BINGO! I was a practicing Buddhist for almost 50 years, daily, 2x a or more, hours of prayer and chanting. Saw Mary...started saying the Rosary...one month later I'm a Catholic. Yup.
Conversion is a self-driven process. When I found that an old friend was a militant atheist I avoided attacking her views. Eventually she realised this and asked questions. I only offered sources for her to read and contemplate. After a while she came to believe but experienced a stage of rage at that but worked through it. In a nutshell, offer the person the opportunity to investigate the issue from their view. And get out of the way of the Holy Spirit!
@@josephpostma1787 it depends on what one defines as success. I've had that friend who sought out a church to be baptised and has since become faithful to her belief. In other cases the people either changed their behaviour or justified their current behaviour. If success means it made them to reconsider their position then it was successful. If success means it made them change, not necessarily. If they reject the Holy Spirit, it's unsuccessful.
The worlds rotation slows down at about an average of 3/4 second per year . The atomic clock is so accurate that an occasional leap second is added to correct the clock to the slowing rotation. Its the cause of Coriolis (whirlpools) , which powers the counter rotating eddys . Material of earth can be recycled/altered , but the world as we know it cant be much more than 6k yrs , certainly not 4.3 bil yrs . A truck made of age old metal is called a 2020 model
@@guysumpthin2974 We know for a fact that the earth is older than 6k years. Because we have rocks dating back over 100k years. Just basic geology disproves your nonsense.
The story of the boy with the pink room is like an American moving to Mexico and wearing a giant sombrero and giant fake mustache and speaks English with a Mexican accent and thinking that makes him Mexican.
To be fair, we did have an epidemic in the 90s of white kids from nice suburbs dressing like a gangsta rap stereotype and thinking they were "straight outta Compton" when in fact they were "straight outta mom's minivan," so that does have precedence.
One can be an ideologue and still be willing to entertain challenges to his ideology. I’ve been an ideologue since I was a teenager, but I gradually transitioned from atheism to Catholicism because I entertained challenges to the ideologies to which I adhered along the way. For the record, I was convinced to accept Catholicism, and I gave myself over to it without knowing what to expect. I have no regrets.
I can't thumbs up this enough! I have been taking a step back from apologetics, and just feeling this need to listen and try to understand people better. I'm also a very distractible homeschool mom right now so I don't feel like I'm up to par with any kind of super intellectual argument making hahaha. But really, I think it's the receptivity that I feel prompted by the Holy Spirit to be sensitive to. I think that Jesus really listened to people, of course he understood them even before they spoke a word, but I think that as Catholics if we want to really be ambassadors for christ, we need to really listen and have those real conversations that are human. We need to not be afraid to share things that are uncomfortable, but we can do it in a way that's vulnerable and honest without pushing it on somebody. Everyone has to come to Christ from their own volition.
I would be lost without my Catholic faith. I just spent the morning cutting the grass at my Church. Nothing better in life that Catholicism done right.
There were a lot of notes of Alasdair MacIntyre (a Marxist turned Thomist) with regard to the incommensurability of worldviews and how that might effect our apologetics. Active listening and reading, basically the sort of hermeneutics advocated by the French Christian philosopher Paul Ricoeur, seems to be the key to forging a connection with someone. In order to “reach” most people we need to not try to be reaching them. If we’re just talking to someone to convert them, they’ll pick up on it. We need to be Christian in the world-live out the virtues we preach authentically and learn to articulate our beliefs and reasons for them, not so that we may win an argument, but so that if we do get into a heartfelt conversation with someone about our faith, we may increase their understanding of Christianity so that the Spirit may work in them.
8:45 St. Anselm's quote fits perfectly here: "Fides quaerens intellectum", that is, faith that seeks understanding. You come to believe, and you're amazed at your own belief, and you don't understand it, but wish to ... Enter the structured philosophical arguments.
My father was a lawyer and I can remember asking him as a teenager (I had been drafted into a debate at school) whether lawyers representing a client in court needed to devote much attention to the case against their client … surely that was a waste of time? He told me that a good lawyer knows the case against him/her in its strongest possible form because unless you can defeat that version of the case against the client, the chances are that you’re going to lose. What is more, he suggested, the strongest case against you is often the case that is most likely to persuade you yourself. It takes some courage to sit down and say to yourself, “On the assumption that these folk aren’t all idiots, what would it take for me to be persuaded that they’re right?” It’s not just the intellectually honest atheist who needs to do this, Christians have to ask the same question of their own beliefs. Mind you, no mainstream worldview that I’m aware of rests wholly upon reasoned argument.
Conversion is best done through acts of true, Christ-like love; especially if they mistreat you horribly. If they do something atrocious to you, and you can immediately turn around with a smile and love in your eyes, and embrace them and tell them that they are loved, they will convert unless they are possessed.
@@kevinkelly2162 actually the person above blames demons, not the person. Not that I agree, but that's your conceptualization error. A selfless act of love rarely converts, but it plants a seed for sure. God bless you.
@@kevinkelly2162 People don't usually get blamed for a possession. Possessions are fringe cases when it comes to deliverance ministry, so og poster has a point.
@@kevinkelly2162 A smarmy smile and foolish grin would not be from a sincere heart. Returning kindness for unkindness, and being forgiving, like Christ was to those who were crucifying him, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing," can have a great effect on those who are the target of the forgiveness.
@@heartoforthodoxy1551 'Liberty the God That Failed' by Chris Ferrara or "Puritan Empire' by Charles Coulombe and throw in 'Luther and his Progeny: 500 Years of Protestantism" would be a good start.
This is why I tend to sidestep these hot button topics and focus on encouraging people to reach out to God. Until I encountered God, submitted, eventually read the Bible and eventually accepted Christ as God, I was blind (besides maybe the merest confused niggle) to sexual sin. Hearing anyone say it was wrong just seemed worse than ignorant. I simply did not comprehend God's original design as a value. So what's the point in putting people off, I ask? I know we can't always avoid a topic but God comes first and God convicts so I'm not sure we should address the sins of unbelievers with them as a general rule of thumb. Yes we should be clear amongst ourselves and mobilise against their encroachments or separate if that's impossible, but the main thing needs to be "God is truth/love and you should try talking to Him, especially if you want to know your truest, most loving identity." Just my take - criticism welcome.
@@tvinhighdefinition Yeah everyone comes from different directions I suppose. Can I ask if it was sin that even worldly people know is wrong, and if not, did you know before you converted?
Excellent guest... real, articulate, honest journey. On the subject of how to get through to some strong willed, or committed atheists, feminists, I wonder if part of being able to have that honest dialog is to "turn off" the cacophony of catch phrases, new offenses, etc. and just sit quietly with what are truly your own thoughts with no fear of being heard by anyone else. In that moment when you can settle down to what is an honest reflection of what is true, does that at least start to invite a more open and honest discussion? This is not possible speaking to a highly energized group with passions blazing, but sitting down with one person, the noise fading in the background provides a safe environment to at least question beliefs. But the key is that there is trust that the exploration will not be exploited.
Are you open to having your beliefs questioned? Are you willing to reject Christianity if they provide sound arguments based in fact that disprove your bible?
@@AlexHernandez-ee5hd there is an intellectual responsibility we have to learn our faith and also hear the arguments for and against in reading the 2,000 years of church history responding to such arguments. Aquinas was the "Angelic Doctor" in responding to many such arguments, first by actually strengthening the arguments against and then providing deeply profound and brilliantly reasoned responses. For a more current book "The Case for Christ" is laid out in a purely investigative style and arrives at the truth of Christ and the resurrection, but there are countless writers who have addressed many sound, rational, reasoned paths to Christ. There are centuries of faithful who DID remain "open" to all kinds of things and have arrived at "the way, the truth and the life" in Christ. I respect any journey if the goal is truth in love.
@@wishIwuzskiing The moment you mentioned "the case for christ," your argument fell apart. That book is nothing but circular reasoning, and has no factual scientific evidence that proves anything about the bible. I've read many philosophers that have attempted to make good arguments. But they fall apart with very minor questioning and logical deduction. However, the case for christ, is pure nonsense.
@@wishIwuzskiing Well, academia is my true passion, the entirety of my existence is devoted to study of all topics. If I couldn't dismiss such arguments with ease, I wouldn't be very good at my job. Thus far I have converted 76 Christians to being atheists, and made many more into Satanists and pagans. May the great horned god bless you as well.
I’m friends with some pretty staunch atheists and this resonates with me. I have given them many of the most famous arguments for the existence of God, but they are very closed to truly considering the proposition in my opinion. They are contrarian by nature and I’m sure many here have come across people like this. I won’t stop trying but I’m not expecting to convert them via based solely or even by majority on my own arguing prowess
It could also be that the most famous arguments for god are not very good. This is the reality of the situation. I'm not saying your friends aren't closed off, but there is not a definitive argument for god. I wouldn't even say there is a good one.
Andiamo D. Atheist know God exist they are knowingly in rebellion against God . It is not that they are contrarian in nature No it is their Sin-Nature that does not allow them to be set fee .
The right approach under the right circumstances. Sometimes apologetics. Sometimes approaching Christianity from the inside out. Better to have a toolkit than just one tool.
It is a pleasure hearing people communicate who understand how to debate and discuss ideas logically and clearly. (Not that they are debating one another here, but that they understand what makes for effective debate.) It seems to be a lost art in our culture and society today.
This just showed up in my recommended and its just crazy how God works. Literally amazing timing! Thank you for having much needed discussions!! May God Bless you all!!
One of the insights from Charles Taylor has a lot of relationship to Augustine. That is, we are not primarily “knowers” but “lovers” (or worshippers). We live a lot of life from our desires/gut rather than our mind/beliefs. We’d like to think we’re primarily intellectual beings and reasoning throughout our day. Perhaps this isn’t the case. Therefore, a nonbeliever has to be captivated in their desires/will/“heart” rather than, primarily, their mind (although this is quite important. Apologetics has a vital role, but it’s probably more so (in my opinion) in breaking down strongholds.
Some people have real intellectual problems (I did), and loving them will not be enough. Nabeel Qureshi became a Christian through arguments with David Wood.
As a bisexual guy, if Christians try to love me "like god loves them," I'm going to be taking a lot of people out with my second amendment right and right to self defense.
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Conversion is a self-driven.
What's ｗrong with baking #cookies? On Bride imagery, I could be wrong but I think although St Paul does talk about the Church being the Bride of Christ, & this image may be particularly helpful & personal for #nuns, speaking as a man I find it more helpful to think of God as Father than Christ as my husband... But cf Song of Songs 5:4 My lover thrust his hand through the lock opening & my heart thrilled for him.
I think apologetics work best for people who KNOW they are searching. These people definitely exist. And they really make themselves known. These are the people who ask about your Mary statue. Or they are honestly asking questions....such as...."So, do you read the Bible?"
I study the bible. It's a collection of writings over 2000 years old. It's not something any one person can understand but simply picking it up and reading. It's an ongoing process for me. I look for multiple early commentaries. But also some professors who currently give classes. The early Church did not allow a person to teach the scriptures until they had read them through three times and received instructions. And they lived closer to the original cultures, languages and religions present in the bible. So, I think it would be arrogant of myself to think Im an exception.
@@MsNewgirl YOU: I study the bible. It's a collection of writings over 2000 years old. ME: 3400 years old, to be more accurate YOU: It's not something any one person can understand but simply picking it up and reading. ME: Without the Holy Spirit, that is correct. That is why it is misinterpreted so often. The Holy Spirit does not reside within heretical churches. YOU: It's an ongoing process for me.... be arrogant of myself to think Im an exception. ME: ANYONE can understand the fullness of scripture if they have the fullness of the Holy Spirit with them (such as me.)
@@nightshade99 I believe you know, deep in your heart that do not have the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Whatever thrill or happiness you get from saying that, you know it's not true. But I feel compelled to say this, even though it's uncomfortable, and something I've never done. You stink of something unholy. If you wish to be healthier, without your addiction/sin weighing on you, I suggest you visit a priest. If you wish your demons to leave you alone, visit a priest. Death happens to people every day, and whatever it is you are carrying, you don't want to be in eternity with it. Because doing what you are doing. Right now, is killing your soul. That's all. I've said it. Ball is in your court. I won't be responding anymore.
@@MsNewgirl YOU: I believe you know, deep in your heart that do not have..... know it's not true ME: Incorrect assumption. It is BECAUSE I know that I have the Holy Spirit, that I am able to say it to you with confidence. Stop projecting your own insecurities onto me. YOU: But I feel compelled to say this, even though it's uncomfortable, and something...You stink of something unholy. ME: That is because you are deceived. You must test ALL doctrine preached, and you have failed to do this within your own life. That is why you are a loose cannon and prone to fits of verbal abuse. YOU: If you wish to be healthier, ME: I am healthy on all levels. Interesting how you lay an attack on someone when your position is threatened. You feel that this is an acceptable Christian thing to do? YOU: without your addiction/sin weighing on you, ME: We all sin, but sin will not weigh on you when covered by the blood of our Saviour. YOU: I suggest you visit a priest. If you wish your demons to leave you alone, visit a priest. ME: The priesthood is Old Covenant. We are under the NEW covenant now. Stop following men's opinions and actually LEARN scripture! YOU: Death happens to people every day, and whatever it is you are carrying, you don't want to be in eternity with it. ME: Your emotions are severely warped. This is what happens when you ignore the truth of God. YOU: Because doing what you are doing. Right now, is killing your soul. ME: Exposing your deception is what Christians are called to do to help their fellow man. You seem to be under heavy demonic attack. I can help alleviate any problems you may carry, however. YOU: That's all. I've said it. Ball is in your court. I won't be responding anymore. ME: Are you done with your nastiness? Perhaps we can ACTUALLY discuss scripture in proper context now.
@@morpheusgreene2704 - Funny, I’m unaware of any of Christ’s 12 Disciples he said that to bearing your name. I’d also like to know how it is if you are an unknown disciple he gave these instructions to that your still alive.
I was the same. God is really the only one who can do the work of conversion. I'm not saying we shouldn't witness to others about our faith but I think trying to convert people is futile. Plant the seeds for sure because something you do or say may impact a person 10 years down the road, only God knows how these things can come to fruition.
@@deanlowdon8381 That's an age old question. The answer is something you won't like or probably won't accept. It's not a worldly thing, it's spiritual. Once you decide to investigate christianity and male an intention to seek the truth, the absolute truth, you'll find God, the one true God. Everything else, by consequence, falls away and is exposed is falsehood. If you really want to know if the God I worship is the one real God then what I suggest is you make an intention to find him and the way to do that is to simply pray and say, God I want to know if you're real, will you reveal yourself to me? If you do that you'll have started the process.
@@eoinMB3949 I’ve spent countless hours listening to people of all different religions (and even different denominations within those religions) explain why they believe what they do. Not only are their arguments all the same, none of them are even remotely convincing. What specifically lead you to follow Christianity rather than any other religion? If I’m trying to convince someone that a belief I hold is true, I’d hope to be able to present evidence and/or reasoning that holds up to scrutiny regardless of what part of the World someone lives in or what religion they were raised under. If I can’t then I’d happily hold up my hands and say that I can’t justify holding that belief.
I totally agree with what Abigail said about receptivity. We cannot convince anyone even with the best arguments if they are not receptive. They will only become more defensive. It is God's grace and people's willingness to accept God's grace that make them receptive, which eventually leads to true conversion.
Not really, as a bisexual guy, I've heard all the arguments. No amount of "want what is good for you" changes the fact that it is false, pure idiocy, and after hearing it long enough, rage inducing. I've had many Christian "friends" try to make such arguments. After being told "no, leave me alone," once should be enough to end the conversation for good. Suffice it to say it takes me finally losing my patience after having them starting in a dozen times when I tell them, " your god can suck my %$#@, and Jesus can %$#@ himself with a 🌵," that they finally take a hint and stop trying to show me that they "want what is good for you." I can tell you now, that "want what is good for you" route will piss people off faster than anything else.
Atheists don't argue against the existence of gods, we have just not yet heard convincing evidence for the existence of one. You are the one making the positive claim which puts the burden of proof on you.
@@kevinkelly2162 The fact that you are around to make such a claim is by itself proof. Because God is "being itself" something outside of any contingent-determinate (empirical) being (e.g. stars, rocks, doubting Thomas's etc.).
@@kevinkelly2162 1. Your great-great-great-great-greatgrandparents were not on films or photographs. Would You claim they've never existed? Dinosaurs were not filmed. Would You claim they've never existed? Would You claim that people living in times before invention of film and photographs believed nothing? 2. There are witnesses and proofs. 3. You can go to Lanciano and see for Yourself. Same thing with Guadalupe. 4. You can read about scientific studies.
Knowledge/understanding is good but if you dont have an hour a day in prayer at very least you dont got much to say or teach . God is the one who converts the person we are Just the instrument . Like the Saint's all had prayer lives to what i understand and they were like magnets attracting people evangelizing others
I'm a polytheist and a practitioner if witchcraft, and I could teach you more about your bible than any pastor. Those of us that left Christianity did so BECAUSE we studied the bible to such an excessive extent. We dont even have to believe in your religion to know more than you.
We cannot convert anyone, especially if we fail to convert ourselves each day. And then, we cannot convert still. Only the Holy Ghost can. We only can cooperate in conversion of our neighbors and ourselves.
Excellent point, have to be "receptive" to discussion or someone else's view point. Usually the loud folks have no factual basis from which to work, so they scream.
In my religion class, we studied apologetics. Apologetics are about removing INTELLECTUAL barriers from said beliefs. But MOST people have EMOTIONAL barriers that need to be removed first, and in my humble opinion, I believe that when that is discovered, all pursuits of proving a point should be put on hold, to address the emotional barrier first. If not, you can kiss protecting the conversation goodbye.
I like to hand people they’re arguments (strawmaning). Most people haven’t thought thruu or go they’re arguments and just want to shut down the conversation. Keep it going by asking them, “do you mean?…” or “is this what you mean?…” Also, for the personal touch, tell stories. It’s like a meme that’s alive. Lol. Jesus told parables. It helped people understand whether or not they were receptive. Their reactions let you know that they got it!
He mentions our blessed mother at the end of the video, and how she helps us to be human. ? I'm curious to hear more about this. I'm a protestant Christian.
Our Blessed Mother is essentially the perfect human. She was so Holy and so in tune with God that she was chosen to bear God in her womb, and bring Our Lord into the world and raise him.
Hi, Sammi. Thanks for your comment. You touch on something significant with your question about our blessed mother. In God's wisdom and mercy we are raised by our parents in an intact family, with primary care progressing increasingly to involve the father until the relationship with the father takes a lead role, not only in the order of the family but in our individual formation. In the process we grow from simply dependent to active participant to mature, responsible, contributing partner. All of this is built on the foundation of the experience of the goodness and trustworthiness of family life, which we experience through our relationship with our mother. The corporal universe is the rendering visible of spiritual realities. Thus the healthy natural family is a reflection of the Family of God. In the first place, this operates in the secret life of the Trinity, but it is also reflected in the family structure of the marriage of Christ and His Church giving birth to new members of the Church. Mary is referred to as the spouse of the Holy Spirit, the mother of the Son, and the daughter of the Father, so she has intimate knowledge of the family life dynamic which operates in the secret life of the Trinity. When Christ gave her to be the mother of the beloved disciple at the foot of the Cross, she became for John and for all the mother who introduces the child to the life and ways of the Family, how to celebrate that Life, and how to live as a member of that Family.
This is my personal opinion on that comment as a Catholic (and not an official teaching of the Catholic Church). Our Blessed Mother is the perfect example of humility and total submission to God's will. She shows us that humans are totally dependent on God and that we should be humble enough to accept our helplessness without God's grace. I hope that helps.
Jesus said to John on the cross: “Behold your mother” Jesus then said to Mama Mary: “Behold your son” That is the role Jesus wanted for Blessed Mother and us. We need to ask Her to intercede and She can pray for us. She will also protect us like a Mother and even help us get back Home to Heaven as a Mother as well. I hope this help my friend
I'm an atheist myself (who quite likes this show), and that section about atheism made some very good points. I think some people are hard to convert, simply because they just don't "get" faith. I would count myself amongst those people. I can understand faith on an _intellectual_ level, sure, but on a felt, experienced level, I cannot. I can understand how having a personal experience of faith/ God/ what-have-you can be convincing and a way to personal truth, but the fact that people of different faiths can believe contradictory things as Truth (capital T) with equally strong conviction, makes me tend to think that faith ain't it. I guess if I had a similar such experience, I would probably be convinced of my own truth. But would it be _the_ Truth? RE arguments for/ against theism: I think rationalistic or scientific attempts to prove theism are ultimately doomed to failure. (How do you naturalistically prove that which is super-naturalistic?) I've yet to find a theistic argument that doesn't have a very good a-theistic/ naturalistic counter-argument. The material universe is sufficiently explained with naturalism; invoking gods, etc. is entirely unnecessary. The universe looks precisely as you would expect a universe governed by naturalistic principles to look. Faith and personal experience seem to me to be the better way to arrive at theism. But this depends highly upon the disposition and receptivity of the individual, as pointed out in the video. I think religion and religious values have their role in structuring society, however. Gender roles, social roles/ responsibilities/ obligations, family, etc. are all things that religion provides that are very important. It's the supernatural aspects that I have issues with. Hence a secular "religion" like Confucianism makes much more sense to me- it provides all those needed structuring values, without the dubious supernaturalism.
At some point I believe the search for a relationship becomes so personal that there's no longer a place for outside influences. It's just you and God. Once you ask, the journey begins. But until you ask, everything you need just keeps whizzing by you slightly out of reach.
The Holy Spirit is the only one that enables people to hear the truth. Everything else is falling on deaf ears though it is worth planting the seeds and watering because Christ commands us to.
Can we get a transcript of this ? I really like what she says and would like a synposis of her arugments, on how she would of spoken to hersefl when she was with the feminist agenda, this would really help me out.
@@jackieo8693 Maybe stop to think if those beliefs are actually true before trying to convert others. How have you decided that not only does a God exist, but that of all the God worshipped around the World you just happen to have been raised to believe in the right one!?
Wow. I would add for the discussion at the end, regarding headship: A mere mortal man can be crowned a King or Emperor, or even be ordained and later given a Bishops seat, possibly even being made Pope... but he will never be a true King of Kings, not in the Ultimate sense. We must accept we are neither God nor capable of becoming true Gods, as various cults teach falsely. Not being God forces you to deny God or accept a passive, 'feminine' existence as a mere creature.
@@AlexHernandez-ee5hd What do you mean my "accept"? I will stay friends with my friends even if they don't believe what I do, but I will never stop trying to get them into the Church. "Acceptance" is not a virtue. It is not an end in and of it's self. I actually love my friends and so I would like them to get to Heaven. I would be a bad friend if I didn't try to help them see the truth.
@@Will-ip8og Then you don't accept their choice not to be a Christian. Thus you aren't actually their friend, just a cult member trying to treat them like a project. You are a bad friend because when they tell you "no" you don't respect their belief and refuse to stop trying to force your cult belief on them.
@@Will-ip8og No, I am a polytheist, a practitioner of witchcraft, and a card carrying member of the satanic temple. I was once a devout Christian, until I actually studied the bible and realized how false it was. I only ended up here because the video was suggested to me because it was about "conversion," at least that is what I'd assume.
To me, first step is to make them believe there was a God. When they realise there is a God, they will search it themselves. For faith in God starts on one's self willingness to search for it. Without that willingness, they won't believe.
Conversion can only be through The Triune God and the willingness of the soul to be opened to The Holy Spirit. As Jesus says “My sheep hear My voice I know them and they follow Me.”
I haven’t been able to listen to the full interview yet and am curious how did Abigail come to change her beliefs? Was it a specific encounter or something that changed slowly overtime?
I am a cultural Christian, but not a religious one. The traditions are still good, even if the religion is false. Natural selection selected for Catholicism because it had traits that made it more likely to spread than the other Christian sects that emerged alongside it. Put another way, Catholicism evolved into what it is now.
The main problem is that the vast majority of people like to lie to themselves and they don’t want even to think about anything that’s going to take them out of their comfort zone or question the fake and comfortable world they created…even they know they are not happy.
So you understand why we think so little of Christians, because they refuse to leave people alone because they are stuck in their comfort zone believing in fairytales.
Keep that which is Biblical, and question everything that clams to be on par with the Bible. Daily reading of the Bible is the Spirit of God speaking to us from God's word.
Well....back to the serenity prayer. And praying for people. Cause you're right. They dig their heels in and hold on to their belief untill God shows them light to see.🙄😐
Actually apologetics can lead to receptivity, particularly when one is confronted with the reality of Jesus Christ (as opposed to the mere idea of Jesus as being a guy of some religious importance, who did some things,...but who has no real importance in anyone's life).
The reality of Jesus, is that his real name was Yeshua bin Yoseph, he was executed for treason against Rome, and his body was thrown into a mass grave like all others executed for treason.
Emotions can’t hear facts. And visa versa. It’s probably THE reason for most of the social conflict we are seeing in modern America. Much of it spawns from critical theory and identity politics. Logic and emotion are two completely different languages
How in the world does the blessed mother reveal to you how to be human? How in the world did it go to blessed mother from the husband having a head which is Christ? Where does the blessed mother fit into any of that? The Bible says God's word never returns void whether she knows it or not even though she wasn't receptive whoever she was arguing with about no women being priest God's word was working on her through him cuz she came back to that argument and she remembers it.
Ya because religion isn’t highly dogmatic and ridged. Of course men and women are different! Nobody would argue otherwise. Men and women are different, one is not superior to the other. Thats the difference between the two sides
@@deanlowdon8381 When I was young I would try converting people through logic and reason. The futility of that approach gradually dawned on me. This made me curious about what actually motivated converts. So on a couple occasions, I asked converts that I met what was the exact moment that they made their decision. It took a bit of pressing, but in each case they eventually admitted to having experienced some sort of miracle or vision. My sample size is too small to be scientific, but I'm guessing you'll find the same thing if you ask around.
@@crosswingrobots My question then would be how any of them knew that what they experienced was not only an act of God, but of the specific God they have now chosen to worship?
@@limoncellosmith7594 "Here's Why You Can't Convert Your Friends w/ Abigail Favale".... it was in my youtube feed.... no mention of what it was about? Click bait... Thought it was some more crazy left meme's...
BINGO! I was a practicing Buddhist for almost 50 years, daily, 2x a or more, hours of prayer and chanting. Saw Mary...started saying the Rosary...one month later I'm a Catholic. Yup.
YESSSSSS MOTHER MARYYYYYY BRINGING US TO HER SON
I love MAMA MARY❤️❤️❤️❤️
I’d love to hear your testimony story in depth
Praise Jesus Christ
Wow, that’s amazing
Conversion is a self-driven process.
When I found that an old friend was a militant atheist I avoided attacking her views.
Eventually she realised this and asked questions.
I only offered sources for her to read and contemplate.
After a while she came to believe but experienced a stage of rage at that but worked through it.
In a nutshell, offer the person the opportunity to investigate the issue from their view.
And get out of the way of the Holy Spirit!
Have you found this the best method for most people for all types of ideological conversions?
@@josephpostma1787 it depends on what one defines as success.
I've had that friend who sought out a church to be baptised and has since become faithful to her belief.
In other cases the people either changed their behaviour or justified their current behaviour.
If success means it made them to reconsider their position then it was successful.
If success means it made them change, not necessarily.
If they reject the Holy Spirit, it's unsuccessful.
Nope:
ruclips.net/user/shortsnBmMfLqR-0s
@@davidblyth5495 hally spirit????
HOLY GHOST......Stinking state of V2 today is hally spirit...hohoho.
Joe Lobe: Are you 12 years old. Does your mommy know you're playing on the internet?
I believe in Christianity as I believe the Sun has risen, not because I see it, but by it I see everything else. - CS Lewis
That quote applies equally to every other religion. Even Satanism for example.
Every single culture / tribe in the entire world believes in a spiritual world that they haven’t seen , and a “great world flood”
The worlds rotation slows down at about an average of 3/4 second per year . The atomic clock is so accurate that an occasional leap second is added to correct the clock to the slowing rotation. Its the cause of Coriolis (whirlpools) , which powers the counter rotating eddys . Material of earth can be recycled/altered , but the world as we know it cant be much more than 6k yrs , certainly not 4.3 bil yrs . A truck made of age old metal is called a 2020 model
@@guysumpthin2974
Yet we know for an absolute fact that there was no world wide flood.
@@guysumpthin2974
We know for a fact that the earth is older than 6k years. Because we have rocks dating back over 100k years. Just basic geology disproves your nonsense.
The story of the boy with the pink room is like an American moving to Mexico and wearing a giant sombrero and giant fake mustache and speaks English with a Mexican accent and thinking that makes him Mexican.
This painted the most hilarious image in my head🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Haha yes! Interestingly we don't have more people transitioning to "Mexican," that would be such a fun trend!
😂
What the heck. Makes too much sense. The side story🙌🏼😂
To be fair, we did have an epidemic in the 90s of white kids from nice suburbs dressing like a gangsta rap stereotype and thinking they were "straight outta Compton" when in fact they were "straight outta mom's minivan," so that does have precedence.
One can be an ideologue and still be willing to entertain challenges to his ideology. I’ve been an ideologue since I was a teenager, but I gradually transitioned from atheism to Catholicism because I entertained challenges to the ideologies to which I adhered along the way.
For the record, I was convinced to accept Catholicism, and I gave myself over to it without knowing what to expect. I have no regrets.
I can't thumbs up this enough! I have been taking a step back from apologetics, and just feeling this need to listen and try to understand people better. I'm also a very distractible homeschool mom right now so I don't feel like I'm up to par with any kind of super intellectual argument making hahaha. But really, I think it's the receptivity that I feel prompted by the Holy Spirit to be sensitive to. I think that Jesus really listened to people, of course he understood them even before they spoke a word, but I think that as Catholics if we want to really be ambassadors for christ, we need to really listen and have those real conversations that are human. We need to not be afraid to share things that are uncomfortable, but we can do it in a way that's vulnerable and honest without pushing it on somebody. Everyone has to come to Christ from their own volition.
We will show we are Christians by our love, by our love...
Example converts more than arguments. Christianity thrives when Christians suffer gladly.
I would be lost without my Catholic faith. I just spent the morning cutting the grass at my Church. Nothing better in life that Catholicism done right.
ruclips.net/video/YevqOJqFXbc/видео.html
Good man.
How does the 39 heresies of the RCC help you?
@@nightshade99 God bless the holy Church.
@@kevinriley2261 The true Christian church, yes
There were a lot of notes of Alasdair MacIntyre (a Marxist turned Thomist) with regard to the incommensurability of worldviews and how that might effect our apologetics. Active listening and reading, basically the sort of hermeneutics advocated by the French Christian philosopher Paul Ricoeur, seems to be the key to forging a connection with someone. In order to “reach” most people we need to not try to be reaching them. If we’re just talking to someone to convert them, they’ll pick up on it. We need to be Christian in the world-live out the virtues we preach authentically and learn to articulate our beliefs and reasons for them, not so that we may win an argument, but so that if we do get into a heartfelt conversation with someone about our faith, we may increase their understanding of Christianity so that the Spirit may work in them.
Yes. The last thing any of us wants to be is someone’s “project.” You can see through this in a New York minute.
8:45 St. Anselm's quote fits perfectly here: "Fides quaerens intellectum", that is, faith that seeks understanding. You come to believe, and you're amazed at your own belief, and you don't understand it, but wish to ... Enter the structured philosophical arguments.
I love her so much too, Matt!
What a beautiful mother is Mary, our most blessed Mother 💕
Great talk, adorned with little pearls of wisdom! Thank you 😊
Her other name is ISIS, mother of the god Horus.
My father was a lawyer and I can remember asking him as a teenager (I had been drafted into a debate at school) whether lawyers representing a client in court needed to devote much attention to the case against their client … surely that was a waste of time? He told me that a good lawyer knows the case against him/her in its strongest possible form because unless you can defeat that version of the case against the client, the chances are that you’re going to lose. What is more, he suggested, the strongest case against you is often the case that is most likely to persuade you yourself. It takes some courage to sit down and say to yourself, “On the assumption that these folk aren’t all idiots, what would it take for me to be persuaded that they’re right?” It’s not just the intellectually honest atheist who needs to do this, Christians have to ask the same question of their own beliefs. Mind you, no mainstream worldview that I’m aware of rests wholly upon reasoned argument.
Congrats to both of you for seeking the truth and finding it!
Conversion is best done through acts of true, Christ-like love; especially if they mistreat you horribly. If they do something atrocious to you, and you can immediately turn around with a smile and love in your eyes, and embrace them and tell them that they are loved, they will convert unless they are possessed.
So if your smarmy smile and foolish grin does not convince people there is a god then it is their fault?
@@kevinkelly2162 actually the person above blames demons, not the person. Not that I agree, but that's your conceptualization error. A selfless act of love rarely converts, but it plants a seed for sure. God bless you.
@@carloselhakim Accusing a person of being possesed is blaming the person.
@@kevinkelly2162 People don't usually get blamed for a possession. Possessions are fringe cases when it comes to deliverance ministry, so og poster has a point.
@@kevinkelly2162 A smarmy smile and foolish grin would not be from a sincere heart. Returning kindness for unkindness, and being forgiving, like Christ was to those who were crucifying him, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing," can have a great effect on those who are the target of the forgiveness.
If people read history before 1776 it would help immensely.
I'm Nigerian
Specific book recommendations you have in mind??
@@heartoforthodoxy1551 'Liberty the God That Failed' by Chris Ferrara or "Puritan Empire' by Charles Coulombe and throw in 'Luther and his Progeny: 500 Years of Protestantism" would be a good start.
@@aaroncarroll2844 Wow! Thank You!
This is why I tend to sidestep these hot button topics and focus on encouraging people to reach out to God. Until I encountered God, submitted, eventually read the Bible and eventually accepted Christ as God, I was blind (besides maybe the merest confused niggle) to sexual sin. Hearing anyone say it was wrong just seemed worse than ignorant. I simply did not comprehend God's original design as a value.
So what's the point in putting people off, I ask? I know we can't always avoid a topic but God comes first and God convicts so I'm not sure we should address the sins of unbelievers with them as a general rule of thumb. Yes we should be clear amongst ourselves and mobilise against their encroachments or separate if that's impossible, but the main thing needs to be "God is truth/love and you should try talking to Him, especially if you want to know your truest, most loving identity."
Just my take - criticism welcome.
Jesus preached repentence, so I don't think it is wrong to do so, but it needs to come from a place of love rather than anger.
I think it depends on the “public”, on the situation and on what they have already heard. Denouncing sin was an important part of my conversion.
Are you a catholic ?
@@aclark903 True.
@@tvinhighdefinition Yeah everyone comes from different directions I suppose. Can I ask if it was sin that even worldly people know is wrong, and if not, did you know before you converted?
Excellent guest... real, articulate, honest journey.
On the subject of how to get through to some strong willed, or committed atheists, feminists, I wonder if part of being able to have that honest dialog is to "turn off" the cacophony of catch phrases, new offenses, etc. and just sit quietly with what are truly your own thoughts with no fear of being heard by anyone else. In that moment when you can settle down to what is an honest reflection of what is true, does that at least start to invite a more open and honest discussion? This is not possible speaking to a highly energized group with passions blazing, but sitting down with one person, the noise fading in the background provides a safe environment to at least question beliefs. But the key is that there is trust that the exploration will not be exploited.
Are you open to having your beliefs questioned? Are you willing to reject Christianity if they provide sound arguments based in fact that disprove your bible?
@@AlexHernandez-ee5hd there is an intellectual responsibility we have to learn our faith and also hear the arguments for and against in reading the 2,000 years of church history responding to such arguments. Aquinas was the "Angelic Doctor" in responding to many such arguments, first by actually strengthening the arguments against and then providing deeply profound and brilliantly reasoned responses. For a more current book "The Case for Christ" is laid out in a purely investigative style and arrives at the truth of Christ and the resurrection, but there are countless writers who have addressed many sound, rational, reasoned paths to Christ. There are centuries of faithful who DID remain "open" to all kinds of things and have arrived at "the way, the truth and the life" in Christ. I respect any journey if the goal is truth in love.
@@wishIwuzskiing
The moment you mentioned "the case for christ," your argument fell apart. That book is nothing but circular reasoning, and has no factual scientific evidence that proves anything about the bible.
I've read many philosophers that have attempted to make good arguments. But they fall apart with very minor questioning and logical deduction. However, the case for christ, is pure nonsense.
@@AlexHernandez-ee5hd if you surpass the reasoning and argument of Aquinas I've nothing more to say. God Bless you.
@@wishIwuzskiing
Well, academia is my true passion, the entirety of my existence is devoted to study of all topics. If I couldn't dismiss such arguments with ease, I wouldn't be very good at my job. Thus far I have converted 76 Christians to being atheists, and made many more into Satanists and pagans.
May the great horned god bless you as well.
I’m friends with some pretty staunch atheists and this resonates with me. I have given them many of the most famous arguments for the existence of God, but they are very closed to truly considering the proposition in my opinion. They are contrarian by nature and I’m sure many here have come across people like this. I won’t stop trying but I’m not expecting to convert them via based solely or even by majority on my own arguing prowess
Sounds like your friends are reliable. One might even say "faithful". Celebrate what you've all got in common.
It could also be that the most famous arguments for god are not very good. This is the reality of the situation. I'm not saying your friends aren't closed off, but there is not a definitive argument for god. I wouldn't even say there is a good one.
Andiamo D. Atheist know God exist they are knowingly in rebellion against God . It is not that they are contrarian in nature No it is their Sin-Nature that does not allow them to be set fee .
I used to be one of those people 😅
How are people really converted ? Through "famous arguments". . . or, something else ?? 🤔
I especially love the critique of apologetics. Excellent stuff Matt, as always! So glad you had Abigail on.
The right approach under the right circumstances. Sometimes apologetics. Sometimes approaching Christianity from the inside out. Better to have a toolkit than just one tool.
It is a pleasure hearing people communicate who understand how to debate and discuss ideas logically and clearly. (Not that they are debating one another here, but that they understand what makes for effective debate.) It seems to be a lost art in our culture and society today.
This just showed up in my recommended and its just crazy how God works. Literally amazing timing! Thank you for having much needed discussions!! May God Bless you all!!
One of the insights from Charles Taylor has a lot of relationship to Augustine. That is, we are not primarily “knowers” but “lovers” (or worshippers). We live a lot of life from our desires/gut rather than our mind/beliefs. We’d like to think we’re primarily intellectual beings and reasoning throughout our day. Perhaps this isn’t the case. Therefore, a nonbeliever has to be captivated in their desires/will/“heart” rather than, primarily, their mind (although this is quite important. Apologetics has a vital role, but it’s probably more so (in my opinion) in breaking down strongholds.
Keep up the great work Matt.
Loving them like God loves you is the best way. Arguing with them will never work
Some people have real intellectual problems (I did), and loving them will not be enough. Nabeel Qureshi became a Christian through arguments with David Wood.
As a bisexual guy, if Christians try to love me "like god loves them," I'm going to be taking a lot of people out with my second amendment right and right to self defense.
@@Jill-jb1jg
There are no "intellectual problems," they are just too intelligent to believe fairytales and join a cult.
Philippians 2:12
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Conversion is a self-driven.
What's ｗrong with baking #cookies?
On Bride imagery, I could be wrong but I think although St Paul does talk about the Church being the Bride of Christ, & this image may be particularly helpful & personal for #nuns, speaking as a man I find it more helpful to think of God as Father than Christ as my husband...
But cf
Song of Songs 5:4
My lover thrust his hand through the lock opening & my heart thrilled for him.
@@quadrga St #JohnoftheCross seems relevant, but I've not actually read him...
I think apologetics work best for people who KNOW they are searching. These people definitely exist. And they really make themselves known. These are the people who ask about your Mary statue. Or they are honestly asking questions....such as...."So, do you read the Bible?"
Do you?
I study the bible. It's a collection of writings over 2000 years old. It's not something any one person can understand but simply picking it up and reading. It's an ongoing process for me. I look for multiple early commentaries. But also some professors who currently give classes. The early Church did not allow a person to teach the scriptures until they had read them through three times and received instructions. And they lived closer to the original cultures, languages and religions present in the bible. So, I think it would be arrogant of myself to think Im an exception.
@@MsNewgirl YOU: I study the bible. It's a collection of writings over 2000 years old.
ME: 3400 years old, to be more accurate
YOU: It's not something any one person can understand but simply picking it up and reading.
ME: Without the Holy Spirit, that is correct. That is why it is misinterpreted so often. The Holy Spirit does not reside within heretical churches.
YOU: It's an ongoing process for me.... be arrogant of myself to think Im an exception.
ME: ANYONE can understand the fullness of scripture if they have the fullness of the Holy Spirit with them (such as me.)
@@nightshade99 I believe you know, deep in your heart that do not have the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Whatever thrill or happiness you get from saying that, you know it's not true. But I feel compelled to say this, even though it's uncomfortable, and something I've never done. You stink of something unholy. If you wish to be healthier, without your addiction/sin weighing on you, I suggest you visit a priest. If you wish your demons to leave you alone, visit a priest. Death happens to people every day, and whatever it is you are carrying, you don't want to be in eternity with it. Because doing what you are doing. Right now, is killing your soul. That's all. I've said it. Ball is in your court. I won't be responding anymore.
@@MsNewgirl YOU: I believe you know, deep in your heart that do not have..... know it's not true
ME: Incorrect assumption. It is BECAUSE I know that I have the Holy Spirit, that I am able to say it to you with confidence. Stop projecting your own insecurities onto me.
YOU: But I feel compelled to say this, even though it's uncomfortable, and something...You stink of something unholy.
ME: That is because you are deceived. You must test ALL doctrine preached, and you have failed to do this within your own life. That is why you are a loose cannon and prone to fits of verbal abuse.
YOU: If you wish to be healthier,
ME: I am healthy on all levels. Interesting how you lay an attack on someone when your position is threatened. You feel that this is an acceptable Christian thing to do?
YOU: without your addiction/sin weighing on you,
ME: We all sin, but sin will not weigh on you when covered by the blood of our Saviour.
YOU: I suggest you visit a priest. If you wish your demons to leave you alone, visit a priest.
ME: The priesthood is Old Covenant. We are under the NEW covenant now. Stop following men's opinions and actually LEARN scripture!
YOU: Death happens to people every day, and whatever it is you are carrying, you don't want to be in eternity with it.
ME: Your emotions are severely warped. This is what happens when you ignore the truth of God.
YOU: Because doing what you are doing. Right now, is killing your soul.
ME: Exposing your deception is what Christians are called to do to help their fellow man. You seem to be under heavy demonic attack. I can help alleviate any problems you may carry, however.
YOU: That's all. I've said it. Ball is in your court. I won't be responding anymore.
ME: Are you done with your nastiness? Perhaps we can ACTUALLY discuss scripture in proper context now.
I like this girl.
Bro, that’s no girl, that’s a woman of God.
We aren’t commanded to “convert” Anyone. We are Commanded to share the word, God does the rest.
"go forth and make disciples of all nations" seems to contradict what you say
We are supposed to make disciples of all nations and we cant do the saving but we must try to convert people with Jesus in front of us and leading us
Cavscout62: yes we are seed planters and Jesus is Lord of the Harvest
@@morpheusgreene2704 - Funny, I’m unaware of any of Christ’s 12 Disciples he said that to bearing your name. I’d also like to know how it is if you are an unknown disciple he gave these instructions to that your still alive.
@@josephtran-day3437 - Ah! Another of the 12 disciples Christ gave that command to! How does it feel to be 200+ years old?
I was the same. God is really the only one who can do the work of conversion. I'm not saying we shouldn't witness to others about our faith but I think trying to convert people is futile. Plant the seeds for sure because something you do or say may impact a person 10 years down the road, only God knows how these things can come to fruition.
How have you decided that the God you believe in is the real one out of the literally hundreds of Gods worshipped around the World?
@@deanlowdon8381 That's an age old question. The answer is something you won't like or probably won't accept. It's not a worldly thing, it's spiritual. Once you decide to investigate christianity and male an intention to seek the truth, the absolute truth, you'll find God, the one true God. Everything else, by consequence, falls away and is exposed is falsehood. If you really want to know if the God I worship is the one real God then what I suggest is you make an intention to find him and the way to do that is to simply pray and say, God I want to know if you're real, will you reveal yourself to me? If you do that you'll have started the process.
@@eoinMB3949 See, the problem is followers of other religions will say exactly the same thing. So how can we find out who, if anyone, is correct?
@@deanlowdon8381 Investigate them all(at least the major ones). That's how I did it. Test everything.
@@eoinMB3949 I’ve spent countless hours listening to people of all different religions (and even different denominations within those religions) explain why they believe what they do. Not only are their arguments all the same, none of them are even remotely convincing. What specifically lead you to follow Christianity rather than any other religion?
If I’m trying to convince someone that a belief I hold is true, I’d hope to be able to present evidence and/or reasoning that holds up to scrutiny regardless of what part of the World someone lives in or what religion they were raised under. If I can’t then I’d happily hold up my hands and say that I can’t justify holding that belief.
I totally agree with what Abigail said about receptivity. We cannot convince anyone even with the best arguments if they are not receptive. They will only become more defensive. It is God's grace and people's willingness to accept God's grace that make them receptive, which eventually leads to true conversion.
Or maybe the arguments just aren’t very convincing…
I really enjoyed this talk with Abigail.
Most people have to believe that you want what is good for them before they’ll consider any argument for them to change themselves.
Not really, as a bisexual guy, I've heard all the arguments. No amount of "want what is good for you" changes the fact that it is false, pure idiocy, and after hearing it long enough, rage inducing.
I've had many Christian "friends" try to make such arguments. After being told "no, leave me alone," once should be enough to end the conversation for good. Suffice it to say it takes me finally losing my patience after having them starting in a dozen times when I tell them, " your god can suck my %$#@, and Jesus can %$#@ himself with a 🌵," that they finally take a hint and stop trying to show me that they "want what is good for you."
I can tell you now, that "want what is good for you" route will piss people off faster than anything else.
She's very astute, and good conversation. And i'm an athiest.
Atheists arguing against the existence of God, the author of life, are like Hamlet and King Lear debating the existence of Shakespeare.
Atheists don't argue against the existence of gods, we have just not yet heard convincing evidence for the existence of one. You are the one making the positive claim which puts the burden of proof on you.
@@kevinkelly2162 The fact that you are around to make such a claim is by itself proof. Because God is "being itself" something outside of any contingent-determinate (empirical) being (e.g. stars, rocks, doubting Thomas's etc.).
@@kevinkelly2162 Gietrzwałd, Guadalupe, Fatima, Lanciano.
@@papuciowy1465 Photos or film are mysteriously missing of these 'miracles'.
@@kevinkelly2162 1. Your great-great-great-great-greatgrandparents were not on films or photographs. Would You claim they've never existed? Dinosaurs were not filmed. Would You claim they've never existed? Would You claim that people living in times before invention of film and photographs believed nothing?
2. There are witnesses and proofs.
3. You can go to Lanciano and see for Yourself. Same thing with Guadalupe.
4. You can read about scientific studies.
This is why we aren’t to cast pearls before swine. Without receptivity in place first, the pearls will just be trampled.
Knowledge/understanding is good but if you dont have an hour a day in prayer at very least you dont got
much to say or teach .
God is the one who converts the person we are Just the instrument .
Like the Saint's all had prayer lives to what i understand and they were like magnets attracting people evangelizing others
I'm a polytheist and a practitioner if witchcraft, and I could teach you more about your bible than any pastor. Those of us that left Christianity did so BECAUSE we studied the bible to such an excessive extent.
We dont even have to believe in your religion to know more than you.
Matt have you tried to have Francis Chan on your show? That would be cool.
Amazing clip from this interview. Absolutely done to perfection.
We cannot convert anyone, especially if we fail to convert ourselves each day.
And then, we cannot convert still. Only the Holy Ghost can. We only can cooperate in conversion of our neighbors and ourselves.
Excellent point, have to be "receptive" to discussion or someone else's view point.
Usually the loud folks have no factual basis from which to work, so they scream.
Because it is wholly the work of the Holy Spirit. Your job is just to give a reason, with gentleness and respect, for the hope that lies within.
In my religion class, we studied apologetics. Apologetics are about removing INTELLECTUAL barriers from said beliefs. But MOST people have EMOTIONAL barriers that need to be removed first, and in my humble opinion, I believe that when that is discovered, all pursuits of proving a point should be put on hold, to address the emotional barrier first. If not, you can kiss protecting the conversation goodbye.
"She so beautiful, I love her so much" Mater Maria, ora pro nodis 🙏
Dude Matt is so lit
An argument may or may not change someone’s mind or ideology, but it will plant a seedling 🌱 that Christ will water at a later time 🕊🙏🏼
Not really, people can see stupid arguments for what they are. It doesn't plant a seed, it just further solidifies their disdain for your religion.
@@AlexHernandez-ee5hd Says the people trying to push sin on everyone. Get behind me Satan
@@roseg1333
First, PROVE that sin even exists. Second, I''m greater than your god, those cute little comments mean nothing to me.
I like to hand people they’re arguments (strawmaning). Most people haven’t thought thruu or go they’re arguments and just want to shut down the conversation. Keep it going by asking them, “do you mean?…” or “is this what you mean?…” Also, for the personal touch, tell stories. It’s like a meme that’s alive. Lol. Jesus told parables. It helped people understand whether or not they were receptive. Their reactions let you know that they got it!
7:00. “ I believe that I may understand. “
So much good stuff... Thank you!!
He mentions our blessed mother at the end of the video, and how she helps us to be human. ? I'm curious to hear more about this. I'm a protestant Christian.
Our Blessed Mother is essentially the perfect human. She was so Holy and so in tune with God that she was chosen to bear God in her womb, and bring Our Lord into the world and raise him.
Hi, Sammi.
Thanks for your comment. You touch on something significant with your question about our blessed mother. In God's wisdom and mercy we are raised by our parents in an intact family, with primary care progressing increasingly to involve the father until the relationship with the father takes a lead role, not only in the order of the family but in our individual formation. In the process we grow from simply dependent to active participant to mature, responsible, contributing partner. All of this is built on the foundation of the experience of the goodness and trustworthiness of family life, which we experience through our relationship with our mother.
The corporal universe is the rendering visible of spiritual realities. Thus the healthy natural family is a reflection of the Family of God. In the first place, this operates in the secret life of the Trinity, but it is also reflected in the family structure of the marriage of Christ and His Church giving birth to new members of the Church. Mary is referred to as the spouse of the Holy Spirit, the mother of the Son, and the daughter of the Father, so she has intimate knowledge of the family life dynamic which operates in the secret life of the Trinity. When Christ gave her to be the mother of the beloved disciple at the foot of the Cross, she became for John and for all the mother who introduces the child to the life and ways of the Family, how to celebrate that Life, and how to live as a member of that Family.
This is my personal opinion on that comment as a Catholic (and not an official teaching of the Catholic Church). Our Blessed Mother is the perfect example of humility and total submission to God's will. She shows us that humans are totally dependent on God and that we should be humble enough to accept our helplessness without God's grace. I hope that helps.
Jesus said to John on the cross: “Behold your mother”
Jesus then said to Mama Mary: “Behold your son”
That is the role Jesus wanted for Blessed Mother and us. We need to ask Her to intercede and She can pray for us. She will also protect us like a Mother and even help us get back Home to Heaven as a Mother as well. I hope this help my friend
@@RestingJudge Unbiblical
Be honest, be vulnerable about yourself. Talk to the person not the label.
I'm an atheist myself (who quite likes this show), and that section about atheism made some very good points.
I think some people are hard to convert, simply because they just don't "get" faith. I would count myself amongst those people. I can understand faith on an _intellectual_ level, sure, but on a felt, experienced level, I cannot. I can understand how having a personal experience of faith/ God/ what-have-you can be convincing and a way to personal truth, but the fact that people of different faiths can believe contradictory things as Truth (capital T) with equally strong conviction, makes me tend to think that faith ain't it.
I guess if I had a similar such experience, I would probably be convinced of my own truth. But would it be _the_ Truth?
RE arguments for/ against theism: I think rationalistic or scientific attempts to prove theism are ultimately doomed to failure. (How do you naturalistically prove that which is super-naturalistic?)
I've yet to find a theistic argument that doesn't have a very good a-theistic/ naturalistic counter-argument. The material universe is sufficiently explained with naturalism; invoking gods, etc. is entirely unnecessary. The universe looks precisely as you would expect a universe governed by naturalistic principles to look.
Faith and personal experience seem to me to be the better way to arrive at theism. But this depends highly upon the disposition and receptivity of the individual, as pointed out in the video.
I think religion and religious values have their role in structuring society, however. Gender roles, social roles/ responsibilities/ obligations, family, etc. are all things that religion provides that are very important. It's the supernatural aspects that I have issues with. Hence a secular "religion" like Confucianism makes much more sense to me- it provides all those needed structuring values, without the dubious supernaturalism.
This is what God does.
ruclips.net/video/4AW6YdGq9MQ/видео.html
"Clossetted Essentialist" oh no! It hit me like a strike of lightning, that's what I am lol.
I know Fr. Kenyon! He presided at our church a few weeks back!
At some point I believe the search for a relationship becomes so personal that there's no longer a place for outside influences. It's just you and God. Once you ask, the journey begins. But until you ask, everything you need just keeps whizzing by you slightly out of reach.
Great interview
Great opening question!!!
Our actions and lifestyle can work better than any words, a contrite heart o lord, you don't forget.
Fr Kenyon is an amazing priest.
Good discussion...but I found the closing comments quite disturbing.
Humility seems to be step 1 in almost everything.
Your videos are awesome!
Thanks!
The Holy Spirit is the only one that enables people to hear the truth. Everything else is falling on deaf ears though it is worth planting the seeds and watering because Christ commands us to.
Christian Truth is a "mystery". One has to get immersed into it to then start understanding it's Truth better and better.
Some of this is semantic. Feminism means helping and defending women; but it has become other things as well and bad for women sometimes.
Can we get a transcript of this ? I really like what she says and would like a synposis of her arugments, on how she would of spoken to hersefl when she was with the feminist agenda, this would really help me out.
Re my previous , nothing personal, great contribution from Abigail .Most or many Americans now speak like that
I'm not worried about converting my friends, I can't convert my family! Even my children who were raised in the faith.
Just leave them alone then. You believe whatever you want to believe, and let other people do the same!
@@deanlowdon8381 as a Christian, it's my duty to share my faith. Especially when I care about where they spend eternity.
@@jackieo8693 Maybe stop to think if those beliefs are actually true before trying to convert others. How have you decided that not only does a God exist, but that of all the God worshipped around the World you just happen to have been raised to believe in the right one!?
I've easily converted 2 using catholic theologian strats like Thomas A. and that orthobro Seraphim Rose
Very interesting.
Wow. I would add for the discussion at the end, regarding headship: A mere mortal man can be crowned a King or Emperor, or even be ordained and later given a Bishops seat, possibly even being made Pope... but he will never be a true King of Kings, not in the Ultimate sense. We must accept we are neither God nor capable of becoming true Gods, as various cults teach falsely. Not being God forces you to deny God or accept a passive, 'feminine' existence as a mere creature.
That is surely your opinion...
Too late lol, already got my best friend
Edit: This advice does apply to some of my other friends though
You aren't much of a friend to refuse to accept your friends having different beliefs.
@@AlexHernandez-ee5hd What do you mean my "accept"? I will stay friends with my friends even if they don't believe what I do, but I will never stop trying to get them into the Church. "Acceptance" is not a virtue. It is not an end in and of it's self. I actually love my friends and so I would like them to get to Heaven. I would be a bad friend if I didn't try to help them see the truth.
@@Will-ip8og
Then you don't accept their choice not to be a Christian. Thus you aren't actually their friend, just a cult member trying to treat them like a project. You are a bad friend because when they tell you "no" you don't respect their belief and refuse to stop trying to force your cult belief on them.
@@AlexHernandez-ee5hd Are you a Catholic?
@@Will-ip8og
No, I am a polytheist, a practitioner of witchcraft, and a card carrying member of the satanic temple.
I was once a devout Christian, until I actually studied the bible and realized how false it was.
I only ended up here because the video was suggested to me because it was about "conversion," at least that is what I'd assume.
Understanding Christianity is like riding a bike-I love it.
Greg Koukhl: Tactics. Get him on the show.
To me, first step is to make them believe there was a God. When they realise there is a God, they will search it themselves. For faith in God starts on one's self willingness to search for it. Without that willingness, they won't believe.
Shes adorable
Conversion can only be through The Triune God and the willingness of the soul to be opened to The Holy Spirit. As Jesus says “My sheep hear My voice I know them and they follow Me.”
I went to seminary with father Stephen
I haven’t been able to listen to the full interview yet and am curious how did Abigail come to change her beliefs? Was it a specific encounter or something that changed slowly overtime?
she grew up, she got married, she got 4 kids. basically she mellowed from age and let go of the emotions pinning her to her former mindset
@@deaththink thanks!
@@laurenc6706 You're very welcome my friend
@@deaththink So, nothing then?
Love the “riding a bicycle” comment.
Was one of your videos taken down recently? Like posted today or yesterday. About being transgender.
I am a cultural Christian, but not a religious one. The traditions are still good, even if the religion is false.
Natural selection selected for Catholicism because it had traits that made it more likely to spread than the other Christian sects that emerged alongside it.
Put another way, Catholicism evolved into what it is now.
It is not true Christianity
The main problem is that the vast majority of people like to lie to themselves and they don’t want even to think about anything that’s going to take them out of their comfort zone or question the fake and comfortable world they created…even they know they are not happy.
So you understand why we think so little of Christians, because they refuse to leave people alone because they are stuck in their comfort zone believing in fairytales.
Keep that which is Biblical, and question everything that clams to be on par with the Bible. Daily reading of the Bible is the Spirit of God speaking to us from God's word.
Well....back to the serenity prayer. And praying for people. Cause you're right. They dig their heels in and hold on to their belief untill God shows them light to see.🙄😐
John 6:47; Romans 4:5
Actually apologetics can lead to receptivity, particularly when one is confronted with the reality of Jesus Christ (as opposed to the mere idea of Jesus as being a guy of some religious importance, who did some things,...but who has no real importance in anyone's life).
The reality of Jesus, is that his real name was Yeshua bin Yoseph, he was executed for treason against Rome, and his body was thrown into a mass grave like all others executed for treason.
If I could go back and talk to my past self I wouldn't be doing much talking......
Emotions can’t hear facts. And visa versa. It’s probably THE reason for most of the social conflict we are seeing in modern America. Much of it spawns from critical theory and identity politics. Logic and emotion are two completely different languages
Logic is something Christians are completely incapable of...
"Decisional evangelism is a blasphemy." Sometimes we forget the protagonist is the Holy Spirit. He convicts of sin so we can understand the Gospel.
Amen .
Other than the fact that sin isn't real. Not to mention that many people don't feel any "conviction" at all.
@@AlexHernandez-ee5hd: You are in no position to declare reality; let alone, claim to know what is real as God is concerned.
How in the world does the blessed mother reveal to you how to be human? How in the world did it go to blessed mother from the husband having a head which is Christ? Where does the blessed mother fit into any of that? The Bible says God's word never returns void whether she knows it or not even though she wasn't receptive whoever she was arguing with about no women being priest God's word was working on her through him cuz she came back to that argument and she remembers it.
There is no blessed mother in Christianity. That is paganism.
Ahhh I’m studying Charles Taylor’s “Sources of the Self” in my philosophy class and it’s hurting my brain!! Any advice on how to approach this? 😂
What is that?
Piece by piece. In small chunks. Debate with trusted friends, or here if you prefer.
Divide the work into distinct parts and study those one by one with the help of summaries and yt videos
Check out my old friend Amy Welborn 👍
She's one of the first Feminist for Life 🙏
RIP Fr Mike 😘🙏
Ya because religion isn’t highly dogmatic and ridged.
Of course men and women are different! Nobody would argue otherwise. Men and women are different, one is not superior to the other. Thats the difference between the two sides
The biggest grace God gave is to be a mother, feminists should know this.
Thia should be obligatory listening to Opus Dei -members. They seem to be using the friendship.
I'm convinced that every sincere conversion to Catholicism is triggered by a direct act of God.
No, that is the devil's doing. The RCC is not Christianity.
Why are you convinced of that?
@@deanlowdon8381 When I was young I would try converting people through logic and reason. The futility of that approach gradually dawned on me. This made me curious about what actually motivated converts. So on a couple occasions, I asked converts that I met what was the exact moment that they made their decision. It took a bit of pressing, but in each case they eventually admitted to having experienced some sort of miracle or vision. My sample size is too small to be scientific, but I'm guessing you'll find the same thing if you ask around.
@@crosswingrobots My question then would be how any of them knew that what they experienced was not only an act of God, but of the specific God they have now chosen to worship?
@@deanlowdon8381 It's been many years and I don't remember the details. But their experience clearly had meaning to them at the time.
Big Red
shes talking about presuppositional apologetics.
Faith... tried it... always had the feeling I was being scamed.
Yet here you are listening to and commenting on a Catholic video. So God is reaching out to you to try again. But let Him lead the way this time.
@@limoncellosmith7594 "Here's Why You Can't Convert Your Friends w/ Abigail Favale".... it was in my youtube feed.... no mention of what it was about? Click bait... Thought it was some more crazy left meme's...
You don't lose anything by praying. Can't be a scam.
If you have evidence to back up your beliefs you don’t need faith.