Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Father Olivaint's Advice

When people try to draw you into religious controversy, observe two things:

  • Do not argue, but state the Catholic truth, so far as you know it; and, for the many things that you do not know, say that you have never studied theology, and offer to introduce them to a priest.
  • If you must argue, follow this rule of strategy: Never stand on the defensive, but attack the other man's position. Ask him what he has to offer as a substitute for the Catholic faith -- little enough, you will find.

-- Joseph Rickaby, SJ, Ye Are Christ's