Did a catholic ever meet a protestant that could out debate them on the bible.?

Question

I know that I could outdebate or out aplogise protestants on the catholic truth (and I am just a returning catholic) but was there ever a true catholic who couldnt.

i know there are catholics who leave the church to "find jesus" in more sensational enviroments that appeal to their worldly desires, ie better music, easy living, better "fellowship" etc

But really what do you think

Answer 1

No I haven't met one yet..but there pretty good at quoting the bible [ little do the know who give us the first bible ]

Help! I can't find sola scriptura anywhere in the Bible?

First of all, sola scriptura is NOT a concept that Catholics believe. What it means is "scripture only" which is basically saying that you can't believe something unless it is written between the two covers of the Bible.

However, there is nothing in these verses that says to disregard oral traditions handed down by Christ and the apostles, to disregard the Church's authority, or that other forms of divine revelation cannot occur.

So basically, this verse has nothing to do with sola scriptura and no one has succeeded in providing anything solid.

I do have one verse I'd like to share though. It is 2 Thessalonians 2:15 and states the following:

"So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter."

The Catholic Church has maintained these "spoken words" known today as "oral tradition".. as well as "the letter" known today as "scripture." Remember, the Church existed a few hundred years before the Bible came into being, and at that time oral tradition was prevalent.


And you won't, either. "Sola Scriptura" is the direct result of Luther's rebellion against the Catholic Church. By claiming that "true believers" should rely only on the Bible, he was attempting to negate the sacred traditions which had been handed down throughout the centuries -- specifically, those traditions that he wanted to discard.

Ironically, many Protestant church services are almost indistinguishable from the order of the Mass, and they hold doctrines which are clearly derived from Catholic teaching. Even such things as vestments and altars are based on those originally found in the Catholic church. So much for "Sola Scriptura."

All churches, Catholic and Protestant, have elements of tradition which have been passed down from the earliest days. In the case of the Catholic Church, those traditions have their foundation in Christ's teachings and are in line with Biblical truths -- despite what some other denominations may choose to believe.

Answer 2

I've met some brilliant Protestants, and I've been able to hold up my end of the conversation when it comes to Bible discussions. But I'm a convert, and I've been reading and studying the Bible for over 40 years now, so I can't speak for all Catholics.

I'd hazard a guess that since Protestants believe in "Sola Scriptura," they probably can quote the Bible more fluently than many Catholics. But the fact that there are so many Protestant denominations that are all in disagreement with each other on certain Biblical doctrines leads me to believe that their understanding of Scripture is inherently flawed.

Answer 3

Hello,

It depends on what level. Henry VIII and Thomas Moore cut Martin Luther to pieces in their writings when this all began and someone like Bishop Foulton Sheen would have crucified Graham to Swaggart in any debate.

On the layman level, I think as a rule of thumb, protestants are far more knowledgeable on biblical scripture than many Roman Catholics are and as a matter of fact, our parish priest chewed our rumps out on this fact about 20 years back.
Though Catholic, I had an older friend in the Church Of Christ Disciples who was minister and I took a few years of bible classes from him including the book of Revelation. I found that extremely helpful in my ability to debate or discuss things with other faiths.

That said, I find many people may know scripture but lack foundations in Ancient history and do not really understand the politics, philosophies, economics and intrigue of the ancient world. This creates a lot of difficulties at times in really understanding the bible.

Cheers,

Michael Kelly

Answer 4

Never met a protestant that could hold a candle, so to speak, to a cathlic who attnds Mass regularly, listens to the Gospel reading and homilies. We are blessed with wonderful preists who know the Bible. The best I ever heard was Fr. McCallister who passed awy in Sacramento Ca a couple of years ago. He could tke the days Gospel reading, mak it relevant to today and personal, in less than a paragraph. He was quite a priest. If you get a chance look up he's obit in the sacramento bee. He was persoanlly responsible for things like the food closet there. Nobody had any idea of al that he did until after he died. We are so blessed.
But a catholic who has been catecised wither through parociahl school or religious education and attends Mass regualry. AS I said never met a proteestant that could hold a candel (lol) to one of us. We have and know the truth.
A lot of the credit must go to these parish preists, clebae, dedicated to Gods and to us 100%
Priests like Fr. McCallister.

Answer 5

I agree that there is little chance that a Protestant could win a debate with a Catholic. Not because they do not study the Bible but because their new secularized and humanistic approach to Scriptures leaves them with misunderstandings caused by their proof text methodology in forming their doctrine. In context their doctrines do not hold up to scrutiny. The bottom line is this, man made religion, churches, doctrines and practices will never have the veracity of what Christ has created and it will always be undenieble truth when defending what God has made against the creation of man.

In Christ
Fr. Joseph

Answer 6

Good! question, The more I read the bible. I founding out that Protestant know bible very little. It seem that they are too busy being protestants. Those that they think that faith was lost and then recovered in what they invented. They don't understand God never abandons his apostles or faithful they pay no attention to Mt 16, 18s. They may read it, but skip a lot important things like sacraments, concept priest, some of the trinity, tradition, communion of saints, and others. For example: book of Romans who are they? Church of Rome. Who do find in Rome? The Catholic Church (Vatican). The Scripture (bible) say, that most authentic faith was found in two cities which is Rome and Jerusalem. Later in time Jerusalem was destroyed.

Answer 7

If s/he did, s/he's very unlikely to be found answering your question, my friend!

I just wonder what the point is in a debate on the bible (especially one with a lower case 'b'. Perhaps that's a Freudian slip?) If Catholics place Church Tradition and the Pope's interpretations on a par with, or even above the authority of the Word of God, the Bible, then there can be no meeting of minds for the edification of anyone. If a Protestant point (taken from the Bible) can be dismissed by Catholics because of Church Tradition and/or the Pope's decrees, a debate would be a waste of time. However, if you ensure a level playing field at the outset, and don't move the goal-posts, some good might be accomplished. Both debaters might learn from each other, and mutual respect could be engendered. To do that, the Word of God, the Bible, must be the sole authority, with recource to no other word. Have you ever met a Catholic who could do that when in debate with a Protestant?
May the Lord himself bless you.

Answer 8

What is the good in basically saying catholicism is a better form of christianity than the protestant "view" on christianity? It seems to be disallowing church unity. Each part of the christian church has strengths and weaknesses. The catholic church historically has more intelligent leaders. Yet the protestant church historically has more intimacy with Christ. Both are essential components to the Christian faith. Instead of take jabs at our different denominations, why don't we work together to gain all that God has to offer?

Just like every person has a different personality so does every church,and it doesn't cut across directly between protestant and catholic lines. Yet, we are the body of Christ, the mouth cannot say to the hand because you do not speak I have no need of you. We need to respect each churches different strengths and yes even weaknesses, and love them for it.

And to answer the question I'm sure theres a protestant that could outdebate you.

Answer 9

Well,

I used to be Protestant and now am Catholic.

Should I debate myself?

I personally do not like the standard "debates" over Religion, especially with our Protestant Brothers and Sisters, whom we do share Sacramental Baptism with.

Even when I was a Protestant, I discussed matters of faith Without a "debate" mentality, it is not about us against you, it is about a search for the truth and having respect for the beliefs of others.

Peace and God Bless!

Answer 10

I sincerely doubt any protestant will be more familiar with the bible then the Catholics. More Evangelical, but definitely not more familiar. Most protestant I had met just twist and play around with the sentences in the bible.