Catholic Biblical Apologetics Book Summary

Title: Catholic Biblical Apologetics
Author: Dr. Robert J. Schihl and Paul D. Flanagan

TLDR: This book explains Catholic beliefs and practices using the Bible, addressing common misunderstandings between Catholics and other Christians. It covers key topics like faith, salvation, the sacraments, Mary, and the end times, showcasing the scriptural basis of Catholic teachings.

Chapter 1: Foundations

This chapter lays the groundwork for the apologetic approach adopted throughout the book. The authors emphasize that their intent is to explain Catholic doctrines rather than to convince readers. They believe that friction between Catholic and Evangelical Protestant communities stems from miscommunication and misunderstanding. Thus, the book uses the Bible as a common foundation for dialogue, recognizing its crucial role in facilitating initial understanding. However, it also clearly distinguishes the Bible as one stream of Divine Revelation, alongside the constant Tradition of the Church.

The chapter acknowledges that the book offers an incomplete picture of the vastness of the Catholic faith. It emphasizes that understanding Catholicism is a matter of formation within an active faith community rather than mere education. Experiencing the lived reality of Catholic beliefs and practices is essential for comprehending the faith’s true essence.

Finally, the chapter addresses Catholic readers directly. It encourages them to deepen their understanding of the faith, highlighting the importance of ongoing learning and recognizing the potential shortcomings in past religious education. It emphasizes the authoritative nature of Catholic Christianity, rooted in the teaching authority of the Church, and stresses the universality of Catholic beliefs across local, diocesan, national, and global faith communities.

Chapter 2: Being Catholic and Christian: Faith and Salvation

This chapter explores the concept of faith and salvation within Catholicism, emphasizing the historical transmission of authoritative doctrine. It begins by highlighting biblical passages that demonstrate the importance of preserving and transmitting the faith, drawing on the teachings of Paul and other Apostles.

The chapter then delves into the historical development of confessions of faith, beginning with simple expressions like “Jesus is Lord” and progressing to detailed statements like the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed. These creeds summarize the essential beliefs of Christianity and demonstrate the consistent development of doctrine within the Church.

A significant portion of the chapter focuses on the concept of salvation. It analyzes the various biblical meanings of the words “salvation” and “being saved,” demonstrating their application to both the present experience of God’s power and the future deliverance at Christ’s Second Coming. The chapter explains how Catholic Christians respond to the question “Are you saved?” by acknowledging the objective reality of Christ’s act of salvation, the ongoing process of sanctification, and the hopeful expectation of final perseverance.

The chapter also addresses the controversial topic of faith and works, demonstrating through Scripture the essential balance between the two. It refutes the notion of salvation by faith alone, emphasizing that faith must be active and expressed through good works. The Council of Trent’s pronouncements on justification are cited to reinforce the Catholic Church’s consistent teaching on this matter.

Finally, the chapter compares the processes of Christian initiation in different faith communities. It analyzes biblical passages that inform initiation practices, such as confessions of faith, repentance, and baptism. While acknowledging differences in terminology and ritual, it clarifies that all Christian churches agree on the essential truths about salvation and God’s initiative in this process.

Chapter 3: Divine Revelation “By Letter” (2 Thess 2:15): The Bible

This chapter focuses on the Bible as the written Word of God, exploring its origin, development, inspiration, and interpretation. It begins by defining divine revelation, referencing biblical passages and Vatican II pronouncements to illustrate God’s self-disclosure to humanity through Jesus Christ.

The chapter then explores the nature of the Bible as a library of diverse literary works, emphasizing that it is a historical document written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It acknowledges that the Bible does not explicitly define its own canon, nor does it claim to contain the entirety of God’s revelation. The Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, played a crucial role in discerning the canon of Scripture.

A significant portion of the chapter discusses the development of the Old Testament canon, focusing on the historical and geographical factors that contributed to the existence of two canons: the Alexandrian canon (accepted by Catholics) and the Palestinian canon (accepted by Protestants). The chapter meticulously traces the historical events and geographical locations that shaped these canons, including the Babylonian Captivity, the return from exile, the rise of Alexandria as a Jewish center, the development of the Septuagint, and the role of early Church councils.

The chapter also provides a detailed chronology of the Apostolic Age and the development of the New Testament canon. It lists key events and their corresponding works, showcasing the gradual process by which the Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, discerned the inspired books of the New Testament.

Finally, the chapter delves into the concepts of inspiration and hermeneutics, explaining how Catholics understand the Bible’s divine authorship and how they interpret its message. It stresses the literal sense as the foundational principle of interpretation, followed by the fuller and typical senses, which draw on the Church’s Tradition and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The chapter concludes with a comprehensive list of major Church pronouncements on the Bible, outlining the development of Catholic understanding of Scripture throughout history.

Chapter 4: Divine Revelation “By Word of Mouth” (2 Thess 2:15): Handing On

This chapter examines the concept of Tradition (“Paradosis” in Greek) as another mode of transmitting God’s Word. It argues that the Bible acknowledges the existence of both oral and written traditions, pointing to passages where the Apostles emphasize handing on their teachings.

The chapter clarifies that “Tradition” with a capital ‘T’ refers to the unchangeable, divinely revealed truths entrusted to the Church, while “tradition” with a lowercase ‘t’ encompasses changeable practices and customs. The Council of Jerusalem, as depicted in Acts 15, serves as a model for how the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, determines truth, refutes error, and establishes authoritative doctrine.

Following the Acts 15 model, the chapter outlines the history of ecumenical councils, highlighting their role in addressing theological controversies, defining doctrine, and condemning heresy. These councils, from Nicaea I to Vatican II, demonstrate the consistent application of the Acts 15 model throughout Church history.

The chapter further delves into the faithful individuals entrusted with handing on the Word of God, starting with the Apostolic Fathers (disciples and successors of the Apostles) and moving on to the Post-Apostolic Fathers, who synthesized Christian doctrine through their writings. It provides a brief biography of each Father and their key contributions to theological understanding.

Lastly, the chapter focuses on the Doctors of the Church, distinguished Christian teachers recognized for their contributions to faith and learning. Each Doctor’s significant works and areas of expertise are outlined. The chapter concludes by referencing Vatican II pronouncements that reiterate the importance of Tradition alongside Scripture, emphasizing their interconnectedness and shared purpose in revealing God’s Word to humanity.

Chapter 5: Truth Handling and Teaching Authority

This chapter delves into the Church’s teaching authority, tracing its roots back to the Apostles and specifically to Peter, who was given a unique role by Christ. It begins by examining the biblical portrait of Peter, showcasing his prominent position among the Apostles: he is consistently named first in lists, acts as spokesperson for the group, receives special attention from Jesus, and is explicitly entrusted with leadership responsibilities.

A central focus of the chapter is the interpretation of Matthew 16:18, where Christ declares, “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.” The chapter meticulously analyzes the Greek, Latin, and Aramaic versions of the verse, highlighting the linguistic evidence supporting the Catholic understanding of Peter as the foundational rock of the Church. It then cites pronouncements from the Council of Ephesus and Vatican I, demonstrating the Church’s consistent teaching on Peter’s primacy.

The chapter further explores the charism of infallibility, a divinely bestowed gift enabling the Church to teach truth without error in matters of faith and morals. It explains that this charism was initially given to Peter and the Apostles and is passed on to their successors: the Bishop of Rome (Pope) and the bishops in communion with him.

The chapter provides a historical list of the Bishops of Rome from Peter to Benedict XVI, acknowledging that some Popes were not models of holiness. However, it emphasizes that the Church’s teaching authority and the transmission of divine Revelation remain unaffected by the personal failings of individual Popes.

Finally, the chapter describes the Magisterium, the Church’s teaching authority, and its structure. It clarifies the roles of the Pope and the bishops in teaching and safeguarding the deposit of faith, drawing on Vatican II pronouncements to explain the conditions under which the Church exercises its charism of infallibility.

Chapter 6: The Sacraments: The Life of the Christian

This chapter explores the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, explaining their role in sanctifying individuals and building up the Body of Christ. It begins by establishing Jesus Christ as the primary sacrament, the visible sign of God’s presence in the world. The Church is then presented as a sacrament, a sign and instrument of Christ’s continued presence and activity in the world.

The chapter highlights instances where Jesus used physical signs and actions as vehicles for grace during his earthly ministry, such as water baptism, turning water into wine, multiplying bread and fish, healing through touch, and breathing on his Apostles. It then demonstrates how the Apostles followed Jesus’ example by administering similar signs, including anointing the sick, laying hands on people to confer the Holy Spirit, baptizing new believers, forgiving sins, and celebrating the Eucharist.

The chapter delves into each sacrament individually, explaining its scriptural basis, historical development, and theological significance. For each sacrament, the chapter:

• Baptism: Examines the biblical evidence for the necessity of baptism for salvation, particularly referencing John 3:5. It explains the Catholic understanding of infant baptism as a valid and efficacious sacrament, supported by scriptural accounts of household baptisms and the Church’s constant teaching. The chapter also discusses the various modes of baptism (immersion, pouring, sprinkling) and their historical evolution.
• Reconciliation (Penance): Presents the biblical basis for the power to forgive sins given by Christ to the Apostles and their successors. It clarifies the purpose of confession and cites scriptural passages and pronouncements from Church Fathers and councils to demonstrate the consistent practice of confession throughout Church history.
• Confirmation: Explains this sacrament as a conferral of the Holy Spirit that strengthens and empowers Christians for their mission in the Church. The chapter analyzes relevant Scriptural accounts and teachings of the Church Fathers, highlighting the distinction between the initial reception of the Holy Spirit in baptism and the fuller empowerment in Confirmation.
• Eucharist (Lord’s Supper): Provides a comprehensive analysis of the Last Supper accounts in the New Testament, emphasizing the literal meaning of Jesus’ words, “This is my body” and “This is my blood.” The chapter cites teachings of the early Church Fathers and the Council of Trent to showcase the consistent belief in the Real Presence. It explains transubstantiation, the change of substance in the bread and wine, while the accidents remain unchanged. The chapter further discusses the Mass as the liturgical celebration of the Eucharist, drawing parallels between its structure and the Jewish synagogue service and the Last Supper. Finally, it addresses the concept of “remembrance,” explaining that the Mass does not re-sacrifice Christ but makes present his one sacrifice on Calvary.
• Anointing of the Sick (Extreme Unction): Examines the biblical basis for this sacrament, highlighting Jesus’ healing ministry and the Apostles’ practice of anointing the sick. It clarifies that the sacrament is not limited to the dying but is intended for all who are seriously ill, aiming to bring both physical and spiritual healing.
• Matrimony: Explores the biblical understanding of marriage as instituted by God and elevated to a sacramental status by Christ. It references passages that affirm the indissolubility of marriage and Paul’s teaching on marriage as a sign of the union between Christ and the Church. The chapter also explains the process of annulment, clarifying that it is not a “Catholic divorce” but a declaration that a valid marriage never existed due to impediments at the time of the wedding ceremony.
• Orders (Holy Orders): Explains the scriptural basis for the hierarchical structure of the Church, highlighting the roles of bishops, priests, and deacons. It cites passages where the Apostles conferred authority through the laying of hands and examines the Church’s constant teaching on the sacrament of Orders. The chapter also discusses the practice of clerical celibacy, explaining its biblical roots and the Church’s position on this disciplinary matter.

Throughout the chapter, the authors emphasize the biblical and historical foundations of the sacraments, demonstrating the Catholic Church’s faithfulness to the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles.

Chapter 7: The Communion of Saints

This chapter explores the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints, which encompasses all believers, both living and dead, united in Christ. It begins by analyzing the biblical understanding of the word “saint” (hagios in Greek), demonstrating that it refers to all Christians, not just those with exceptional holiness. The chapter highlights passages where Paul uses the term for both living and deceased believers, emphasizing that in God’s eyes, the distinction between “living” and “dead” is ultimately insignificant.

The chapter explains the concept of the “communion of saints” as articulated in the Apostles’ Creed, referring to the bond of unity that connects all believers in Christ. It then delves into the roles of the saints in the life of the Church:

• Role Models: Saints serve as exemplary figures whose lives inspire and encourage Christians to strive for holiness. The chapter cites scriptural passages that encourage imitating the faithful and highlight the importance of learning from those who have successfully followed Christ.
• Intercession: Catholic Christians believe they can petition the saints to pray for them. The chapter defends this practice by drawing parallels with Paul’s requests for prayer from fellow believers. It emphasizes that asking for a saint’s intercession does not imply worshiping the saint but simply acknowledging their closeness to God and their ability to offer powerful prayers on behalf of those on earth.

The chapter addresses the question of how saints can hear countless prayers from around the world. It argues that through their union with God, the saints share in His knowledge and are thus aware of the needs of those who pray to them.

The chapter also explains the process of canonization, the Church’s official recognition of a person’s sainthood. It outlines the steps involved in investigating a candidate’s life, verifying miracles attributed to their intercession, and ultimately declaring them a saint. The chapter emphasizes that the Church does not “create” saints but simply recognizes those whom God has already welcomed into heaven.

Finally, the chapter addresses the use of images and relics of saints in Catholic devotional practices. It draws parallels with biblical accounts where people were healed through contact with Jesus’ clothing or Peter’s shadow, explaining that such objects serve as reminders of the saints’ presence and their power to intercede. The chapter clarifies that Catholics do not worship images or relics but use them as aids to devotion and as means of connecting with the communion of saints.

Chapter 8: Mary the Mother of Jesus: Saint

This chapter explores the Catholic understanding of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, emphasizing her unique role in salvation history and her status as a saint. It begins by clarifying that Catholic teachings about Mary are not equal in importance to the fundamental truths about God, but they are still significant because they are rooted in Scripture and Tradition. The chapter stresses that the Church’s understanding of Mary has deepened over time under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, guided by the principles of not contradicting Scripture or the Church’s constant faith and ensuring that any developed truth enjoys the acceptance of the People of God.

The chapter presents a biblical portrait of Mary, highlighting key passages that reveal her unique role:

• Genesis 3:15: This verse foreshadows Mary’s role as the woman whose offspring will crush the serpent’s head, signifying her participation in the victory over sin and Satan.
• Isaiah 7:14: This prophecy confirms Mary’s virginity and her divine motherhood, predicting the birth of Immanuel (“God with us”).
• Luke 1:26-38: This passage recounts the Annunciation, where the Angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive a son by the Holy Spirit and remain a virgin.
• Luke 1:39-45: This account of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth emphasizes Mary’s status as the Mother of God, as Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaims, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”
• John 19:25-27: This passage describes Jesus entrusting his mother to the care of the beloved disciple, signifying her special relationship with John and, by extension, with all believers.

The chapter then addresses two specific Marian doctrines:

• Mary’s Perpetual Virginity: The chapter defends the belief that Mary remained a virgin throughout her life, refuting common objections based on scriptural references to Jesus’ “brothers” and the use of the words “until” (heos) and “firstborn” (prototokos). It cites pronouncements from early Church Fathers and the Council of Constantinople II, as well as statements from Protestant reformers, to demonstrate the consistent belief in Mary’s perpetual virginity.
• The Immaculate Conception: This doctrine affirms that Mary was preserved from original sin from the moment of her conception. The chapter explains the scriptural basis for this belief, highlighting God’s holiness and the necessity for a pure vessel to bear the Son of God. It examines the angelic salutation, “Hail, full of grace,” emphasizing that Mary was already favored with grace before her consent to God’s plan. The chapter then traces the historical development of the doctrine, citing pronouncements from Church Fathers, liturgical celebrations, and theological debates, culminating in Pope Pius IX’s infallible definition in 1854.

Finally, the chapter addresses the Assumption of Mary, the belief that she was taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life. It draws on scriptural passages that describe the consequences of sin and the victory over death achieved through Christ, arguing that Mary, being free from original sin, would also be free from its consequences. The chapter examines the historical development of this belief, culminating in Pope Pius XII’s infallible definition in 1950.

The chapter concludes by discussing private devotions to Mary, particularly the Rosary. It explains the history of the Rosary and its development from a substitute for the Psalms to a meditative prayer focusing on the mysteries of Christ’s life. It emphasizes that private devotions are not matters of dogma or faith but serve as aids to personal piety and a way of connecting with Mary’s intercession.

Chapter 9: Eschatology: The Last Things

This chapter explores the Catholic understanding of eschatology, the study of “last things,” encompassing death, judgment, heaven, hell, purgatory, the Second Coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the New Creation.

The chapter begins by discussing death, highlighting the scriptural understanding of death as a consequence of sin and a separation of the soul from the body. It cites various biblical descriptions of death, including returning to dust, departure, sleeping, rest, and being with Christ.

Following death, Catholics believe in a particular judgment, an immediate assessment of each individual’s soul by God. The chapter references passages like the parable of the rich man and Lazarus and Jesus’ promise to the thief on the cross to support this belief. It also cites pronouncements from Church Fathers and councils that affirm the permanency of death and the finality of the particular judgment.

The chapter then explores the three possible destinations for souls after death:

• Heaven: The chapter explains the scriptural and doctrinal understanding of heaven as a state of eternal blessedness, union with God, and the fulfillment of all desires. It cites numerous biblical images and descriptions of heaven, highlighting its joys and rewards. It also references pronouncements from Church councils that affirm the eternal nature of heaven and its ultimate purpose as a supernatural end for humanity.
• Hell: The chapter examines the scriptural evidence for the existence of hell, citing its various biblical descriptions and the consequences of rejecting God’s love and grace. It emphasizes the eternal nature of hell and the suffering it entails, drawing on pronouncements from Church Fathers and councils to reinforce the reality of eternal punishment.
• Purgatory: This state of purification after death is for those who have died in God’s grace but still need further cleansing from the effects of sin. The chapter explains the scriptural basis for purgatory, highlighting God’s holiness, the need for purification, and the existence of a purging fire that prepares souls for heaven. It cites teachings from the early Church Fathers and the Magisterium to demonstrate the consistent belief in purgatory and the efficacy of prayers for the dead. The chapter also addresses the concept of limbo, clarifying that it is not an official doctrine but a pastoral explanation for the fate of unbaptized infants, entrusted to God’s mercy.

The chapter continues by discussing the Second Coming of Christ, also known as the Parousia or the Day of the Lord. It describes the biblical accounts of this event, highlighting its apocalyptic imagery and the unmistakable signs that will accompany Christ’s return. The chapter stresses the importance of being prepared for the Second Coming, emphasizing that its exact timing is unknown.

The chapter then addresses the resurrection of the dead, affirming the belief that all who have died will be raised with glorified bodies. It analyzes biblical passages that describe the resurrection, drawing on the qualities of Jesus’ resurrected body as a model. It explains the Church’s teaching on the resurrection of both the blessed and the damned, highlighting the transformation of bodies into a glorified state.

Following the resurrection, Catholics believe in a general judgment, where all humanity will be assessed by Christ based on their deeds. The chapter cites biblical passages that describe this final judgment, emphasizing its universality and its focus on both individual and social justice.

Finally, the chapter concludes by describing the New Creation, as depicted in the Book of Revelation, where God will dwell with His people in a renewed heaven and earth, free from sin, suffering, and death. It emphasizes the eternal nature of this new reality and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan for humanity.

Overall, “Catholic Biblical Apologetics” presents a comprehensive and accessible explanation of the Catholic faith, drawing extensively on Scripture, Tradition, and the teachings of the Church. It aims to foster understanding and dialogue between different Christian communities, ultimately pointing toward the shared goal of union with God and the hope for eternal life.