CBB Media Review – Apologetics for the New Evangelization

This six CD set deals with what Tim Staples believes are six of the most important topics when dealing with our separated brethren when dealing with biblical apologetics. The set was recorded as a six-week crash course in apologetics. My first impression was that this was an introduction to apologetics. In some ways it is and Tim suggests listeners get his more in depth talks on each of the six topics. After to listening to this I believe it’s a bit more than an introduction as each of the six topics is covered for an hour and in addition to the foundation you get the frame of the house as well.

This six-week study not only gives the listener the tools to defend their faith but to also go on the “offense” and use what they learn to evangelize. “We are not going to just learn how to parry, and to move and to block as the boxer does in the ring. But we are also going to learn how to go on the offensive and to evangelize using the science of apologetics and in this case biblical apologetics.”

Disc 1 – Sola Scriptura: Sola Scriptura is the theory that the scriptures are the sole rule of faith. It is the formal principal of the protestant reformation. Sola Scriptura teaches that if it’s not taught in scripture than we do not have to believe it. The main issue Tim builds this talk around is that nowhere in scripture is sola scriptura taught or mentioned. If we are to believe sola scriptura as a practice wouldn’t you think the scriptures we are supposed to solely follow would tell us this? Tim takes key scripture passages to prove sola scriptura is false, then he takes passages to show what the scriptures actually say about the scriptures themselves in relation to the Church.

Disc 2 – The Papacy: This talk opens with Matthew 16, the text where Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom and the unique authority to proclaim the Gospel. It is important to note that all the apostles are present and as Vatican II states they receive a collegial authority with Peter granted the authority of overseeing the Church. The apostles are tasked with proclaiming the truth of the faith and for 2000 years this authority has been passed to their successors, the Bishops. As with the Sola Scriptura talk, this talk is rooted deeply in scriptural truth and references. One particular text referenced is Matthew Chapters 9:37 in which Jesus speaks about “the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” This is immediately followed in Chapter 10 by the summoning of the Twelve. This listing of the twelve begins with Peter’s name first (though Andrew was the first Jesus called) showing his authority over the church.

Disc 3 – Justification by Faith Alone: This teaching is another of strong contention with our separated brethren. Martin Luther stated that, “This is the doctrine upon which the Church rises or falls.” The just man shall live by faith Romans 1:17 is the pillar which Martin Luther used for the doctrine of justification…however note that he added the word “alone” to the end of this text. Romans 3:28 and Romans Chapter 4:3 -5 are tackled as they are the main texts used by protestants to justify their teaching of justification. Of the six talks this one I found to be the one I needed to re-listen to, as there is just so much packed into this one hour talk to consume.

Disc 4 – The Eucharist: Tim Staples ably demonstrates why, as the Catechism states, “The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.” This truth of the Eucharist has been taught since the institution of the Eucharist by Jesus Christ himself. Tim uses the Catechism and the writings of the Church Fathers to prove these teachings. The Church Fathers are unanimous in agreement that when it comes to what Jesus did at the Last Supper was that he meant “This IS my body, and this IS my blood.” It takes great faith to believe that at the altar the priest turns the bread and wine into the physical reality of the body and blood of Christ. If you believe that and have that faith, we should share it and Tim gives listeners the tools to make it happen.

Disc 5 – The Communion of Saints: Why do Catholics pray to the saints? To answer that question, we need to understand the nature of Christ’s body to have a clear understanding of the communion of saints. In the Old Testament believers who died did not have the beatific vision as the faithful did upon Christ’s resurrection. Saints who die in the New Testament are not like those in the Old Testament. When Christ went down to Hades and led the soul’s captive there out and into heaven they received the beatific vision and are glorified in a way beyond anything we can fathom.

Disc 6 – The Blessed Virgin Mary: When we talk about the Blessed Virgin Mary and the four dogmas of the Catholic Church are always a major stumbling block for our protestant brothers and sisters. These dogmas are first that she is the Mother of God, second that she is perpetual Virgin, third she is immaculately conceived and fourth that she is bodily assumed into heaven. Scripture again plays a key role in validating every one of these dogmas as you will learn from this talk.

In closing this 6 CD set in incredible. It provides listeners with the keys for defending their Catholic faith when it comes to the six topics covered. Additionally, it lays a solid foundation for further study. As Tim mentions throughout there are more in depth talks of each of these topics which are all available through Saint Joseph Communications as well.

From the Publisher:

In his encyclical letter Redemptoris Missio (On the Church’s Missionary Mandate), Pope John Paul II wrote, “I sense that the moment has come to commit all of the Church’s energies to a new evangelization…”  This heartfelt prediction, repeated again and again by our Holy Father, can be clearly seen in the welcome renaissance of Catholic apologetics. In recent years this “lost science”, once so widespread within the Church, has been powerfully re-ignited.

New and Improved
Apologetics for the New Evangelization is an all-new recording by Catholic apologist, author and EWTN Radio personality Tim Staples. Digitally recorded in-studio, these new and improved presentations feature Tim Staples personally teaching you apologetics as if preparing you for battle.

In six dynamic CDs, Tim shares irrefutable evidence from the Bible, history and common sense to demonstrate the reasonableness of the Catholic Faith. Fanning the flame of the faithful with his fiery enthusiasm, Tim not only provides information, but also gives inspiration and encouragement as he imparts how to explain fundamental Catholic beliefs to non-believers and the fallen-away.

Biblically-Based Bedrock Truths
Using historic evidence and an abundance of Scriptural support, Tim demonstrates that there is no contradiction between faith and reason. His down-to-earth style and strong convictions will absolutely inspire you to deepen your knowledge and commitment to Catholicism.

Apologetics for the New Evangelization reviews essential topics such as the Papacy, the Bible, Justification, the Holy Eucharist, the Saints and Mary cutting away current fallacies and myths to get down to the bedrock truths.

Nowhere else will you find a more energizing presentation to prepare yourself to share with others the fullness of the Faith. Join Tim Staples as he reveals the “how and why” of Catholic beliefs and practices and discover how thousands of faithful lay people around the country are answering the Pope’s call for a much needed return to Catholic apologetics.

Real Answers to Explain Difficult Doctrines
The original version of Apologetics for the New Evangelization was a proven program for individuals and groups, and has been used as a parish program to lead others to the fullness of the Truth.

With this all-new digitally recorded 2004 version, you’ll enjoy the benefit of Tim’s many years as a speaker honing his presentation on these important topics. If you want real answers and practical examples of how to explain and defend difficult doctrines, order this all-new series today!

EXPLAINED:

What is the authentic biblical understanding of the authority of the Church
Why St. Peter’s name was changed from “Simon” to “Rock” and what it means to Catholics today?
Where to find the institution of an all-male New Testament priesthood in the Bible
How a true understanding of Justification cannot be reduced to “once saved, always saved”
Why the Blessed Virgin Mary is called the New Testament “Ark of the Covenant”
How, if you “miss it on Mary”, you’ll “miss it on Jesus”
Why Purgatory is a necessary element of God’s Divine plan
How Confession plays an irreplaceable part in our salvation and sanctification
Where the Bible irrefutably teaches the doctrine of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist
And much more…

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A received a copy of this set from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

You can get your own copy here at Saint Joseph Communications.