. Faith is a gift, and many converts were drawn above all by Catholics whose lives witnessed to their faith. Always be ready to give a defense of your hope, with gentleness and reverence (1 Peter 3:15).