How do you talk to a man who is studying philosophy and theology from a catholic viewpoint?

Answer 1

I suggest that you listen to each other. Read some of the things that he is reading and suggest that he do the same for you.

Answer 2

Very carefully...

No, seriously - What difference does it make what someone is studying? I've found that most people involved in religous studies either long for normal conversation since so much religous study is structured and based on rules or they want to carry those rule sover into their own personal lives. If he is the later then you can either 1.) learn a lot about Catholic dogma and try to deal with him on one level or 2.) go Socratic and ask questions in an attempt to communicate your point.

Answer 3

Talk to him like you would anyone else. I don't understand why the fact he is a philosophy/theology student, and you are a Catholic, makes it difficult for you two to converse.

Answer 4

Usually men interested in such subjects like to talk about everything that they know. Especially when they know you don't know anything about it or they trust the person they're speaking to will losten an show some kind of interset. All you have to do is be open minded and selfless in the converstion. Eventually he'll see how much he likes you for giving him a chance to get to know him and the conversation might just turn in your favor if you play your cards right

Answer 5

First put the focus on yourself by saying that you are glad you don't have to rely on yourself for your salvation because you are sinful and could never choose to do what is right on your own. Tell him about Psalms 51:5 (good to memorize all these passages because it is the power of the Scripture that changes hearts, not the power of our persuasion)

Then you can tell how the Apostle Paul who was the greatest missionary to the gentiles even had this daily struggle of sin in his life. Tell him about Romans 7:22-25. Paul explains he is sinful and needs Jesus to rescue him.

Then he knows he can't do it on his own, tell him how wonderful it feels to know that you have been washed clean by Jesus blood and will go to heaven when you die. Tell him about Revelations 7:13-14.

I shared this with a Catholic brother and he was thrilled to hear this wonderful news. Remember all you have to do is share the appropriate passages with them and the Holy Spirit does the work of changing their hearts. The Word of God is more powerful than what you and I can reason with them.

Lord's blessings on your efforts.

Answer 6

Get him away from his books and force him to talk about something else. If you manage to get him out of his bookworm mode for a moment, ask him if he plans to become a priest. I don't know what you're relationship is with this person, but I know that it is sometimes important to remind people who are on the verge of an extreme decision about what they are going to be giving up. I mean vodka of course. Priests can't drink vodka. And a walk in the fresh air is good for anyone. Hey! that's ME! brb

Answer 7

Just be yourself. If he takes to you, then great. If not - he's not for you.

Don't try to guess what he'll like and pretend. Keeping up the pretense will be too difficult over the long haul.

All the best.

Answer 8

Talk to him about how you can believe in a God that is admittedly unknowable from a Catholic stand point.
How do you determine what is knowable and what is not.

Answer 9

Simply talk. When questions arise, answer. If you don't have answers, seek them.

Here are some excellent resources:

biblechristiansociey.com
vatican.va/archive
saintjoe.com
scotthahn.com

God Bless,

MoP

Answer 10

put on a red rob and a funny hat. Bring some young b no that is crass. you might ask him to give you a catechism class of one.