A God Module? (#2-4)

Darwin, with a candor that is rare in atheist, wrote, “The horrid doubt always arises whether the convictions of man’s mind, which has been developed from the mind of the lower animals, are of any value or at all trustworthy.” Nonetheless Darwinists, such as Christopher Dawkins and E. O. Wilson and many others, since they are unable to prove that a creator does not exist desperately seek a natural explanation for why people believe in a creator.
Dawkins suggested that belief is caused by “hyperactivity in a particular node of the brain” speculating that “the idea of immortality survives and spreads because it caters to wishful thinking.”
The psychologist Steven Pinker offers up a “God module” in the brain that predisposes people to believe in a creator.
Ironically, evolutionary science itself dismisses Dawkins’ wishful thinking argument. A freezing person will not survive by simply thinking he is warm, and when confronted by a lion, a man will not emerge alive by imagining it is a rabbit. Such nonsense is not going to persist in the species as these individuals will either freeze to death or be devoured. As for a God module in the brain, Dinesh D’Souza asks, “If a God module produces an irrational belief in God, how about a “Darwin module” that produces an irrational belief in God modules?”
Furthermore, if we cannot trust our belief-forming faculties to tell us the truth about God, why should we trust them to tell us the truth about anything, including evolutionary science? 

Elephant Analogy (#2-3)

Adherents of Strong Rationalism established what they call the “verification principle”: no one should believe a proposition unless it can be proved rationally by logic or directly experienced by the senses. Proof, in this view, is an argument so strong no one thinking clearly can have any reasons for not believing it. Strong rationalists demand this kind of “proof” for God. The irony is that there is no similarly airtight proof for strong rationalism. Strong rationalism has to be taken on faith.
We now turn to “you cannot know” and what I call “The Elephant Analogy Error.” This error is a self-defeating rationalization for not accepting the existence of a creator. The Elephant Analogy Error supposes that each God- based religion sees only some small part of spiritual truth, but none are able to see the whole truth. Thus, it is claimed, people should simply forgo the search for truth because we are incapable of seeing it fully.
An often used metaphor demonstrates the limitation of this self refuting notion: that of the elephant and the blind men. Religions, it is said, are like blind men examining an elephant. Each one makes an independent conclusion about the nature of the elephant: it is like a snake, no it is thin and flat, no it is like a tree, and so on.
The irony is that the story is told from the point of view of someone who is not blind. How can they know that each blind man only sees part of the elephant unless they claim to be able to see the whole elephant? 

Science and Faith (#2-2)

Let’s examine the ironies in three of the most common rationale used by those-who-don’t-know-God:

• Science and strong rationalism;
  
• what I call “The Elephant Analogy Error,”
  
• And lastly Social Darwinism.
  I organize these perceptions under two headlines: ü “You can’t prove it.”
  ü And “You cannot know.”
  The “you can’t prove it” argument is based on a misunderstanding of science and its limits. Many who reject the idea of God do so not because they have proof that there is no creator, but because, they argue, it cannot be proven that God exists. A counterpoint is to reflect back the argument and ask “If proof is the criteria, can you apply it to your own fundamental assumptions?”
  The scientist must assume there is a natural cause because natural causes are the only type its methodology can address. However, science has not proven there can’t be any other type of cause.
  There is no scientific means for testing the statement, ”No supernatural cause for any natural phenomenon is possible.” Consequently, the assertion that there cannot be supernatural causes is a philosophical presupposition and not a scientific finding. To claim science proves supernatural causes can’t exist when science, by its nature, is incapable of discerning or testing for supernatural causes; is a self-refuting argument. It is like a drunk insisting on looking for his lost keys only under the streetlight because the light is better there. In fact, it goes the drunk one better: it insists that because the keys can’t be found in the dark, they have to be under the light. 
  

Everyone has Faith (#2-1)

Our objective in evangelizing is assisting those-who-don’t-know-God to closely examine, their underlying beliefs. To motivate them to explore “What reasons do I have for believing what I do? How do I know what I believe is valid?" Evangelization is speaking from your heart directly to the heart of your listener. As St. Peter specified - with gentleness and reverence. You are trying to win both the listener’s mind and heart. As we learned previously, the most effective way to achieve that is through genuine curiosity armed with questions.
To frame those questions so that you guide the discussion in the direction you discern the Holy Spirit wants to take it you have to have the “lay of the land.” That is what Find Your Catholic Voice attempts to provide.
Everyone has a worldview. A set of beliefs that, for a specific individual, explain what life is all about, who they are, and the most important things that human beings should spend their time doing.
Each and every one of us has a set of faith-assumptions about the nature of things: unproven answers to fundamental questions each person adopts, whether consciously or not.
Faith in some viewpoint of existence – a world view - informs everyone’s life. Whether it is “love is all you need,” or that humans are merely the result of random circumstances, or there is a creator God that we should seek to know; and so on... In short, it is not only Christians, but everyone operates from one or more personal beliefs – faith assumptions that cannot be scientifically proven. 

Good Enough (#1-14)

You don’t have to hit a home run in every conversation. You don’t even have to get on base. Sometimes just getting up to bat is sufficient for God’s purpose. It is always a step in the right direction when we help others think more clearly. We have very limited control over how other people respond to us. That is largely in God’s hands. We can help to dispel some of the fog — and we ought to try. But at the end of the day, a person’s deep-seated rebellion against God is a problem only a supernatural solution can fix. When all else fails, let it go. Walk away. If the steamroller won’t let you answer, listen politely until he’s finished, then drop it. Let him have the satisfaction of having the last word, then shake the dust off your feet and bow out graciously: “Bob, it sounds like you know a lot more about this than I do, and you have some interesting ideas. Let me think about it. Maybe we can talk more later.”
Always keep in mind that those who-don’t-know-God are not enemies; recall how Jesus of Nazareth responded to hostility as he hung nailed to a cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And, sometimes, your real audience is not the person you’re talking to; it is those who are listening in.
We have covered a variety of situations and circumstances in
evangelizing. But for just starting out - and even for the experienced - the most effective tactic is genuine curiosity coupled with questions:
What do you mean by “atheist”?
Tell me about the God you don’t believe in...
Do you believe in any kind of god or universal spirit?
Here is the best guidance I have when evangelizing: A good listener never interrupts. The best listener pauses for 2 seconds, then offers a reply... or better still, asks a question. 

Open Your Fists (#1-13)

When making a point it helps to verbally open your fists.
“Let me see if I understand you correctly...” Then feed back your understanding to make sure you got it right. When you first say something like, “It’s my understanding that . . .” or “This is the way it seems to me,” then explain your position and invite a response, you indicate you are provisional in your claims. Yes, you have convictions, but they are open to discussion. Here are some additional ways to preface making a point or a claim:
“Would you consider an alternative, or be willing to look at another angle?”
“I wouldn’t characterize it that way. Here’s what I think... Now tell me what you think.”
“I don’t think that’s going to work, and I’d like to suggest why. Is that okay with you?”
“I’m not sure I agree with the way you put it. Think about this . . .” “That is an interesting point, and yet my understanding is....”
In summary, Jesus offered us this advice: “Be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves.” I think one of the things he had in mind was that we should be clever in our approach [prepare, do our homework, have a strategy, practice tactics], yet remain innocent in how we come across. 

The Mass (#1-12)

(A reflection on attending Mass)
Attending Mass is a personal witness to what is most important to us. Simply going to Mass makes us an evangelist to family, friends, neighbors and the community in which we live. Jesus stated that if we stand up for him before the world, he will stand up for us before God the Father.
At Mass God talks to us in a way that happens nowhere else. Through the prayers of the Mass, the scripture readings, and the homily; God is able to help, encourage, and instruct us in a unique and personal way.
Hearing the Scriptures in community is a way of deepening as well as safeguarding the experience of God’s communication. Individualistic and idiosyncratic readings of the Bible have led to some pretty wacky and even destructive interpretations. The Scriptures need to be experienced both alone and in community.
As for the assertion that one can worship God anywhere: when was the last time someone strolled in the woods for an hour worshipping God? Besides, what sort of example would we set for relatives, friends and neighbors, simply strolling in the woods? More significantly, in what woods could a priest be found ready and able to feed us with the Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ?
The Mass is where we experience sacramentally our destiny as members incorporated into the body of Christ. This is what God wants the world to look like: a community of persons who give of themselves to others in faith, hope and love. 

With Gentleness (#1-11)

Last time I wrote about dealing with the “steamroller” - someone who aggressively dominates the discussion. Here are a couple more ways to approach this difficult situation. Let her talk. When she finally pauses, look her in the eye and calmly say something like:
“Kelly, can I ask you a favor? I’d like to respond to your concern, but you keep breaking in. Could I have a few moments to develop my point without being cut off? When I finish, you can tell me what you think. Is that okay?” Wait for a response.
Usually, just making the other person aware is enough to soften their tone and be open to having a dialogue rather than a monologue. If you sense that you need to be a bit firmer you can try something like the following:
“Richard, here’s what I have in mind. You make your point, and I’ll be polite and listen. When you’re done, it will be your turn to be polite and not interrupt while I respond. Then, I’ll let you have your say without breaking in. I need to know if that’s okay with you. If not, well, I’m sorry to say this conversation is over. What would you like to do?” Wait for a response.

The Steamroller (#1-10)

Sometimes a person’s impulse to resist is so strong he will become insistently assertive. This tactic is a defensive maneuver called “Steamroller.” They roll over you with the force of their personalities. You need a plan to help keep you in control of conversations when this happens. At the first sign of tension, pause, ask their name if you don’t know it. Then use their name in a friendly manner as you make a genial request for courtesy. Stop the Steamroller by putting the discussion on “pause.” Then briefly get permission to continue your point without being interrupted. Be calm and wait for an opening. Do not try to talk over him.
Here are some ways of doing this:
“Mary, is it okay with you if I take a few moments to answer your question before you ask another? I’ll give you a chance to respond when I get done. Will that work?”
“Alex, that’s not a simple issue. I need a moment to explain myself. Is that okay?”
“Ellen, let me respond to your first point. When I’m done, you can bring up another point. Is that all right?”
“Roger, you asked a good question earlier, and it deserves a decent answer that will take a few moments. Are you okay with that?” 

U R Intolerant! (#1-9)

If someone labels you intolerant, you might ask, “What do you mean by that?” The question flushes out their definition of “intolerant” and sets the stage for follow-up questions, as in this dialogue: “You’re intolerant.”
“Can you tell me what you mean by that? Why would you consider me an intolerant person?”
“Well, it’s clear you think you’re right and everyone who disagrees with you is wrong.”
“Well, yes, I do think my views are correct. It’s always possible I could be mistaken; yet in this case I don’t think I am. What about you? You seem to be disagreeing with me. Do you think your views are right?”
“Yes, I think I’m right, too. But I’m not intolerant.”
“Well that confuses me. Why is it when I think I’m right, I’m intolerant, but when you think you’re right, you’re just right? What am I missing?” 

Stay Off Defense (#1-8)

Do not let yourself be put on defense when the other person has made the claim being discussed. It is far more effective to encourage her to prove her view is right than for you to work to prove her wrong. Remember you are not out to win; you are helping her to thoughtfully consider her position. Remind yourself that you are in complete control of your side of the conversation. You have no obligation to cooperate with anyone trying to set you up with leading questions – even if you are using leading questions. Politely refuse to answer the person’s leading questions. Then, ask him to simply state his point and his reasons for it so you can give the matter some thought.
When someone asks for your personal views about a controversial issue, you might start with a question to set the stage in your favor. Say, “You know, this is a very personal question you’re asking. And while I don’t mind answering, I want to know if it’s safe to share my views. So let me ask this question: Do you consider yourself a tolerant or an intolerant person on issues like this? Do you respect diverse points of view, or do you condemn others for convictions that differ from your own?”
Next time: When you are labeled “intolerant.” In Christ... 

The Best Question (#1-7)

The most powerful question is, “What do you mean by that?” Even when there seems to be little ambiguity in a remark, this question can break the tension of an awkward moment and buy time. It may even yield unexpected and new information. Let’s clarify my use of the term “argument.” The word “argument” today is often taken to mean quarrel as in, “I don’t mean to argue with you.” However, traditionally it meant to give reasons for a position on an issue under discussion. The critical word being “reasons.” In general, you are using questions to sift out the grains of reason from the chaff of assertions, opinions, and stories. An assertion simply states a point, while an argument is much more than an assertion. it gives supporting reasons why the point should be taken seriously. Opinions are not proof. In a discussion, ask yourself, “Did he give me an argument, or did he just give me an opinion?” If an opinion, then your goal is to help them to see that and encourage them to provide reasons: 1) “Well, that’s an interesting point of view, but what’s your argument? “ 2) “Okay, and what are the reasons for your conclusion?” 3) “What makes you think that’s the right way to see it?” 4) “I’m curious. How did you come to this assumption?” 5) “Hmmm. Why do you say that?” 
Next time: staying off defense. In Christ... 

Use Questions (#1-6)

When evangelizing always remember that you are working with and on behalf of the Holy Spirit. Take it slow. Don’t push yourself to respond immediately or in a rapid-fire manner. If an opportunity passes because you took time to be thoughtful, it is in God’s hands and now was not the time for your response. Work with God’s timetable - not yours. The most effective evangelization tactic is using questions. Jesus almost never gave a straight answer to a straight question. In the New Testament, Jesus asked 183 questions, gave 3 answers, and answered 307 questions with a question in return. Questions can be used to start a conversation, gain information, or bring clarifying focus to weaknesses in an argument. Questions invite genial interaction on something the other person cares a lot about: their own ideas. Each question should be an invitation to thoughtful dialogue, an encouragement to participate in conversation in a reflective way. Use questions to make the point for you. Questions can protect you from jumping to conclusions and unwittingly distorting the other’s meaning. Assume a friendly curiosity and questions allow you to take the offensive in an inoffensive way and productively advance the conversation. Think of an argument like a simple house, a roof supported by walls. The roof is the conclusion, and the walls are the supporting ideas. Questions test the walls to see if they are strong enough to keep the roof from tumbling down.
The most powerful question - next time. In Christ... 

Views that Self-destruct (#1-5)

As with any challenge, you must be alert to every move made by your counterpart. Pay close attention to their responses. You are listening for a misunderstanding, a misconception, or a limitation in the person’s argument that you can work with. Whatever you discover, work to address it with a question, not a statement. In particular, be alert to self-refuting views, ideas that defeat themselves. Like the sign in the restaurant saying, “Authentic Italian food served the traditional Chinese way,” or “I used to believe in reincarnation. But that was in a former life.” These are views that self- destruct, requiring only that you expose them to the light of reason. Listen for the basic idea, premise, conviction, or claim. Then, reflect on whether the claim applies to itself and contains an absurdity. Here are some common examples: 1) “There is no truth.” – “But aren’t you stating what you believe to be true?” 2) “No one can know any truth about religion.” – “How is it then, that you came to know this truth about religion?” 3) “People should not impose their values on others.” – “Are you not then imposing this value on others?” 4) “Instead of telling others how to live and believe, just love.” – “Isn’t this just your way of telling others how to live and believe?”
More on evangelizing tips and tactics next time. In Christ... 

Evangelizing Notebook (#1-4)

The Third Best Practice for evangelizing is to start a notebook or a computer file and record questions you come across that you want to have a ready response for. Then begin crafting that response based on your research. Periodically review what you have written and even rehearse your drafted reply out loud. I personally find that the letters to the editor in the Reno- Gazette Journal are a great source for matters that may come up when evangelizing. In addition to preparing responses, after each encounter, take some time to write a self-assessment in your notebook: How did I do? Could I have asked better questions or maneuvered differently in the conversation? What were my missteps? How could I improve? Having a regular discipline of prayer, developed your testimony, and a method for preparation, you will find yourself better prepared when the Holy Spirit calls upon you to evangelize and you will notice more opportunities come your way. We now turn to the the optimal tactics to use in an encounter. Your overall strategy is to navigate the discussion so that you guide the conversation. Here, alertness coupled with curiosity and armed with questions is a highly effective approach. More on the practice of evangelizing next time. In Christ... 

Your Testimony (#1-3)

The Second Best Practice for evangelizing is writing out and refining your testimony. Your testimony should include four elements: 1) An opening statement that sets the stage for your testimony. For example – “I’ve gradually come to know that Catholicism is the most reasonable and rational of all worldviews.” 2) Why you’re Catholic. This should be personal and not scholarly. 3) Your life after being a Catholic and the great benefits of your decision. And finally, 4) an offer to your listener. Challenge them to look for themselves: “I urge you not to take my word for it but go read the Church Fathers and pick up books that outline what the early Church was all about.” When you first write out all the reasons why you embrace the Catholic faith it could run to a couple or even several pages. Periodically, say once a week, you will want to refine it so that it is concise, clear and contained in a single page, or less. [If you want an example of a testimony, I can send you mine if you submit a request via the comment link below.] The Third Best Practice is to start an Evangelization Notebook. It can be hard copy or digital. The primary purpose is to record questions that you consider likely to come up in evangelizing that you want to have a response for. More on your Evangelization Notebook next time. In Christ... 

Evangelizing Best Practices (#1-2)

Find Your Catholic Voice (#2)
The First Best Practice – as mentioned last time – is prayer. We are doing God’s work so it is important that we are in synch with Him. Specifically, we should ask for God’s guidance in preparing to evangelize and to discern when and how the Holy Spirit is asking us to evangelize. I find the following prayer - by St. Thomas Aquinas – helpful and use it before I began developing and now refining Find Your Catholic Voice:
Holy Spirit, grant to me keenness of mind, capacity to remember, skill in learning, subtlety to interpret, and eloquence of speech. May you guide the beginning of my work, direct its progress, and bring it to completion.
You can also use your own favorite prayer, craft your own prayer, or have a conversation with God. The second of the Three Best Practices is to draft and refine your testimony. Although you will not use your testimony every time you evangelize, by writing it out you make clear to yourself what it is you have to share. You have your evangelization foundation. And when you do get the opportunity to share it, you want it to be concise, meaningful and ready to shared. Tell people about why you hold on to the hope that is in you. Develop the details about why you are a Catholic, what helped you come to the Faith and grow in it. More on this Second Best Practice next time. 

Evangelizing vs. Proselytizing (#1-1)

Evangelizing is not about manipulative tricks or clever ploys to embarrass other people and force them to submit to your point of view, or ways to belittle or humiliate those who disagree. This is what Pope Francis calls proselytizing when he says “It is not by proselytizing that the Church grows...” It is by evangelizing. You may be surprised to learn that evangelizing is often most effective when done through the use of questions rather than statements or assertions. We learn the effectiveness of questions by examining the New Testament where we learn that Jesus almost never answered a straight question with a straight answer: Jesus asked 183 questions and gave only 3 direct answers. He answered 307 questions with a - you guessed it – a question. And while sharing the gospel is our task, when you think about it, it is God’s problem. Here’s what I mean, we are to share the gospel as clearly, graciously, and persuasively as we can. It is God’s job to take it from there. Conversion is the purview of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, all you need do is put a stone in their shoe, get them thinking about the reasons for their own beliefs. If you can do that, you have accomplished something important. There are three “best practices” I’d like to recommend when just starting out with exploring how to evangelize. The First Best Practice is necessarily prayer. More on that and the other Best Practices next time. In Christ...