Catholic apologetics refers to the branch of Catholicism that deals with the defense and establishment of the Catholic faith. The word comes from the Greek word “apologia,” which means “a verbal defense.” The word is used eight times in the New Testament, including 1 Peter 3:15-16, which reads, in the New American Bible translation: "but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame." To a large extent, apologetics is the work of persuading people to change their views. Catholic apologetics is the branch of Catholicism that deals with answering any critics who may oppose the teachings of the Catholic Church. Apologetics may involve a knowledge of translation, philosophy, biology, mathematics, evolution and logic, but it might also be as simple as being able to provide an answer to a question about Catholicism. Apologetics can be either defensive or offensive. The Catholic apologist should be able to defend his reasons for being Catholic, but he can also go on the attack, seeking out those who oppose Catholicism. In a sense, apologetics is like preaching, as its goal is the defense and presentation of the truth, validity and relevance of Catholic teachings. Catholic apologetics is not something that need be left to Catholic scholars. The Twelve who Jesus chose to be His apostles were regular people of that day, yet it was through them that He build His Church. Catholics are commanded to defend their faith, and doing so helps them to know their faith. Apologetics is an attempt to counter error, and to correct those who are in need of correction. It is also a means of defending against the constant threat of false teachings and apostasy in the Catholic Church.
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The lay support group is made up of Catholic apologists, priest-helpers, and grammarians who answer questions from anyone with a sincere heart about the Catholic faith, and about what Catholics believe in general, making every attempt to ensure that their answers are loyal to the Magisterium, the teaching authority of the Roman Catholic Church. Its knowledge base can be accessed by browsing topical categories, and readers are invited to ask questions of their own.
http://www.askacatholic.com/
Catholic Answers is a tax-deductible, lay-operated apostolate of Catholic apologetics and evangelism, with a mission to help good Catholics become better Catholics, bring former Catholics home, and lead non-Catholics to the faith. Its web site discusses its radio programming, library and seminars, and users of the site can access forums, groups, and an encyclopedia of Catholic information.
http://www.catholic.com/
Offering specialized, in-depth training in the art of Catholic apologetics, dealing with the biblical and historical foundations of the Catholic Church, as well as modern ideological and cultural challenges, the course is adapted for working adults who wish to immerse themselves in training to give a defense for the Catholic faith. Its faculty, scheduled, and student testimonials are featured.
http://catholicapologeticsacademy.com/
Catholic Apologetics Institute of North America
CAINA is currently headed by Stephen R. Hemler, who has a Master of Pastoral Studies from Loyola University of Chicago, a Certificate in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and a Certificate in Advanced Youth Ministry Studies. His biography is published here, along with several presentations on issues related to the Catholic faith, which includes both video and textual presentations.
http://cainaweb.org/
Catholic Apologetics Summer Camp
Intended for Catholic teens age fifteen to eighteen, enrollment is open to teens from the Unites States, Canada and other countries, who will receive apologetics training on the biblical and historical foundations of the Catholic Church from Patrick Madrid and other Catholic teachers and apologists, as well as outdoor activities. A list of speakers, photo gallery,, schedules, contacts and registration data.
http://catholicapologeticscamp.com/
The origin and development of Roman Catholicism from the time of the apostolic church, through the post-apostolic church, and into current times, are surveyed here, with particular attention to the biblical basis of both doctrine and dogma in the history of the Church, including the hierarchical founding and succession of leadership over the years. Content may be viewed by subject or a complete copy of the text can be downloaded in PDF format.
http://www.catholicapologetics.org/
Maintained by an association of lay Catholics, faithful to the Pope and the teaching authority of the Catholic Church, the site features several articles on apologetics, including the divinity of Christ, the Bible, Mary, Mother of God, the Pope, the Eucharist, the Holy Spirit, confessing sins, the dignity of life, and others, as well as biographies of the Church Fathers, Bible answers, adult faith formation, and other resources.
http://www.catholicfaithandreason.org/
With a focus on the defense of Catholic dogma and the conversation of America to Catholicism, the magazine is published by the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who reside in the priory and convent of Saint Benedict Center in Richmond, New Hampshire. Articles are published on topics relating to Catholic life, culture, people, and places, and an online shopping area is included.
http://catholicism.org/
Defenders of the Catholic Faith
Hosted by Stephen Ray, who converted from Protestantism to Catholicism in the 1990s, and has become a noted Catholic apologist, the site offers a speaking schedule for Mr. Ray, a press kit, and information for those who would like to invite him to speak. Articles on several topics related to the Catholic faith are featured, including an online shopping area where his books, DVDs, CDs and other resources are included.
http://www.catholicconvert.com/
Evangelical Catholic Apologetics
This site offers several discussions, debates and articles on Catholic apologetics, theology, philosophy, science, spirituality and conversion stories. For non-believers, the site makes a strong case for theism and Christianity, in general. For Protestants, it makes a strong case against Protestantism and for Catholicism. A list of recommended books is included, with links to a purchase page.
http://www.biblicalcatholic.com/apologetics/
New Apologetics: A New Apologetics for a New Evangelization
The non-profit organization is part of Caritas in Veritate International, a confederation of Catholic institutions, dedicated to recruiting, mobilizing and engaging volunteers, with a particular focus on young people. Its purpose is to preach the Gospel, teach the truths of the Catholic faith, and bring a new level of insight into the debate on matters of theology and philosophy of religion. Testimonials are offered.
http://newapologetics.com/
